A Secure Kingdom, A Promise Fulfilled
It looks like my book is proceeding to the final step before mass production takes place. The interior text has been finalized (hopefully with all the corrections that need to be made). This afternoon, I attended a event in Berthoud with the local Chamber of Commerce. It was recognizing a new church that was occupying a building on main street. It is a solid Evangelical church with a focus on outreach. I even won one of the door prizes!
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord made David victorious wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people.” 2 Samuel 8:14,15 HCSB)
The righteous reign of David stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of the days of King Saul. It took several years after David was recognized as King in Hebron and ruled over the tribe of Judah, before Israel was united under his reign.
As David lead a united kingdom, the Lord brought victory after victory to David and his armies. He defeated the Philistines and Moabites. He defeated the King of Zobah and the armies of the Arameans of Damascus who came to help the King of Zobah. David took the spoils of war an dedicated them to the Lord. This included spoils “from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Amalekites, and the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.” (2 Samuel 8:12 HCSB)
While David was a mighty and victorious warrior, we see His success was promised by the Lord. When David wanted to “build a house for the Lord” the Lord responded and said, “I will build your house”,
“…I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land. I will establish a place f or My people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not afflict them as they have done ever since the day I ordered judges to be over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord declares to you: The Lord Himself will make a house for you.“ (2 Samuel 7:9-11 HCSB)
Twice in 2 Samuel 8, we read, “The Lord made David successful where ever He went.” (2 Samuel 8:6,14) In recognition of the victories that came from the Lord, David dedicated the silver and gold from the defeated Kings to the Lord.
Not only was David victorious in battle, but we read that, “he administered justice and righteous for all his people.” In our day and much less in David’s day, those are not words that would describe one in power. The traits of wise and godly leadership is seen when the needs of the people are a priority over the needs of those in power. It is easier to subdue by the sword, than to find security because of the esteem that is granted by the people a leader serves. This is a lesson that political leaders, business leaders and even church leaders need to apply today.
Power can win battles, arguments and push through an agenda. But true security comes from being “just and righteous.” In all of his victories, David realized that it was the Lord who was directing His steps and granting him success.
Solomon would recognize the truth, “When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.“ (Proverbs 16:7 NLT) You can seek to please people to gain their favor. But it is better to seek to please the Lord. When He is pleased, people are pleased; and if people are not pleased, it is better to please the Lord than people.