This chapter tells some of David’s victories and some of his key administrators.
“When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.” (v9-12)
One of the many positive attributes of David was his humility – he acknowledged that all he had was from God. David’s anointing, his war successes, his riches, et cetera, all came from God. David in turn dedicates everything to God’s service, including the riches and servants he acquires. The passage also says his sons became priests (v18), so even his children were dedicated to the Lord’s service.
I think the most common practice of giving back to the Lord is tithing – most people know, understand, and follow this practice. However, dedicating all that we have been given by God back to His service is significantly more than just setting aside ten percent of our income – it means reordering our lives and resources to be obedient to God’s moment-by-moment leading.
David himself wrote: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” (Psa 24:1-2) If everything in this world belongs to God, and was created for is glory, then we and the resources loaned to us should be dedicated to God’s service, for His glory.
My encouragement for today is to spend some time reflecting on what areas of our lives we may not have fully submitted to God’s lordship. No matter where we find ourselves in life, no matter what our job description or bank account balance, no matter our social status, we can submit all that we are and all that we have to God’s service as He leads us.
For example, I recently learned that one of my neighbors has been laid off for medical reasons. The Spirit immediately prompted me to offer my help. I don’t have buckets of cash to give him, but I do have some other resources and connections (and an odd job or two) that may be able to help him get back on on his feet and get the help he needs.
Because I have committed the resources God has given me to His kingdom’s purposes, I have no problem offering these things to those in need. Submitting our resources (time, money, energy, influence, etc) to God’s service, means holding onto the things of this world loosely, and allowing the Spirit to direct their usage.
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Creator, we humbly bow before Your throne. Father all that we are, and all that we have are the works of Your hands. You have created us in Your image, and have called us to be Your representatives here on earth. Please help us to fulfill that calling, and to be generous as You are generous. May we hold loosely to the things of this world, so we may be Your instruments in building Your eternal kingdom. In the name of Jesus, the Lamb of God who gave more than we ever could, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training