Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 2
Scripture Focus: After this David inquired of the Lord. (2 Samuel 2.1)
Devotional Thought: Saul and Jonathan were dead. David was grief-stricken for his friend (Jonathan) and his foe (Saul). But, after this, what?
David had been told about God’s plan to elevate him to the throne, but how was it going to happen? Uncertain, David did a good thing. He “inquired of the Lord.” He had an idea of what he was to do – go up into a city of Judah – but he did not assume that his idea was correct. Even after God told him that he was indeed to go, David wanted further assurance that he was moving ahead in the will of the Lord. So, he asked him, “Which one?” God told him to go up to Hebron, a city with a rich spiritual and political history.
David’s inquiring of the Lord illustrates:
· The value of action. As we follow the Lord, it is important for us to “keep moving.” I believe that when we take the initiative in faith, God is pleased. We are not to be presumptuous, but we must actively seek to follow God. David had an idea what he was to do, and he presented it to God.
· The value of patient listening. Following the Lord also demands obedient and submissive spirits. Having received direction from God, we must be careful to continue following him. Experience has taught me that I need God to guide me after I start out, just as much as I need him to guide me before I begin.
Like David, let us inquire of the Lord – both in our action and in our patient listening.
Prayer: Lord, you promised that you would walk beside us to guide us. Help us to walk with you, but also to listen for your instructions as we go. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 98.1-9
1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 2 The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together 9 before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
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