January 31 - Reverence and Righteousness

Today's Reading:
2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Psalm 89:9-13 
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Focus Verses:
2 Samuel 23:2-4
2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’

Insight:
For all of King David's failings, the saving ballast of his life and rule was his reverence for God. David was honest about his sin, his violence, his selfishness, and his transgressions. Here in his final words, David declares that the success of any king or kingdom is rooted not in military power, wealth, resources, or political acumen, but rather in reverence for God. Here at the end of his life, David acknowledged that any true success he had experienced was by the grace of God, not his own strength.

Response and Action:
Reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the key for success in life and any endeavor. I think David's final words were right on track. When a king rules in the fear of God, then his reign is like the light of dawn on a cloudless morning. When a king has reverence for God, his leadership is like the spring rains the make the grass and crops grow.

I will seek God. In humility, I will look to God for wisdom and direction. I will follow Jesus, believing that he is the fullest and most visible expression of God. I will read and meditate upon the scriptures. I will humble myself before God believing that my success and joy are in his hands. Reverence for God and faith in his Son form the sure foundation for my life.

O God, help me to live for you and through you in thought, word, and deed. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Give me a humble spirit and a contrite heart. Show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your Name. Through Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses:  
James 3:17-18 
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Resources:
Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship
by David Peterson