David was at the end of his very successful reign as king of Israel, and nearing the end of his life. Instead of waiting for all that his friends might say about him after his death, he stopped to reflect on his Master, and all that He miraculously did throughout his life, and especially his leadership. As we reflect on these sobering words from David, let’s be careful to look for, and seek to imitate, who David attributed praise to for his success.
DATE POSTED Friday, 2021-12-31
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: 2 Samuel 23:3-5
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)
BIBLE TEXT: 3 Our Mighty Rock, the God of Jacob, told me, “A ruler who obeys God and does right 4 is like the sunrise on a cloudless day or like rain that sparkles on the grass.” 5 I have ruled this way, and God will never break his promise to me. God’s promise is complete and unchanging; he will always help me and give me what I hope for.
APPLICATION: If you were asked today who, or what, has made you what you are today, what might you say? Some will give many excuses for the times they know they have failed, or feel like they have messed up on. Others might reflect on their inheritance and how wisely they feel like they invested, or used that. Yet many others will consider the little they have to add or reinvest. But I wonder how many of us would stop to reflect on the moments that God took over and just blessed, in spite of our efforts, ignorance, selfishness, or self-worth. Remember, it’s not ‘I’, but ‘He’ who created us, lives in us and works miraculously through us, that deserves the praise! At times I wonder if it doesn’t hurt the Kingdom more when it becomes so obvious that we are seeking our own accolades rather than promoting the praises of our Heavenly Father. We are simply servants of the Most High God, and it’s always the Master who is deserving of praise, and not His servants. David was known as a man after God’s own heart. Is there any wonder why he was such an awesome king and leader of his people? Are we giving our friends, loved ones and admirers reason to praise God, or are we way too busy looking for our own praises? As children of the God of this universe, our motto should always be ‘To God be the glory, great things He has done’! My heart would be overwhelmed in praise if I saw one person blessed because of the work of the Father through me. Lord, have Your will and way in and through me today!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: When God is allowed to rule and reign in and through us, great things will be accomplished for the Kingdom. He did it through David, and He can do it through us!
PRAYER: You created us oh God, and You provide everything for every day to help us survive and truly represent You. Oh that You may be praised even through Your humble servants today. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus, and thank You Holy Spirit for using Your humble servants to accomplish Your work here on earth. May you never be disappointed in us. May Your Kingdom come today and Your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN!