King Saul is dead. David, who had been named king of Judah, is now named king over the rest of Israel. He has conquered and now resides in the "City of David," Jerusalem. He is building it up. He is establishing his house. He is victorious.
And suddenly we have this verse:
David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that the LORD had exalted his kingdom for the sake of the LORD's people Israel.2 Samuel 5:12
This man whom the LORD calls "the one after God's own heart" has a realization; he discerns that all of this fame, fortune, victory and "luck" has nothing to do with his own strength or power.
David realized that the LORD had established him.
And that David was established, not just for his own comfort and glory, but for the sake of God's people.
Psalm 103 must have been his response.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;Psalm 103:1
All that is with me, bless God's holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all God's benefits.
My daughter, along with many others this month, will graduate from either high school or college. Awards, accolades, scholarships and honors will be bestowed upon many who have had academic success. Applauds will fill the air. Cards of congratulations will be given. Parties of celebration will be given in honor of those who have "made it."
I wonder if in the midst of all that glory, success and victory, there will be any among us who will have the realization, the knowing, the perceiving, that it was not by her own power, strength, intelligence or wit that brought her to the place she is. Will there be one young man who discerns? Will anyone say, "I realize that the LORD has established me?"
And will any realize that all the gifts, strength, intelligence or power are in place to bless others and not just themselves? In the midst of all these proud moments, will we humbly turn to God with the realization of God's will and plan of service?
We all wait for you,Psalm 104: 27-28
To give us our food in due season.
You give to us,
We gather up the gifts.
You open your hand
And we are satisfied.
O Establisher of All, call forth from our minds the realization that you and you alone are the source of all and the giver of every gift we receive.
What an awesome thought!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to keep from patting ourselves on the back when we accomplish something. I heard a minister, after many people told him the sermon he had just preached was very good, replied, each time, "Praise God." It wasn't his sermon but God's words that were received. All to God's glory.