Living For The Lord In The Moment Of Transition
Daily Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 1-4
Daily Focus Passage: 2 Samuel 1-2
2 Samuel 1 opens a new chapter in the life of Israel. This chapter marks the transition between Saul's dynasty and David's dynasty. This transition marks the movement toward the incarnation of Christ as the line of David becomes established. Chapter 1-2 move us from the death of Saul to the rule of David and teaches us how to wait on the Lord and honor his anointed and appointed.
DAVID MOURNS THE DEATH OF SAUL AND JONATHAN
The death of Saul meant David could move from being anointed alone and now take the position fully of king. David could have rejoiced in these moments because it meant good fortune for him. Yet, his character drove him to mourn the death of Jonathan and Saul. He mourned Saul because Saul was God's anointed, despite their issues. He mourned Jonathan because of their relationship. David teaches us the importance of respecting God'sanointed and appointed even if they are enemies.
DAVID HONORS SAUL'SMEMORY
David refuses to use Saul'sdeath as an opportunity to ruin his name. Instead, David honored Saul and his victories. David understood the importance of speaking well about others and not using their pain for personal gain. David takes a high and holy approach to dealing with Saul's death. David teaches us the importance of not using the pain of others for our gain. Instead, we must strive to be people who encourage and build up.
DAVID TRUST IN THE LORD'S TIMING, WAYS, AND PURPOSE
David demonstrated a life dedicated to following the Lord. David did not run ahead of the Lord or wait too long and miss the leading of the Lord. Instead, David focused on sensing the Lord's leading and rested in his timing for David's placement as king. David charges us to recognize the need to rest in the timing of the Lord and not be ahead of him or behind him.
David also modeled the importance of trusting in the ways and purpose of the Lord. David knew he was called to become king, yet he did not do so through immoral or unethical means. Instead, David lived a life of character that showed righteousness by trusting the Lord. We must follow the example of David and strive to live in a manner that illuminates the Lord.
2 Samuel 1-2 sets the stage for the ascension of David to the throne. His ascension reveals the power of the Lord and how he works in ways that bring forth his will and glory. When you consider your life, would you follow the Lord the way David did to obey the Lord and bring him glory?
