Scripture text for Friday, February 19th, 2010: 2 Samuel 5:1-7:29
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David becomes King of the Israelites. The tribes loved David as one of their own because he was with them as a capable leader in Saul’s military campaigns. And they remembered the Lord’s promise to David: “You will Shepherd my people Israel and you will become their ruler.” (2 Samuel 5:2)
David marched on Jerusalem and conquered what was thought to be an impregnable city. (2 Samuel 5:7) He defeated the Philistines and brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem now called the City of David. Not bad for a man who started out as a lowly shepherd boy!
Unlike other leaders such as Saul, David’s success did not go to his head. He remained humble throughout his years. He sought the Lord’s will and gave all glory and honor to the Lord. He remained the Lord’s humble servant even as king of the Jews. So much did he express his humility that he “humiliated himself” before God and before all to see as he danced in front of the Ark of the Covenant as it was returned to its rightful place.
It is interesting to note that Moses was a humble man, so much so that he was referred to as “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3) Jesus was also a humble man for he always referred to himself as the Son of Man and not the Son of God. He humbly bowed his own will before the Father’s will and like a lamb, the most humble of all animals, the King of the Jews was led to the slaughter.
These three men, Moses, David, and Jesus, were humble and therefore obedient unto the Lord. Apparently, humility is the prerequisite to obedience. One must constantly remember that it is “He who has made us” (Psalm 100:3) and not we ourselves to keep from getting puffed up by the successes seen in our lives. To God be all glory and honor, forever!
Devotion prepared by Fritz Muehlhausen