THE MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

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