I
don't write as often as some of my friends expect me to. If you read my Bio,
you'll know why. But I’m here now and I have something to share.
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Okay!
For a while now, I've been doing more of studying and observing, and out of
curiosity
, I decided to read about David the King. The man God Himself
endorsed. See for yourself (Acts 13:22). In case you don't have a Bible, this
is what it reads: “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified
concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”
I
wanted to know more about him, beyond what I’ve heard from the pulpit, read
from Bible stories in the days of children’s’ church and watched in the movie “David and Goliath. I wanted to know
the “koko” (the reason God had “special” love for) about him. I
mean, why would God call one “shepherd boy” His “padi”?
This man, not only committed adultery but, practically killed the woman’s
husband just to have her to himself. Haba! That kind of person shouldn’t even
be in...
I
refuse to cast a stone, because I’m not perfect yet. Thank God for Jesus
Christ! He is our righteousness.
Anyway,
this and more led to my restudying of “uncle” David, “Oba awon isreeli” (The king of the
Israelites)
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Then
the study began from 1 Samuel 1 – 31. Just because I don’t want to bore you
with the details, but trust me reading/studying the Bible is pretty
interesting; so I’ll advise you read the entire book, when convenient for you.
In the meantime,
here’s a brief summary:
• In chapters 1-7, Samuel is born to Hannah
after several years of waiting and soon after he was brought to the tabernacle
to serve God. During this time, the Israelites are in a vicious battle with the
Philistines and they lose the Ark of the Covenant, which is captured by the
Philistines. Struck down by deadly plagues, the Philistine are happy to return
it to the rightful owner in an oxcart pulled by two cows. And the story
continues.... (Please read your Bible)
• In Chapters 16-31, God selects His King who
is David, and he is called, “a man after God’s own heart” (13:14). Samuel anoints
David as a young boy, and several years’ later stands up to a Philistine giant
and defeated the over-sized soldier with one simple stone (he used this with the
conscious of the God he knew) in front of both the armies of the Israelites and
Philistines, claiming victory for Israel and displaying true leadership. Saul,
eaten away by envy and jealousy and driven by hate, begins to pursue David in
fear of losing his throne. Although David could have easily taken his life
twice, he respected his king in a Godly manner. In the end, Saul tragically
takes his own life while losing on the battlefield.
Let’s quickly go through 2 Samuel 1 – 44. If you’re still
reading, please don’t forget to read the chapters when you can.
• In chapters 1-10, David becomes the king of
Judah while the Northern part of the nation (Israel) rejects God and chooses to
go with the dynastic tradition, by selecting Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth to rule.
Ish-Bosheth eventually was executed and the northern tribes asked David to rule
the entire nation of Israel. King David chooses to establish a new capital,
Jerusalem, and through a tragic process, brings the Ark there.
• In chapters 11-24, narrates the sinful side of
King David during his reign, and how it affected the nation of Israel. David
not only commits adultery with a married woman named Bathsheba, she becomes
pregnant and he had her husband murdered in an attempt to repair things. Although
David sought God’s forgiveness, the child died regardless. Bathsheba later
gives birth to Solomon. Absalom, David’s other son, plots a rebellious takeover
and the nation approves. David flees for his life, yet ultimately raises enough
troops and a strong backing to take back his seat and restore order; in the
process, his rebellious son was killed.
Now, the interesting part (for me) in these two books is the
whole of 2 Samuel Chapter 22. The entire chapter left me “flabberwhelmed and
overgasted” (Those are not correct English words, but I believe you get my
point). This chapter revealed that David is no doubt a witty, intelligent and passionate
man. David knew God! He experienced His AWEsomeness
and didn’t mince words in
showering Him with encomiums.
I’ve read this chapter over and again and each time I read
through I am utterly astounded at David’s description of God and His acts.
Chapter 22 gives me goose bumps every time. Not only do I fall in love with
David, but I get a deeper revelation of how Mighty GOD really is.
Then I began to wonder how God must have responded to David’s
words. As a matter of fact, he sang the words. It was a song of worship and
praises after all the trials God brought him through. One of the numerous
questions that came to my heart was, if I’m so enthralled by this particular
chapter, what was God’s reaction? You know when you drool over a sumptuous meal
(especially your favourite dish) that isn’t yours... Now imagine the
satisfaction the eater will derive from such meal.
And I pondered even further...
Ø DID HE MOVE FROM HIS SEAT A BIT?
Ø DID THE THOUGHT OF HUGGING DAVID COME TO MIND?
Ø DID HE BLUSH FOR A WHILE OR LAUGHED OUT LOUD?
Ø COULD THIS BE WHY DAVID EARNED THE TITLE, MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART?
