Bible Pathways - Apr. 11, 2008
April 11
Highlights In Today's Reading:
All of II Samuel covers David's life (I Samuel 16 — I King 2). Although he knew he had been anointed to be king, David could not have realized the years of suffering and sorrow that he would endure before he would be king. Despite Saul's evil treatment of him, David does not rejoice over the death of his enemy but deeply weeps for Saul, his family, and the nation.
This book begins with the death of Israel's first king. Saul and David had many similarities. Both were chosen by God to be kings of Israel, both reigned about 40 years, both generally speaking had the loyal support of the people, and both had the promise of God's power to back them. Yet, Saul was a miserable failure and David was a successful king who is honored today by both Jew and Gentile. Because of his pride, Saul was impetuous, obeying his own self-interests, and always running ahead of God. To the contrary, David continually waited upon God, making no effort to seize the kingdom, even after Saul's death. They mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword (II Samuel 1:12).
We learn from David's conduct that God knows the best time to fulfill His promises. God prepared David to receive the kingdom with the right attitude. His confidence and dependence upon God were not marred by any intrusion of his own desires and ambitions. Throughout his life David revealed his confidence in his God saying: My times are in Thy hand (Psalms 31:15).
We cannot do justice to David's full surrender to the Lord unless we contemplate the desire which he must have had to return to his own country, and the opportunity which Saul's death seemed to open to him to seize the throne and become king of the United Kingdom. But David never forgot that God was supreme.
The greatness of a man is measured by his patient surrender to the will of God. It is not a question of who you are or of what your abilities are, but whether or not God controls your life. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). It was due to this character of David placing his own interests second to the Lord's, that the Lord designates him as a man after His own heart (I Samuel 13:14).
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will. Of this man's seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus . . . Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses (Acts 13:22-23,38-39).
Thought for Today:
God's timing is always perfect. Like waiting for a seed to grow, we must wait patiently for the harvest.
Christ Revealed:
In David's noble poem of sorrow (II Samuel 1:17-27). David forgot all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul and considered only the pleasant things. Here David typifies Christ, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).
Word Studies:
1:2 did obeisance =bowed in honor; 1:9 anguish =extreme pain; 1:18 use =ong; 2:6 requite =repay; 2:14 play before us =hold a contest as to which side has the best soldiers; 2:17 sore =fierce; 2:26 following =pursuing; 2:32 sepulchre =tomb.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East sponsored by Mr & Mrs Casmir A Zuranski • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Rep. Kevin Brady (TX) • Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Lao and French • Great suppression of all Christian activities • 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask in the name of Jesus for His glory, and your request will be granted (John 14:13-14).
Optional Reading: Acts 12
Memory Verse for the Week: I Samuel 17:47
