Acts 13:22 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.’
David was ‘God’s go-to man’ – “A man after God’s own heart”.
David was a man of valor and a violent warrior, yet he had a tender heart. He practiced the teachings of Jesus approximately 1,000 years before Jesus preached it. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven ” (Matthew 5:44). David respected authority, loved those who hated him and did good to those who harmed him. He exhibited the nature of God and David’s kindness softened the heart of the Lord.
David heard that his enemy and the king of Israel, King Saul was dead. The envious King Saul hated David and hunted for his life for more than a decade. David was on the run and lived in the wilderness for approximately 13 years. However, when he heard that the man who had stolen the prime of his life, and his wife, in vain envious strife, was dead, he mourned for him! David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar) (2 Samuel 1:17-18). He was not just sad about the death of Saul but lamented and ordered those under his rulership to mourn along with him.
Furthermore, he searched for the remnants from the family of Saul and brought Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth (son of Jonathan) to the palace. He restored the land that belonged to Saul and gave him a place in the palace along with his children. Mephibosheth was crippled in both legs and he ate at the king’s table every day. David repaid good for evil and captured the heart of God.
Become God’s “Go-to man/woman”:
- Merciful: David was merciful to the envious enemy. Be quick to extend mercy.
- Meekness: The meek are quick to forgive.
- Magnanimous: David’s magnanimity and nobility in the way he dealt with his enemies touched God’s heart.
Be merciful, meek and magnanimous to become God’s go-to man/woman.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, make me more and more like you. Amen.
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