Bible Pathways - May 15, 2005

May 15

 

Read I Chronicles 11 -- 13

 

In Today's Reading:

 

David made king over Judah; all of Israel anoints David king; he reigns in Jebus (Jerusalem)

 

David did not see any possibility that he could ever be king of Israel. Saul was far from being an old man and was the anointed king. He also had sons who were the expected heirs to the throne. Furthermore, Saul was determined to kill him. David could not expect that the large and jealous tribe of Ephraim would agree that he, from the tribe of Judah, should rule over them. And how would Saul's tribe, the Benjamites, permit the monarchy to be taken from them? David suffered 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, the leaders of all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. And moreover in time past . . . the LORD your God said to you, You shall feed My people Israel, and you shall be ruler over My people Israel. . . . and they anointed (consecrated) David king over Israel, according to the Word of the LORD by Samuel (I Chronicles 11:1-3). The covenant David made with the leaders of Israel fulfilled the promise God made through Samuel earlier God is always faithful to keep His Word.

 

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 of us, not much opposition is needed before we feel there is no use to try. Whatever the case, overcoming our difficulties may seem as impossible for us as it was for David to ever become king.

 

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 is often long and lonely and it is never popular. However, once we submit to the authority of Christ over our lives, we are to patiently look to Him for direction and strength. Whoso looks into the perfect Law of liberty, and continues (remains) therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).

 

Christ Portrayed:

 

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

 

Word Studies:

 

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

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS) and Rep. Tom Udall (NM) · Country: Zambia (10 million) in south-central Africa · Major languages: English and 70 indigenous languages · Religious freedom · 30% Roman Catholic; 25% Protestant; 24% ancestor worship, magic, and witchcraft; 19% cults · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).

 

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 2

 

Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:17