Today's Reading:
2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Psalm 89:9-13
Click on Text Link to Read Online
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
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