The Daily Word: Sunday, May 23rd, 2021
2 Samuel 2:12-3:39
John 13:1-30
Psalm 119:1-16
Proverbs 15:29-30
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. – 2 Sam. 3:1
There was a long war as the next king over Israel was decided. King Saul was dead! David had been made king over the house of Judah (2 Sam. 2:4), but Ishbosheth had been made king over “all Israel” (2 Sam. 2:9). Fighting ensued; but the impact it had on Saul’s house was different than the impact it had on David’s house. David “grew stronger and stronger,” while the house of Saul “grew weaker and weaker.” It was the same battle; but the impact on each party was markedly different. Why the disparity?
David’s house was anointed! Saul’s was not. The “Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul” (1 Sam. 16:14). This same Holy Spirit “came upon David from that day forward” (1 Sam. 16:13). When you are engaged in a protracted battle or conflict, the anointing makes all the difference! If you are really doing God’s work, it can feel like you’re at war! You are fighting to introduce light into territory claimed by darkness. But your lifeline is the anointing: the manifest presence of God’s Holy Spirit that comes upon men to accomplish God’s purpose.
Do not do anything without the anointing. Ask God for more of His presence every day! It will be the difference between life and death – between growing stronger versus weaker – and cannot be ignored.
Prayer:
Father, I ask that Your anointing would come upon me like never before. I need the presence of Your Holy Spirit! I need to be made stronger and to be refreshed. Settle on me now to do the impossible, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.