Seek God’s Righteousness
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Samuel 23:1-39 and Psalm 77:1-12 (NIV)
(Lim Bi Xiu, Children’s Ministry, PTM)
READ:
2 Samuel 23:3-5 (NIV)
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…
that brings grass from the earth.’
If my house were not right with God,
surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,…
2 Samuel 23:16-17 (NIV)
So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.
OBSERVE:
King David had fought and ruled in the fear of God, with his eyes and heart solely on God and not on himself nor his glory. Thus, the Lord had granted him great victories over tough enemies, and also given many courageous and fearsome warriors to King David’s army. He refused to drink the water, to enjoy what was brought to him at the risk of the warriors’ lives, while the rest of the army were risking their lives fighting the enemies. He did not see himself as more deserving of special treatment than his army though he was King. The Lord made an everlasting covenant with King David’s house and kept his promise, giving him victories against great numbers, thus showing Israel and the nations how King David was a shining example of a man after his own heart.
APPLY:
This is a reminder for me to carry out my roles and to lead in righteousness, with the fear of the Lord. In a big church like Wesley, there can be many voices which sometimes may cloud out God’s voice and plans. It is important for me to be rooted in God through reading His word and prayer, so as to be confident in His leading, before seeking the counsel of man. My primary focus should be pleasing God, for unless God builds the house, the labourers labour in vain.
DO:
I need to be in constant surrender and prayer with God, and be disciplined to read His word faithfully, so that I can be filled with His wisdom and ways and not be easily swayed by voices in the world.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, may You keep me under Your wings and be close to me when I seek You, that I may not sway from Your will. May You grant me Your wisdom and also the courage to do as You lead.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
