Bible Pathways 05/1604

5-16-2004

Read I Chronicles 14 - 16

In Today's Reading:

King Hiram's kindness to David; Philistines defeated; Ark brought to Jerusalem; David's psalm of thanksgiving

Soon after establishing his capital in Jerusalem, David united the nation for a glorious time of praising the Lord while bringing the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. To demonstrate his reverence for God, and in recognition that God was the Supreme Ruler, David humbly laid aside his kingly garments and dressed in a plain linen ephod, a garment the priests wore when ministering before the Lord. In doing this, David was publicly acknowledging his submission to the authority of the supreme King and expressing adoration and praise to his Lord as Almighty God and the true King of Israel.

On that day, David provided an inspiring psalm for his choir to sing. It still lifts our spirits as we worship our wonderful Lord. David proclaimed to the world: Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the people. . . . Sing psalms to Him, talk . . . of all His wondrous works. . . . rejoice. . . . Be . . . mindful always of His Covenant (Agreement); the Word which He commanded to a thousand generations. . . Declare His glory among the heathen. . . . For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. . . . bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. . . . The LORD reigns (I Chronicles 16:8-31). Is it any surprise that David was a man after God's own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22)? Yes, the Lord reigns. He is sovereign and the world needs to hear us praise the Lord, talk of all His wondrous works, and see us living in obedience to Him.

David also stands out as a man of prayer; thus, we see the often-repeated phrase: David inquired of God (I Chronicles 14:10,14; note: I Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; II Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1). As a result of these basic, God-honoring characteristics, prayer, and praise exalting the Word of God, the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear (respect) of him upon all nations (I Chronicles 14:17).

When we complain and are despondent, it is truly a victory for Satan and an insult to God for we are demonstrating lack of faith in God's Word (Romans 8:28), as well as dissatisfaction with God. It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night (Psalm 92:1-2).

Christ Revealed:

Through David's fame and exaltation (I Chronicles 14:17). God highly exalted Christ, our Redeemer, and gave Him a Name above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).

Word Studies:

14:13 spread themselves abroad = made a hostile invasion.

Pray For:

The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thomas Beaghen  Government Officials: Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI), Rep. James Moran (VA), and Rep. Jon Porter (NE) 
Country: Botswana (1 million) in southern Africa · Major languages: English and Setswana · Limited religious freedom because of local chiefs · 49% animist; 21% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic 
Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matthew 6:12).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: John 10:11