Jan. 31st, 2012
And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had greatly blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. I Chronicles 14:2
This short chapter includes a couple decisive battles that David successfully waged against the Philistines. Each time David first consults God, and gives God the praise upon completion of the bloody task. But what really struck me today is this verse where David seems to stumble upon this realization, this reality that God has now confirmed him as the king over Israel. It seems that David was so preoccupied with building God’s kingdom and restoring it to its healthy spiritual prominence – he doesn’t realize until this moment that God is blessing him and has confirmed his stature in life as Israel’s King for this time. It seems he failed to realize who he was becoming, and what he had become!
I wonder if we do the same. Do we fail to realize how significant we are to God and God’s plan? Do we ever just coast along sometimes in a faithful stupor, unaware of just what God is up to, in and through our lives? Do we ever get so busy working for God, that we haltingly realize that that work is forming us into some more usable tool for the building of God’s kingdom? Do we ever just stop and consider for a moment what it means to be a Child of God – to be called by God – to be gifted and empowered by God to make a difference in our world, and to make our world different? It seems that was David’s revelation at this moment.
And note one more thing – what was the ultimate purpose of David becoming aware of God’s confirmation and blessing? Did you notice it? For the sake of his people Israel. Let us be clear – God didn’t elect and empower and bless David so he could live a cushy life – no God chose David to be his faithful and successful King – for the sake of His people.
I think I must learn that lesson again today. God has not put me in this place right now for any other primary reason – but for the sake of His people in this community, and this church. I am not here to build my resume, or enhance my personal stature or status. I have not received these gifts from God to make myself anything other than what I am, a servant of God. I have not been blessed to serve with these great people for some self-aggrandizement – but so God might use me to lead and teach, and bless these people; God’s people! Certainly I enjoy and appreciate all God’s confirmations and blessings – but I must be reminded today that those are not the ends for which I work – but the means to an end that God desires – the sake of His people.
God…I’m humbled that you would save, call, and use such a sinner as me. Help me realize how you have confirmed me and my position in life for this moment – but ultimately help me understand and even appreciate – that all your blessings in my life – (for which I am grateful) are not just for my enjoyment or enrichment – but that I might be a more worthy and helpful servant for the sake of all Your people!