
I have recently been doing a study on David. For a long time, I have yet to see why he is the one, of all people, to have the title ” A man after God’s own heart.” As I’ve read through his life story throughout the years I could only see his ”All-American Boy” like qualities, that may have found him favor with man, and I’ve seen his sins. However, as we all know God does not look at our outward appearances. He sees our hearts. So what did God see in David?
As I go through this study it is hard to express in words how I know that David is who God says he is, but I will do my best. I saw that David loved the things and people that God loved. In I and II Samuel there were times that David could have taken revenge on his enemies, but his enemies were Israelites. God loved the Israelites and so did David. When others took revenge on David’s enemies on behalf of David, he rebuked them and punished them.
That of course isn’t even half of David’s story. His life was full of hard decisions. With every decision he made he sought out God, b/c he loved God desperately and knew Him as his rescuer and the One who loved him and chose him. I pray that God would continue to change my heart so that I love so desperately the things of God. That I would love His people most of all.
Sometimes there is more guilt in our hearts to serve each other and reach out to others than there is love. So how can we speak out of love and love our neighbors as ourselves? By doing what comes first ”Loving God with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.” (Mark 12:30)For if we love God, it will only lead us to love the things He loves and desires.
A Heart Like His…
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I love reading the Old Testament and 1 & 2 Samuel are among some of my favorites. I think one of the main points of this narrative is that GOD (not David) is building David’s kingdom, and that GOD (not David) chose David to carry the line that would eventually lead to Christ. I agree with you, David did a lot of things right, but he also did a lot of things wrong. This story is beautiful because it ultimately points us to Christ and forces us to realize that there is nothing that we can do that will cause God to love us more or less. I am glad that your reading is causing you to desperately love and desire God. Love you, my Friend.