This chapter has an account of David’s last words, and another description of David’s might men (the elite soldiers who were with him throughout his journey and reign).
” ‘The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my tongue. The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth. For does not my house stand so with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire?’ ” (v2-5)
There is so much wisdom and depth in a few verses. David, who has lived many years with the Lord, offers deep understanding to all who take these words to heart (including us today). Here are just a few nuggets from these verses:
– God wants to work in us, and through us, giving guidance to all who will listen
– A sign of obedience to God is that we are just, honorable, consistent, trustworthy, life-giving, and a testimony to God for His glory
– God grants us many blessings, especially when we’re faithful and obedient to Him
– God’s blessings also set us apart in this world for His glory
The more closely we follow God, the more we will be differentiated from those who do not – we will stand out in the crowd in a good way. David certainly lived a life honoring to God. Yes he sinned along the way, but he always repented and turned back to obedience, and never once held God responsible for his sin or the consequences of his sin. He understood the heart of God and his own fallibility.
I encourage us to continue digging deeper in our relationships with God, and to not grow complacent or stagnant. David never sat back and thought “I have God figured out, I’ve learned all I need to, I’ll just coast from here.” He was a student until the very end, consistently relying on the Spirit for guidance. I suggest we become lifelong students of God and His Spirit, seeking their guidance at every turn, delving into His word, and modeling our lives after Jesus. If we do, we will eventually have the same depth of wisdom and knowledge of God that David had – wouldn’t that be amazing?
Father God, our magnificent Lord and Savior, holy, holy, holy is Your name. Father You have blessed us in so many ways, including giving us the gift of life. May we learn to partner with Your Spirit to spread that gift abroad, glorifying Your name to all who will listen. May we continue to exemplify Jesus’ words and actions with every breath, and be seen as Your ambassadors in this world, for the rest of our lives. All honor, praise, thanksgiving and glory be unto Your name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training