-May 1, 2023-
Good morning, happy Monday,
“Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised on up high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.”
(2 Samuel 23:1-2).
In 2 Samuel 23:1-7 we have David’s last words to the people of Israel. He knew that he was old and soon his reign would end, his life would end. He could have been like most politicians today and recount his military victories, his power, influence, and success, but he didn’t do that. Instead he choose to give glory to the Lord. He humbly describes himself as the son of Jesse, the man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel.” Others considered him great, even the Lord, but he didn’t see himself as great. He was a humble king and man of God.
David knew his roots from being a shepherd boy, to a mighty warrior, to being the king of Israel. He was never boastful or proud. He wasn’t perfect, none of us are, but he confessed his sin in contriteness and repentance. He loved the Lord and put Him first in his life. Acts 13:22 says, “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony to and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’” This was David’s legacy and something we should desire and strive for. It is a high standard to be a man or woman after God’s own heart and to do all His will.
David said in 2 Samuel 23:3, “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” He acknowledged that God raised him up, strengthened him, protected him, and gave countless victories. This is also true of us today: we can’t do anything without the Lord. David ruled over Judah for seven years and overall over all Israel for forty years.
Let us ask ourselves, what last words would we share? Would it be all about us or would it be all about the Lord and His work in our lives and the blessings He gave us? Tomorrow we will consider David’s last words to his son Solomon before passing the torch to him. Let us leave a legacy and impact for Christ in our households, classrooms, workplaces, neighborhoods, and churches.
Have a blessed day building your legacy for Christ. Stay safe and healthy.
Not knowing when our last words will be, but living for Jesus and being an example for others to see,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 