Highlights In Today's Reading:
David is blessed by God as his reign prospers. At last, it's time to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. See how our sacrifices are a vital factor in our worship (15:16-24). A joyful procession enters the city with much thanksgiving. Interestingly the Ark is in Zion and the burnt offerings in Gibeon.
During the forty years that Saul reigned over Israel, the Ark was ignored. But when David became king, he was deeply concerned that the Ark — above which God's presence dwelt — have a central place in his kingdom. He knew that the nation's success was dependent upon God's presence being in their midst, so he said: Let us bring again the Ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul (13:3).
David first attempted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem on a new cart drawn by oxen, but this was a violation of the Law of God (Exodus 25:13-15; Numbers 4:15; 7:9). As Uzzah reached out to steady the tilting Ark on the cart, he was struck dead (II Samuel 6:1-8).
On the second occasion David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the Ark of the Lord unto his place, which he had prepared for it (I Chronicles 15:3). David carefully obeyed God's Word, telling the priests to sanctify themselves and bear the Ark of God upon their shoulders as Moses commanded according to the Word of the Lord (15:11-15).
On that day, David provided an inspiring psalm for his choir to sing. It still lifts our spirits as we worship our wonderful Lord. David proclaimed to the world: Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His Name; make known His deeds among the people. . . . sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works. . . . rejoice. . . . Be ye mindful always of His Covenant (Agreement); the Word which He commanded to a thousand generations. . . . Declare His glory among the heathen. . . . For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. . . . bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. . . . the Lord reigneth (16:8-31). Is it any surprise that David was a man after His God's own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22)? Yes, the Lord reigns. He is still Sovereign and the world needs to hear us praise the Lord and talk of all His wondrous works.
God's work must be done in His way — not in our way — if He is to be glorified. It is only as we serve the Lord according to His Word that we enjoy His presence and receive His blessing. Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28).
Thought for Today:
The lesson for us all to learn is that our internal spiritual battles (lust) usually become external wars. From whence comes wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? . . . But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:1,6-7).
Christ Revealed:
Through David's fame and exaltation (I Chronicles 14:17). God highly exalted Christ, our Redeemer, and gave Him a Name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).
Word Studies:
14:13 spread themselves abroad =made a hostile invasion.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Bett Brown and Sara Ordiway and Mrs Carlton Sligh and Someone else who loves Jesus • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI), Rep. James Moran (VA), and Rep. Jon Porter (NV) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord for all things (Ephesians 5:19-20).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:18
