David the King

Have you ever had a life-changing moment, where “all the stars seem to align” and it seems like your destiny is figured out? It could be a big thing or a small thing. Others might not understand the importance to you, but in your own way, it seemed to solidify your life plan. The rush of emotions and confidence that follows seems to carry you forward for a while, but a bump in the road arises and causes you to question your certainty. 

That is definitely part of the human experience. I made the basketball team, so I thought it was a good sign that I was going to be the next Michael Jordan. And then, the next season I was cut and I realized that I had misplaced expectations. Making the team was huge, but I definitely began to dream beyond my talents.

However, there are times when God brings things to a point in our life that are defining, and he does have a call on our life. The moment in Trinidad when I was on a youth missions trip and sensed God calling me to pursue pastoral ministry. I was 19, and still had college, seminary, and several jobs ahead of me before that calling came to fruition. There were many frustrations that I encountered that caused me to question my calling, to second guess my decisions, and I almost pursued another path. 

David’s rise to king of Israel is a lot like that. He was a young teenager shepherding his father’s flock when, out of nowhere, the prophet of God anoints him as the next king of Israel. God’s choice for king. Now that is a defining moment, but the kingship wasn’t actualized for a decade or two later. 

READ 1 Samuel 18 – 2 Samuel 4 for the context.

Certainly, that moment gave David confidence and zeal, demonstrated in his boldness before Goliath. That propelled him into good favor with king Saul, at least for a moment, and he was brought into proximity of the king. Yet several years were spent dodging the spears of a king who had forfeited his right to the throne. Yet David never forced God’s hand or took matters into his own hands. He waited patiently for God to move. 

After years in the wilderness, hiding in caves, hiding in enemy cities, and fighting many battles, David’s time was upon him. King Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle. If I were David, I would think that was a good indicator that his time had come. Only it didn’t, not right away. Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was anointed king of Israel. A small part of Israel, Hebron, anointed David as king, but now the nation was fractured. 

READ 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9

You could understand if David wondered about his calling. Maybe this was the kingship God had prophesied and he built it up in his mind like my Michael Jordan musings. No, God had made a covenant with David and was still working. David’s life was never dull, and there was a lot of drama between friends, but eventually, the nation recognized David as the true king of Israel. We know that David’s life wasn’t perfect, but he ushered in the “Golden Era” of the nation of Israel. 

As king, David united the kingdom and established its borders. He built up Jerusalem and established a fortified city. He desired to build a Temple for the Lord, but God said that the task was not for David, for David was a man of war. Yet, David’s son, Solomon, was chosen to build David’s plan for he was a man of peace. 

Truly, David’s life was a depiction of Proverbs 16:9:

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

The disciples of Jesus had their moment as well, when Jesus called them to follow him, they thought the Messiah had come to rescue Israel from the Roman occupation. Jesus did call them to change the world, but not in the way they anticipated. When Jesus was crucified, they all scattered and doubted the calling of the Lord on their life. You could sympathize with them as their leader was put to death before their dreams can to fruition. 

Yet the resurrection changed everything! God was at work and Jesus is alive. God’s call on their life wasn’t wasted or lost. No, it was bigger and grander than they could have imagined! Jesus didn’t come to release one nation from occupation, he came to set all who believe from their slavery to sin, shame, and judgment. 

This is our human story, God isn’t finished. He’s at work and he will establish your steps. Keep your eyes on Jesus and walk with him and you will see his faithfulness in your life (Heb. 12:2).