Since
I couldn’t answer these questions convincingly, I decided to outline some quality
traits that the David possessed, and some of the reasons why God delighted so
much in him. They are probably are not new to you, but they sure will help you
check your walk with God.
DILIGENCE: As a young boy, he
oversaw his father’s business and made sure there were no losses (1 Samuel
17:34-35) He was very hard-working and focused. If he wasn’t, the bear and the
lion would have feasted on the sheep in his care. This was his job and he did
it with attentiveness.
BOLD AND
CONFIDENT: David wasn’t a timid man; he was as a matter of fact too
confident for his age. He exercised so much authority, not because of
financial, family or educational background; but as a result of his confidence
in God (1 Samuel 17:32-51). David was also unapologetically comfortable in his
own skin. We have young men/women these days that do things simply because
others are doing it or just to impress onlookers, this for me is a sign of
unhealthy self-esteem and often times end in utter shame and failure. Imagine
if David had a low self-esteem, and decided to impress the king/people by
wearing the “warriors’ costume”... But he simply took the amour off... you know
how that played out (1 Samuel 17:38-39, 49).
CLEVER AND
HUMBLE: It’s quite easy for one to get carried away by cheerleaders and
without one knowing, pride and ego begins to set in. This wasn’t the case for
David. Despite being anointed and defeating a man even the king dreaded, he
wise enough to glory in himself. He never despised the king, not even when he
was almost killed (1 Samuel 18:10-30). In Chapter 25, David showed humility and
wisdom when he listened to Abigail, Nabal’s wife. An egocentric man would have
turned ignored her words saying: “what right have
you to speak before a WHOLE me? Shey woman dey talk for where man dey? He was a wise man!
Humility is one of the major ways of winning peoples heart and David was an
epitome of it. Who wants to be associated with a haughty person anyway? Even
God resists proud.
COMPASSIONATE: A
heart like David’s is what I desire Lord! (Cos its God’s kind). While he was
running for his own like, David still thought it needful to help a people in
distress. (1 Samuel 23:1—5) Even though the same people conspired to deliver
him into the hands of his enemy (King Saul), David didn’t get angry, rather he
left them to God (1 Samuel 23:6-12). He treated even strangers as friends (1
Samuel 30:11-12). He didn’t rejoice at the news of Saul’s death, instead he
ordered the execution of the man who brought the news (2 Samuel 1:5-17).
A GOOD
CONSCIENCE: Humanly speaking, challenges have a way of shaping a man’s
attitude towards people and life. Some people don’t see the wisdom in praying
for Nigerian leaders (due to economic hardship); others are looking for means
to be vengeful because of religious intolerance, heartbreaks, and other past
offenses. Yet, David didn’t allow Saul’s hatred towards him determine his
outlook to life and people. When the opportunity to revenge availed itself, he
didn’t seize it. Instead, he felt remorseful for even taking a piece of his
garment (1 Samuel 24:5-23). That’s how much respect he had for God and
authority.
AN UPRIGHT
MAN: David not only adhered strictly to the laws of the land, he
understood and obeyed God’s commandments. Honest, Responsible and Loyal are the
words that best describes the kind of friend/servant he was (1 Samuel 29:6, 2
Samuel 9). And as a leader, he didn’t take advantage of his subjects and also
led by example (1 Samuel 30:21-31, 2 Samuel 3:31-36). When he had a second
opportunity to strike Saul (1 Samuel 26:1-25) he quickly cautioned himself by
remembering what the Lord has said about Leaders. David didn’t take laws into
his hands by fighting back neither did he approve of people who did (2 Samuel
4:5-12). He understood the battle wasn’t his to fight.
LOVER OF
GOD: David was a true worshipper. He simply adored God. This can be
seen in his devotion and obedience to God. How can you seek and follow
someone’s counsel if you don’t respect them? How can you hold someone in high
esteem and not love them? How can you trust someone you don’t love? Respect,
obedience and trust are by-products of LOVE. David never did anything without
first seeking God (1 Samuel 30:8, 2 Samuel 5:19, 23) and for every time he
sought Him, the instructions were obeyed to the letter (2 Samuel 5:25). Even when
things were unpleasant, his trust in God didn’t diminish (1 Samuel 30:6). King
David was unashamedly, unapologetically, helplessly, head-over-heels in love
with God. He reverenced God with his body and household (2 Samuel 6:1-22). Love
gives! David loved God so much that he held nothing back from Him, rather he
gave God the best (2 Samuel 24:20-25). “I surrender all to You, everything I give to You; withholding
nothing”, this must have been David’s song to God everyday of His life.
