Skip to main content

Lent Day 22


Scripture Reading

2 Samuel 5:1-5


David has the privilege of being the second king in Israel's history. He followed the reign of Saul. The text points out that even during Saul's reign David proved that he was a mighty military leader which was absolutely necessary for a ruler during that time period. The interesting thing here is that the people recognized the leadership qualities of David and sought him out as their king. David was anointed king at Hebron and then the writer says that he ruled for forty years as king over Israel. 


This passage seems rather odd as we focus our attention on the cross of Christ, but we must read between the lines. Remember David was the person to whom God said that the Messiah will come from your lineage. He promised David that his descendants would rule Israel forever. What God meant was that Jesus Christ would be the eternal king to rule on David's throne. In many ways the life of David serves as an example to his peers of what the Messiah will be like. 


The anointing of David as king over Israel also serves to us as a reminder to Israel of the covenant promises of God. God renewed his covenant that he first made with Abraham. God reminded the people that he would always be faithful to his promises. His promises of hope, peace, security, and salvation. These promises can only be realized when we place our trust in Christ as our Lord and Savior. 


David was also a man after God's own heart. As you think about your own life, could people say that you are a person after God's own heart? Do you desire to love and serve God so much that nothing will stand in your way of doing that? This is certainly a radical call to obedience but it is the only option if we call ourselves a Christian. 


Prayer: Lord, I want to be like your servant David. Don't let anything keep me from loving and serving you with my whole heart. Thank you for using David and his descendants to bring about the wonderful Messiah. Please continue to use the life and words of David to draw people to you. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sermon Soundtrack Vol. 3

 I've been listening to my usual eclectic variety of music the past few weeks. I did want to mention two new releases that intrigued me this week.  Penny and Sparrow released a new album, Olly, Olly. Cyd and I saw them in concert in Savannah several years ago opening for a couple of other bands and we really like their sound.  Johnny Swim is another band I've been listening to again. They are a mainstay in my study playlist.  I pulled up the Mumford an Sons live album at Red Rocks too. Pedro the Lion is a band fronted by David Bazan. I like some of David's early solo work and the older catalogue of Pedro the Lion. This new disc seems to be an exploration of reflective music. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Grieving With Hope

This past week has brought a sense of heaviness in my heart. My oldest child graduated from high school. She has achieved all that I could have possibly dreamed she would up to this point in life. To say I'm proud is an understatement. Completion of high school also means that life in our family is shifting. It won't quite be the same because she will experience a new season of life that will bring fresh experiences and countless life lessons. As I've talked to Cyd the last few days we both agree we feel a sense of sadness while simultaneously finding our hearts filled with hope for what is to come for our graduate.  Truthfully, the heaviness I feel is linked to other factors. For starters, this week marks 11 years since my Dad died from pancreatic cancer. I'm not a big death anniversary kind of person, but reaching a milestone with a child makes you miss a parent even more. The interesting thing about grief is that for most people, not a day goes by that you don't ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lent Day 40

Scripture Reading Matthew 21:1-9 Today is Palm Sunday, the day that we prepare for Easter by celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Some churches celebrate Palm Sunday by having children enter the sanctuary waving palm branches as a reminder of this sacred day. Other churches will have people waving palm branches lining the center aisle of the church as someone dressed as Jesus enters the sanctuary. In both instances, what is happening is a visual reminder of the majesty of Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The reaction of the crowd represents their acknowledgement of Jesus as the long-expected Messiah. The greeting that Jesus received (vs.9) was used in Psalm 118 to greet pilgrims as they entered Jerusalem during the Feast of the Tabernacles. Hosanna essentially means "save," but was probably used here as an exclamation of praise to Jesus. The phrase Son of David describes Jesus' fulfillment that the Messiah would be a descendant ...
Post a Comment
Read more