Became more and more powerful

“And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10)

 

We find David’s greatness many times, in the process of his ascension to the throne of Israel. His character and deeds were solidly based on the faith of God the Lord. And his faith was maintained by constant reflection and effort of earnest. Faith is not formed by one’s own unilateral attitude. But faith is the state in which God and people interact. That’s why everyone who has real faith is bound to succeed. No one would live by complete faith, but few have shown such perfection as David did.

 

When Saul, David’s predecessor, was chosen as king, he was superior to others. He was not only outstanding but also modest in appearance and character. Saul was much taller than the others, and he was ashamed to hide and even show humble attitude when he stood up before the people at first. Despite having done so until his first appearance, he changed not to obey the word of God through Samuel the prophet. What’s more, he tried even to excuse himself after he had committed an error. He acted under the control of Satan, and when he was in urgent need, he went to the shaman and asked. In contrast, David respected and obeyed God’s commands, and kept his righteousness in front of God the Lord.

David, the youngest of the eight brothers, was not there when Samuel stood by to pour oil as king on one of Jesse’s sons. Seven brothers had appeared before Samuel, but God did not grant the throne to any of them. Strangely, Samuel asked Jesse if the sons were all, then Jesse answered there’s one more youngest, and he’s taking care of sheep in the field. By bringing him in and putting him before Samuel, and David was anointed through Samuel the prophet by God. Unfortunately David was not seen by his father and his brothers as the youngest, a little boy compared with his brothers, but God chose him as king.

David’s attitude did not become arrogant even after being anointed king. For he humbly accepted God’s choice, and he did not show himself on purposely. David was threatened with life many times by Saul’s jealousy, but he didn’t respond to revenge Saul. Even though David had a chance to retaliate, he did not take advantage of the opportunity because he respected the person who had been anointed by God. The image of David’s manner to the enemy who was trying to harm himself, is an example of Christ.

David did not want to avenge his enemies. Furthermore, even if Saul was a wicked man, he would not harm Saul who had been set up by God. David’s only way to fight back killing himself was to run away from the danger and avoid it. Ah, what situation is that? Is that understandable to the common people? If real a man of God, anyone ought to do so like David. However who among us can be so good? If we live with such sincerity to each other, a good friendship will be soon made among us. We know about the beautiful friendship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of Saul the king, and he knew that his father was jealous of David and was trying to kill him. Nevertheless, he kept his friendship with David and did not betray him until the end. Loyalty is not something that a gangster can keep, but is a virtue of the people in Christ.

David’s truth and goodness originated from his faith in God the Lord. Therefore, he was able to gain the recognition of God. Because he was recognized by God, and he could be crowned king by the people. The Jebusites, who lived in Jerusalem, were against David, but they could never block the occupation that God had given David. Later, Jerusalem was called the City of David and became a symbol of the eternal city of Christ.

 

David was not a complete man. Nevertheless, he has been regarded from future generations as a great man and a great king in the Bible. That was possible because God, the Lord of all things, was with him. We believe any of us could become new in the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, even if a lot of wrongs in the past. And we could be as strong as David. To be so, we must live obediently so that I may be in God’s heart, Amen!

 

(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on Apr 19th 2020)