Highlights:
A new era in the life of David begins as he is finally anointed king by both Judah and Israel. Don't miss the "honor roll" of David's mighty men and their achievements. Note how the men of Israel gather with David to present a united front.
Many years of trial, suffering, and patient waiting preceded the promised reign of David over all the ten tribes of Israel. After Saul and his sons were killed and Abner and Ishbosheth were both dead: Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying . . . The Lord thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed My people Israel . . . and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord (11:1-3).
Early in his life, David recognized the sovereignty of God and the futility of human ability. Throughout his life, David never lost sight of his youthful conviction that he expressed before King Saul: The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine (I Samuel 17:37).
Anyone who recognizes and yields to the authority of God will see that all personal influence and abilities of every kind are gifts of the sovereign God, bestowed lovingly by Him for His eternal purposes. For David it meant waiting patiently long years and going through many difficult circumstances.
In many respects, David's problems parallel situations that we may face today. Just as surely as the Lord gives us an opportunity to accomplish something for His honor, obstacles will also appear to test our faith. 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. Even though it may seem as impossible to overcome difficulties as it did for David to become king, just remember, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Is. 40:31). The Lord 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 means intense suffering and often long and lonely days. But once we submit to the authority of Christ as Lord over our lives, we will patiently look to Him in faith for direction and strength.
I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works (Ps. 9:1).
Thought for Today:
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. . . . for Thou, Lord has not forsaken them that seek Thee (Ps. 9:9-10).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the anointed king (I Chr. 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign forever as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16).
Word Studies:
11:16 hold =b> stronghold; 12:1 close =b> restricted in his movements; in hiding; 12:17 knit =b> joined, united; 12:19 fell . . . to David =b> shifted allegience to David.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Official: Sec. Kathleen Sebelius (Dept. of Health & Human Services) • Country: Japan (126.7 million) off the eastern coast of Asia • Major language: Japanese • Religious freedom • 49% Buddhist; 45% Shintoist; 1% Christian; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks for the privilege of assembling with other Christians each week (Heb. 10:25).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:4