Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

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Bible Pathways 05/15/2003


May 15

Read I Chronicles 11 -- 13

In Today's Reading:

David made king to reign over Judah in Hebron; Israel anoints David king; He reigns in Jerusalem

David did not see any possibility that he could ever be king of Israel when Saul, the first anointed king of Israel, with all his authority and other resources, was determined to kill him. Saul was also far from being an old man, and he had sons who were the expected heirs to the throne. Moreover, how could David expect that the large and jealous tribe of Ephraim would agree that David, from the tribe of Judah, should rule over them? How would Saul's tribe, the Benjamites, permit the monarchy to be taken from them? David continued to suffer under very difficult circumstances until it seemed he again had to flee to the land of the Philistines. But then, Saul died a violent death, and eventually all of Israel's leaders went to David at Hebron and reminded him that God had said that David would be a ruler over His people Israel. So, they made a covenant with David and anointed him to be their king.

In many respects, David's problems parallel situations that some of us face today. Just as surely as the Lord gives us a desire to accomplish something for His honor, obstacles will appear. It may be a financial situation that seems hopeless, or simply a feeling of inability to cope with problems. For some, not much opposition is needed before they feel there is no use in trying. Whatever the case, overcoming these difficulties may seem as impossible for us as it was to David of ever becoming king. But, the Lord never promised an easy road for any of His followers. In fact, Jesus said that to be His follower we must put aside our personal desires and let Him be first in our lives. The way of self-denial is often lonely and it is never popular. Once we submit to the authority of Christ over our lives, we need to patiently look to Him for direction and strength.

This means that we will desire to read His Word in order to live according to His will, and we will be blessed.

Devotional commentary also refers to: Luke 9:23; James 1:25.

Christ Portrayed:

By David, the anointed king (see I Chronicles 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign asthe perfect King (see Revelation 19:16).

Word Studies:

11:16 hold = stronghold; 12:1 close = restricted in his movements; 12:17 knit = joined, united; 12:19 fell = deserted.

Prayer Needs:

Staff: Mary Kay Wagner · Barbara Waddell, National Day of Prayer Advisory Board · Government Officials: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS) and Rep. Tom Udall (NM) · Country: Cambodia (12 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Khmer and French · Confused and unsettled at this time · 88% Buddhist; 3% animism and spirit worship; 2% Muslim; .6% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: The promises of God should be an encouragement to you to seek God in prayer (see Psalm 9:10).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 3:16



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