Day 144: For the People

24 May, 2021

The Daily Word: Monday, May 24th, 2021
2 Samuel 4:1-6:23
John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 119:17-32
Proverbs 15:31-32
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. – 2 Sam. 5:12

David’s destiny was unfolding right in front of his eyes. After having been anointed as king by Samuel as a teenager (1 Sam. 16:13), David spent years waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. But here it was. All the tribes of Israel came to David and “anointed David king over Israel” (2 Sam. 5:5). God quickly began to exalt David. David won several quick military victories, and foreign leaders sent David extravagant gifts to recognize him as ruler over Israel.

But David never lost sight of why God has exalted him. God exalted David “for the sake of His people Israel” (2 Sam. 5:12). There was a level of peace and prosperity that God wanted to give to His people that could only come if David was established as king! David knew that his reign wasn’t about David; it was about God’s people. And that attitude had a profound impact on the way David lived and reigned for the rest of his life.

You are a servant first. God will establish you! But He doesn’t do it just for your sake; He does it for the sake of His people! Will you use your influence to tell other people about Jesus? Will you use your success to invite people into the Kingdom of God?

Prayer:

Father, help me never to forget that You blessed me to bless others. You chose me so I can introduce other people to Jesus! Thank You for reminding me today that You have not established me for my own sake; but You have established me for the sake of Your people. Make me a willing and compelling vessel, in Jesus’ name.

© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.