Last week, we finished what will become the second volume in my trilogy of books on the life lessons from David's life. The first was titled Training for Reigning, the second Occupying Your Throne, and now this third will be PowerPoints for Living. For the next 26 weeks, together we will seek to excavate more themes and secrets from David's life to help you maximize your own purposeful existence. We will look in the psalms, the historical accounts, and the New Testament to learn more about this man David of whom the Bible has much to say, more than any other biblical figure.
So where should we begin for this study? What is there to yet discover that we haven't explored? Let's start by going back to where we left off in the last series and that would be 2 Samuel 23. If you're ready to get started, so am I.
AWARENESS
David had many roles. He was a king, a warrior, a general, a psalmist, a father, a husband, and a friend. Yet he had another important role in the history of God's people as it unfolded throughout the Old Testament into the New. We read in 2 Samuel 23:2-4,
“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’"
Besides all his other roles, David was a prophet and these are his last recorded words, which indicated that he knew he was a prophet. He was aware that God was speaking through him. How did he know? First, he had faith that God was with him in what he said and wrote. Second, he had experience that provided evidence he had heard. Third, others probably told him they bore witness that what he said or wrote was from the Lord. However it happened, David knew he was hearing from the Lord and treated his insight accordingly. He accepted his prophetic assignment.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Not only did David share the insight God gave him as God's mouthpiece and author, he also applied what he heard. In 2 Samuel 23, we read what God showed David something about good leadership: "leaders are like the light of a cloudless morning at sunrise, like brightness after the rain." Not only was that an eloquent, beautiful simile, it was a powerful truth that David attempted to live out. He must have succeeded because even though his rule had its share of failures, the people seemed to love and appreciate him in spite of his imperfections. David was a prophet for the people but then he knew the words he received were also for his own good to heed and apply.
Now you are part of a holy nation of priests and kings if you have put your faith in Christ. God is revealing Himself to you, not only for your own benefit but for that of others. You are directed to deploy your spiritual gifts in the benefit of others with love as the underlying motive. You are to be a blessing, "like a bright light on a cloudless morning," wherever God chooses to place you. This week's first PowerPoint for Living can be summarized as follows:
Be ready to share who you are and what you are learning while also working diligently to apply what you hear to your own life and work.
If you are willing to do that, then you will be a powerful influence no matter where your life throne happens to have you serve. Have a blessed week!
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