Bible Pathways - May 15, 2008
May 15
Highlights In Today's Reading:
A new era in the life of David begins as he is finally anointed king over both Judah and Israel as foretold. 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.
The Lord thy God said unto thee . . . be ruler over My people Israel (11:2). But many years of trial, suffering, and patient waiting preceded the promised reign of David over all the tribes of Israel. The ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom did not decide to make David king even after Saul and his sons were killed — not until Abner and Ishbosheth were both dead. They waited until there was no one left who belonged to the house of Saul except crippled Mephibosheth, who was then only twelve years old. When it appeared they had no other choice, they anointed and desired that David be their king.
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).
When one recognizes God's authority and yields to His will, then he will see that all personal influence and abilities of every kind are gifts of the sovereign God, bestowed lovingly by Him for rewards in heaven for all eternity. It meant waiting patiently many years and going through 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 of us, not much opposition is needed before we feel there is no use in even 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 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 and He will provide it.
At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth . . . And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).
Thought for Today:
It is not the number of talents that matters, but how faithful we are with what we have been given that matters to God.
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the anointed king (I Chronicles 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign forever as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).
Word Studies:
11:16 hold =b> stronghold; 12:1 close =b> in hiding, restricted in his movements; 12:17 knit =b> joined, united; 12:19 fell =b> deserted.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer; Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Peggy Clanton • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Official: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS) • Country: Norway (4.45 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Norwegian • Religious freedom • 87.8% Evangelical Lutheran; 3.8% Other Protestant and Catholic; 3.2% None; 5.2% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His will and fill you with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:18
