Today's treasure: 2 Sam. 2:3-4
The man anointed by the Holy Spirit many years before was about to occupy the promised throne. The crown did not come easily. God used the struggles leading to the throne to prepare His chosen king. An important equation in David's life as well as in ours:
Time + conflict= change
David had a number of difficult lessons to learn before he could adequately shepherd the people of God.
At least 15 years had passed since Samuel went to the home of Jesse and anointed the young shepherd. Reflecting on all the events of his life must have been mind boggling for David. He was forced to grow up in a hurry and learn to make harsh decisions.
As chapter 2 unfolds, David is 30 years old.
Read 2 Samuel 2:1-7
Why did David go to Hebron?
What did David send messengers to tell the men of Jabesh Gilead?
How greatly we could profit if we would take to heart David's example; of inquiring of God before we took a single step forward.
David kept asking until he had a specific answer from God. He did not want general directions; he wanted to know the exact will for his life.
Can you identify times when you proceeded in a direction because of a hunch rather than the confirmed will of God?
How is God's presence specifically prioritized in the following verses? Exodus 33: 15-17
Luke 24:48-53
God probably won't speak to us from the clouds nor can we toss the Urim and Thummin and get a divine answer' but we have something they did not have: His written and completed Word. God will speak through scripture if we learn how to listen.
Acknowledge specific need for direction.
Pray daily and study His Word
Ask Him to help recognize His answer. Resist reading into the situation everything God's Word says. Ask specifically to confirm with His Word and Spirit what He desires to apply to your life.
Ask for a confirmation if you have doubt.
When David inquired, God instructed him to go to Hebron. The region of Hebron has a rich biblical history. It has been occupied almost continually since around 3300 B.C. Hebron is located in the hill country of Judah about 19 miles to the south of Jerusalem.
Genesis 13:18
Genesis 18:1-15
Joshua 14:13-14
David had been on the move constantly for years. The Word of God abiding in Him had probably been his only comfort. After settling in Hebron, "The men of Judah cane..and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah". His first step to reigning as king over the entire nation of Israel.
We consider how God spoke to and led in the lives of Abraham, Moses, David and many others in scripture. We also may be asked to abandon our lives to God long before we assume the position for which He called us. Over 15 years had passed; what better time for David to have uttered the words of Psalm 145:13
David no doubt wished that God would fast forward a few of his years of unrest, but he knew God's faithfulness would appear "in the course of time". From the moment David became king over the house of Judah, he began his official works of diplomacy. He applauded the men of Jabesh Gilead for their "kindness to Saul" and pledged his favor to them. The entire nation of Israel would ultimately have to be under his authority. Much like Joshua, the land was to be David's, but he had to take some of it by force.
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