S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

We can learn a lot from the life of David. He was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:13-14; Acts 13:22)! We are first introduced to David after Saul, at the insistence of the people, was made king (1 Samuel 8:5, 10:1). This choice of king, or even having an earthly king at all, was against the will of God, and although Saul was anointed by God through Samuel, he did not measure up as God's king. While King Saul was making one mistake on top of another, God sent Samuel to find His chosen shepherd, David, the son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10, 13). David was believed to be 12-16 years of age when he was called in from tending his father's sheep to be anointed as the true king of Israel. As soon as the anointing oil flowed down David's head the Spirit of the Lord departed from King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). The fact that evil spirits were tormenting Saul brought David into the king's service (1 Samuel 16:21). Saul was pleased with young David, but this feeling vanished quickly as David rose in strength to slay the Philistine giant, Goliath, and win the overwhelming favor of the people (1 Samuel 17:45-51). The chant in the camp of Saul was taunting as the people sang out the praises of David and demeaned their king, causing a raging jealousy in Saul that never subsided (1 Samuel 18:7-8). 

 If you or someone you know has eked his way through life amid strife, conflict and continuous battles, then you might understand how David lived and felt throughout his lifetime. Although Saul never stopped pursuing him with the intent to kill him, David never raised a hand against his king and God's anointed (1 Samuel 19:1-2, 24:5-7). He did, however, raise up a mighty army and with power from God defeated everyone in his path, always asking God first for permission and instructions before going into battle (2 Samuel 5:22-23, 23:8-17). Throughout the life of David, God honored and rewarded this unconditional obedience of His servant and gave him success in everything he did (2 Samuel 8:6). 

 David mourned King Saul's death and put to death the one claiming responsibility for Saul's death (2 Samuel 1:12-16). Only after Saul's death was David anointed king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4), and even then he had to fight against the house of Saul before being anointed king over Israel at the age of thirty (2 Samuel 5:3-4). Now king, David conquered Jerusalem and became more and more powerful because the Lord Almighty was with him (2 Samuel 5:7). David was so enthralled with bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem that he omitted some of God's instructions on how to transport the Ark and who was to carry it. This resulted in the death of Uzzah who, amid all the celebrations, reached out to steady the Ark, and God struck him down and he died there beside it (2 Samuel 6:1-7). In fear of the Lord, David abandoned the moving of the Ark for three months and let it rest in the house of Obed-Edom (2 Samuel 6:11).

 After the Ark was in its rightful place, David decided to build a temple of the Lord around it (2 Samuel 6:17). Because of David's bloody, battle-scarred record as well as his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba and the slaying of her husband, God denied his otherwise faithful servant the honor of building the temple, the house of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:5-14). This was surely a blow to David, but God assured him He would continue to make his name the greatest on the earth and forever establish the throne of David through David's son, Solomon. Instead of being angry with God and having a pity party, David sat before the Lord, praising Him and thanking Him for all the many blessings he had received in his life (2 Samuel 7:18-29).

 David's battles did not end with his kingship but continued with the surrounding nations and within his own household. Throughout the life of David, His sons connived and conspired to take control of the kingdom and they, as did Saul, threatened their own father's life. And as with the death of Saul, David mourned the death of his beloved son Absalom, showing a passionate and forgiving heart (2 Samuel chapters 15-18). David's broken heart and contrite spirit are what brought him the forgiveness of God and are what will bring him back to be the prince of Christ during Christ's millennial reign.

See http://www.gotquestions.org/life-David.html

July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Vin Smith Concert Pianist. Piano Tuner. Talk Show Host. Novelist.

A lesson we can learn from King David is that a Christian will not--cannot--be perfect! It is impossible to live a sinless life. That is why we need our own personal savior--Jesus Christ! Who died for one and all; our only responsibility is to accept Jesus!

The lesson learned from the life of David is--yes he made mistakes. But he was not "stiff necked!" What a wonderful Biblical phrase!

"Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy." (Proverbs 29:1) NIV

David continually turned to God. Today, we might describe his actions as "being humbled at the cross." Perhaps he had an inkling of that imagery. Here is what David said in Psalms.

"I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin." (Psalm 38:18) ESV

Even though we may stumble... At times life may seem exasperatingly difficult. Yet we can always take it to the Lord in prayer. David was perhaps the premier merely human Biblical example of being "humbled at the cross."

A most valuable lesson to learn from his life story!

August 20 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report