BRAVE:
David faced the consequences of
his actions bravely. He didn’t cast blames on anyone or got angry at God for
his own wrongdoing. When he recognized how his actions had endangered the life
of his “love-child” with Bathsheba, he went to God by fasting and praying. He
denied himself of every fleshy desire and sought God’s mercy and grace; not
primarily for himself but for the innocent child. He also genuinely repented
after acknowledging his sinful act; there was no account of him repeating the
same “mistake” twice. He also gave ears to his subjects; he was open to their
advice and constructive criticism (2 Samuel 11, 12, 18, 19).
PRAYO: We had
quite a number of “prayos” during my undergraduate days. They were those brodas
who prayed basically about everything. You would see them “skabashing” on their way to class,
library, cafeteria, hostel, campus fellowship, hall meeting, during tests and
examination. I’m sure they “skabashed” while bathing, cooking, reading and
maybe in their dream. “Skabash” is another term for fervent praying and
speaking in tongues. Bro David was a skabsher. He had a solid relationship with
God and this aided quality communication. God was is One and Only resort in
good and bad situations. When he was naive, oppressed, confused, lost and
helpless, God was his only resolve (2 Samuel 21, 22). He not only prayed to God
for help, he also gave thanks to Him for answering His prayers. David’s prayer
life is one I believe every believer should emulate; a relentless, unconditional
prayer life.
GOD
LOVED HIM TOO: How did
he get God to give him punishment options, instead of just being punished? Why
did God promised to spank David’s children, but smite Saul’s? He even said David’s throne would be
established forever... But for awareness, I would have said God was somewhat
partial in David’s case because he enjoyed special treatment from God; even
when he erred. God loved David and I found out why. Reading through 2 Samuel
24:11-13, my admiration for David deepened and the concluding verses of the
chapter answered the questions that led to my study of the man after God’s
heart. Truth is the answers are the aforesaid and more. They are inexhaustible
actually, and I’m sure when you read through the two books you will get answers
too. The answer isn’t complicated at all.
Here’s
more! I’ve observed (from reading the Bible) that God doesn’t just call a man
by a “special” name without
a reason. Yes, He merciful and blesses, but calls based on man’s future and His
calling on his life (life assignment). Some examples include, Abraham, Jacob,
Peter, Paul, and David (The subject matter).
These men have one major thing in
common; they all loved and had faith in
God against all odds. They were men who were passionate about their life
assignments and were diligent in all they did. God in turn made them great and
their fame timeless; we still talk about them today.
My
summation is this, being all knowing; God knew David (even before he became KING
DAVID) would do His WILL (Acts 13:22). The relationship between God and David
is summarised in 2 Samuel 22. He delighted in David, long before Samuel
anointed him. Also, David obeyed the one commandment (in the New Testament)
that God requires from His children. That is, the Love of God and people.
So to
answer my questions... God protected and fought for David because He loved him
and David loved God because of His AWEsomeness. Hence
the title “Man after God’s Heart” was spawned out of LOVE. It’s that simple!
The whole essence of Christianity is LOVE.
If
we love God, we will obey His commandments and if we love our neighbour we will
protect their interest as though it’s ours. Love is the reason God gave (His
only Son) Jesus Christ to die in our place and the only way to love Him back is
by believing the reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and in
return we enjoy life in abundance (Fame, fortune, health, Joy, Peace and lots
more).
David
enjoyed so much comfort just by believing, obeying and loving and I will like
to note here that Jesus had not even died this time; yet he was greatly blessed
by God. How much more comfort we enjoy now (Jesus has died, resurrected plus
the gift of the Holy Spirit) that we are in Christ Jesus. We are the Chosen
Generation, Royal Priesthoods, Light of the world, Salt of the earth, City set
on a Hill (we can’t be hidden), we are above always...
Our name plenty pass oga
David own sef. Feel free to add other names when you’re done reading.
We are
not just after God’s heart, He is so mindful of us that He chose to tatoo our names on His palms. OH GLORY TO GOD!!! What comfort we enjoy in Christ
Jesus!
If you
are yet to know Jesus Christ, you too can enjoy this comfort I’m talking about, you can have the same intimacy David had with God. I made this decision in 2010 and my life has been from Glory to Glory. It's quite SIMPLE...
...All you have to do is say this short prayer...
Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins
and rose again that I might live.
I pray that You forgive my sins,
Wash me with Your blood,
Come into my heart and be my Lord and
Saviour.
Thank You Lord for saving me.
Amen!
Thank
you for reading. God bless you
Kindly
leave a comment. Pretty Pls!!!
PHOTO CREDIT: Google
REFERENCE: GATEWAY BIBLE ONLINE, NIV STUDY BIBLE FOR WOMEN, HOLYSPIRIT