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Bible Pathways 5/15/2001



May 15

Read I Chronicles 11 -- 13

When David was only a teenager, he was anointed King of Israel by Samuel the prophet. But, after about 10 years of living in exile, David appeared to lose faith in the fulfillment of the prophet's anointing and said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines (I Samuel 27:1).

David could not see how he could ever be King of Israel when Saul, the first anointed king of Israel, with all his authority, his army, and his other resources, was determined to kill him. Saul was also far from being an old man, and Saul had sons who would be the rightful heirs to the throne. Moreover, how could David expect that the prominent and jealous Ephraimites 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 suffered under very difficult circumstances for years until he could only see fleeing to the land of the Philistines. How would it be possible for David to become king? But Saul did die a violent death. Then in answer to David's prayer God led him to be king over the one tribe of Judah. The youngest son of Saul, Ish-bosheth, was made King of Israel and reigned two years before he was murdered (II Samuel 2:10).

Following this the leaders of all Israel gathered . . . to David at Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. . . . In time past, even when Saul was king . . . the Lord your God said . . . you shall be ruler over My people Israel. . . . And David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David King over Israel, according to the Word of the Lord by Samuel (I Chronicles 11:1-3).

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 helpless feeling of inability to cope with a situation. Whatever the case, overcoming these difficulties may seem as impossible as David becoming king. But for some, not much opposition is needed before they feel there is no use in trying. But our God is faithful, and led David to write: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand (Psalms 37:23-24).

The Lord has never promised an easy road for any of His followers. In fact, Jesus said: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23). The way of the cross is often long and lonely and is never popular. Once we recognize the authority of Christ over our lives, we will patiently look to Him for direction. Therefore be steadfast . . . always abounding in the work of the Lord . . . you know God has assured us: that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58).

Christ Portrayed: By David, the anointed king (I Chronicles 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).

Word Studies: 11:16 hold means stronghold; 12:1 close means aloof, concealed; 12:17 knit means joined, united; 12:19 fall to means desert to.

Prayer:

Government Officials: Sec. Madeleine Albright (Department of State) and Rep. Tom Udall (NM) · BPM Staff: Karen Hawkins · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WWYO-AM, Pineville, WV · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America · Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects · Religious freedom · 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 20:12



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