The Old Covenants
Favor With God Written By: Sheree O’Pry
II Samuel 7: 8-16 (NLT)
8. “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you form tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 9. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who had ever lived on the earth! 10. And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 11. Starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people, Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “ ‘Furthermore, the LORD declares that he will make a house for you–a dynasty of kings! 12. For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13. He is the one who will build a house–a temple–for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14. I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15. But my favor will not be taken from his as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”
Our Father in heaven, bless the reading and the reader of this word. Amen
David was just a young man between 16-19 years old when he slew Goliath. Chosen by God to be one of the greatest military leaders. I chuckle at David’s age. Most young men at this age feel invincible. Could this be the reason God chose him at this age? And the victory he had over Goliath gave him the confidence he needed to move forward in his military duties assigned by the LORD. He went on to become one of the greatest kings ever appointed by God. In Acts 13:22 (NIV) Paul describes the relationship between God and David…’I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Do you see how God drew from his relationship with David? His favor came in the obedience David gave him. We can find the same favor! I asked my husband a question I pondered on. “Would you do anything different if you knew for absolute certainty that there was no God?” His response was this, “No I wouldn’t because I love the peace I have in believing in Him!”. I feel the same way. And I believe that is the obedience God wants. Even though David sinned the key was when he realized his sin he fell very deeply into great repentance and conviction. He spent days on his knees before the LORD asking forgiveness and in great meditation and adoration for God’s love. And God raised him up and blessed him. Do you recognize your shortcomings and sin? He will do the same for us as we go before Him with deep regret and repentance. He will raise us up to be more than we ever thought we could be and our relationship with him will be deeper and sweeter than ever. He has made it so simple for us through His Son.
Thank you, LORD, for the blessings we receive through the reading of your word and how it can change our lives. Help us to rise up like a David by being obedient and by doing everything you would have us to do. May we know when we fail you, it is our bended knee and repentant heart that cleans the slate. May your mercy always be on us as we walk daily through this life seeking you. Amen
