Acts 13:22: “And when he had removed him (Saul) he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
Acts 13:22 cites both Psalm 89:20-26 and 1 Samuel 16:13 referencing David being a man after God’s heart. In 1 Sam. 16:13, Samuel anointed David with oil, in front of his brothers, “And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” Samuel anoints David as king, but he was not publicly anointed until much later (2 Sam.2:4; 5:3). Saul was still legally the king at this time. David was being prepared by God for his future responsibilities. We are all being made ready for God’s purposes in our life in where He has positioned us.
God promised in Psalm 89:221b-24a that He would do the following for David due to his integrity and unwavering obedience to God:
- Strengthen and sustain him.
- The enemy shall not outwit him.
- Wicked shall not humble him.
- God would crush his foes before him.
- Strike down whoever hates David.
- God’s faithfulness and steadfast love would be with him.
- Promised to have God’s power to accomplish God’s will.
Wow, that was quite a promise God declared He would do for David, a man after God’s own heart!
David was not perfect, had weaknesses and made mistakes. He fell into sin when he committed adultery, arranged the murder of Uriah, disobeyed God in taking a census of the people, gave into anger, and did not deal decisively with the sins of his children. However, David was quick to repent and have remorse for his sins. His confessions were from a genuine and sincere heart, and he had to suffer the consequences of his wrongdoings.
David’s strengths and accomplishments were:
- Skilled musician
- Man of integrity
- Genuinely humble
- Courageous
- Ancestor of Jesus
- Most significant king of Israel
David learned leadership skills in solitude while tending to his father’s sheep. That is where he had a servant’s heart. He faithfully did what his father told him to do. While David’s brothers were off in the army fighting massive, impressive battles, David was all alone, doing his job, taking care of the sheep.
David endured being mistreated throughout his life. When Saul chased him with a band of mighty soldiers to kill David, David could have taken revenge into his own hands. I would have been tempted not to be so forgiving to someone that was trying to kill me! David allowed Saul to live when he confronted him and stated: “I could have taken your life, but I didn’t. I will let God judge between you and me (1 Samuel 24:12).”
David was treated unfairly yet he was free from the bondage of resentment and revenge. Be aware that feelings of revenge when mistreated are inevitable. It can happen in work, from a parent, a coach, a teacher, a spouse, or someone you thought was your friend. Vengeance is one of those quiet, eating at your raw nerve sins that we just might overlook. We feel we are the victim. We feel we are justified. But we cannot change the other person. All we can do is handle our part much as David did. Forgive someone today who doesn’t deserve it.
A servant, much like David, doesn’t crave attention or glory of rewards. A servant’s goal is to make those he serves to look better, to help make that person even more successful and to respect those in charge. A servant does not want the person he serves to fall short or fail. He wants to see God say, “Job well done!” This includes not retaliating hurtfully in actions or responses. Simply, “be that as it may” and “nevertheless” are ideal vocabulary phrases to keep in mind and use when in conflict with sticky intimidating and daunting people.. Reject the unnecessary payback and ask God to handle your enemies just as He did for David. God’s faithful and steadfast love is forever and ever.
David’s armor in front of Goliath that day was invisible. He was spiritually equipped. So are we as we depend on the Holy Spirit’s strength and His armor surrounding us.
Questions:
- How can you live as Romans 12:16 states “Live in harmony with one another.” Verse 18 tells us “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
- God changes us while we are in the wait. He changed David while he waited patiently for the LORD as he said in Psalm 40:1-2: “I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” How are you being changed while you are in your season of “being in the wait?”
My prayer for today: God, I don’t have much patience when I have to wait for your answer or when treated in a way that I feel is unjust – not right. You are continually stretching me to grow in your grace and mercy. You have spiritually equipped me to fight the Goliath’s and Saul’s of life, but too often I fall into despair, get discouraged, and my joy that should be glowing from being with You, is stolen, killed, and subdued. May my successes be sanctified in You and may I reflect and show Your praise and glory to others today. Your opinion matters most. You are my help and shield. No payback is needed. I exalt you forever and ever. In Jesus name, Amen.
Listen to Micah Tyler’s Official Lyric Video YouTube, of his song “Different.”