Read 2 Samuel 6:1
Highlights:
David's intentions to bring the Ark to its proper place in Jerusalem result in a man's death. God forbids David to build the Temple, but God builds David an eternal "house" — meaning royal lineage (II Sam. 7:1-11).
David was the greatest king to rule the nation of Israel and a man after His (the Lord's) own heart (I Sam. 13:14). The key to his greatness is available to everyone: 1. His love for the Word of God: O how love I Thy Law! it is my meditation all the day (Ps. 119:97); 2. His prayers for guidance. However, he was not made great for his own sake but because of his loyalty to God. Thine house . . . shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever (II Sam. 7:16).
The Covenant of God with David was a guarantee that the righteous King — the Messiah — would be a Descendant of David. This was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:1).
Hundreds of years later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Mary (a descendant of David through his son Nathan), saying: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32).
As David sat in his palace of cedar, God reminded him of the days when he faithfully cared for his sheep. During all the years that intervened, and in the many experiences through which he passed, David recognized the special care of God. A dim outline was given to Nathan of a Kingdom far more glorious than that which David ruled, through whom the families of the earth would be blessed.
The name of David held preeminence among the kings of Israel and Judah. But the glory of the One who descended from David according to the flesh — the Son of God — far surpassed David's glory (Gal. 4:4-5). The depths of His sacrificial love caused the name of David to sink into nothingness. Jesus is God and His throne is in the hearts of all that have Him as Lord and Savior of their lives
God has still many more exceeding great and precious promises (II Pet. 1:4) for His people for whom the Great King laid down His life. We cannot begin to comprehend all the plans and accomplishments of the reign of Christ within us. This means we sincerely present your (our) bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your (our) reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world (Rom. 12:1-2).
We look forward to the opportunities yet to be given to us by our Lord who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph. 3:20).
Thought for Today:
Let all bitterness, wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice (Eph. 4:31).
Christ Revealed:
By the Ark of the Covenant which they . . . set . . . in the midst of the Tabernacle (II Sam. 6:17). The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, given to Moses (Deut. 10:1-5). Christ is the Living Word (John 1:1) and dwells within those of us who are the Temple of God (I Cor. 3:16) — Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
Word Studies:
6:7 error fault committed through negligence; 6:14 linen ephod priestly, linen garment; 6:19 dealt distributed; 6:21 play celebrate, show my joy; 7:8 sheepcote pastureland; 7:9 cut off destroyed, eliminated; 7:12 seed offspring, descendants; 7:23 terrible full of wonder; awesome; 8:3 recover his border at the river Euphrates establish his territory to the Euphrates River; 8:4 houghed hamstrung; 8:5 succour help; 9:8 look upon such a dead dog show favor to such an insignificant person.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle's Baptism on 4/13/2008 • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Sen. Bob Casey (PA), Rep. Jim Costa (CA), and Rep. Susan Davis (CA) • Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent • Major languages: French and Sangho • Religious freedom • 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray without anger or resentment in your heart (I Tim. 2:8).
Optional Reading: Acts 14:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:10
