The Prevailing King

When you read 1 and 2 Samuel, David’s life is full of “WIN NOW” moments. From triumphant victories over Goliath and the Lord’s enemies to God making a covenant with him, there is no doubt God’s hand of blessing was on David’s life. God promised He would always be with David, make his name great, provide Israel a land, and give him peace (2 Samuel 7:9-11). These promises all came true in David’s life, but they also had a future fulfillment in the Messiah that was to come.

Astonished that God had chosen him to bless the nation of Israel, David says in 2 Samuel 7:21, “For the sake of Your word, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this greatness to let your servant know.” David knew that it was nothing he had done to earn God’s favor. It was God’s sovereign choice, but at the same time, David showed time after time that he was a man of character and valued what God valued. He treasured what God treasured and aligned his heart with God’s heart.

1 and 2 Samuel provide a clear picture of David’s character even in moments of failure. David didn’t just become king and suddenly become a man after God’s own heart. His heart developed long before he became king and increased evermore because of his devotion to God. 

One could argue that David’s “WIN NOW” moments started when he was just a boy being faithful to tend his father’s sheep. Once David was anointed king and Saul tried to end his life, David’s integrity shined through in how he valued Saul. On two occasions, David spared Saul’s life, even though Saul sought to kill him (1 Samuel 24 and 26). David had refused to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed twice. Why did David spare Saul? 1 Samuel 26:24 says, “Now behold, as your life was highly valued in my sight this day, so may my life be highly valued in the sight of the Lord, and may He deliver me from all distress.” 

Even though Saul had turned crazy and was attacking him for no reason, David wanted no part in taking things into his own hands. David knew that stretching his hand against Saul was the same as trying his hand against God. David desired to be highly regarded by God, but it started with highly regarding Saul. When David refused to secure his own destiny, David proved he had a heart toward God and a life that God would bless. 

So how do we apply this to our lives? If we want to “WIN NOW,” we must value what the Lord Jesus Christ values—and that’s people! 

What are ways we value people? First, Jesus tells us to serve them (Mark 10:45). We can serve others in many different ways. Maybe we offer help to a co-worker on a project. Or help someone who is going through financial trouble. Perhaps we serve our spouse by doing a chore around the house that they usually do. The options are truly endless, but we are all called to serve. 

Jesus also tells us to treat others with humility (Philippians 2:3-4). Our wants and desires should not consume our lives. Instead, we should value the lives of others as we have valued our own life and think about the needs of others. 

Before Jesus left after His resurrection, He gave us a WIN NOW mission. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Questions for Thought

Daily Challenge