Bible Pathways 05/15/04

5-15-2004

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 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 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).

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 in trying. Whatever the case, overcoming these difficulties may seem as impossible for us as it was to David becoming 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. Once we submit to the authority of Christ over our lives, we will 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.

Pray For:

The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Government Officials: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS) and Rep. Tom Udall (NM) · Country: Bosnia and Hercegovina (4 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Little evangelism being done · 40% Muslim; 28% Serbian Orthodox; 14% Roman Catholic

Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Matthew 6:11).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:32