This teaching is based on 2 Samuel Chapters 8 and 9.
"He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people." 2 Samuel 8: 14-15.
Most conquering kings of the Bible were not very sensitive and caring. They don't worry about the welfare of individuals; they simply wanted to accumulate things. They wanted more treasure, prettier wives, and more land. As King David's power grew, however, his concern for the welfare of those in his kingdom grew, too. But, David was no ordinary king. The Scriptures give him the honor of being called "a man after God's own heart." I know of no higher praise in Heaven or on Earth. When a king, or anyone with authority, starts to rise in power, you do not usually see them showing compassion on the way up. In fact, they usually climb over the corpses of those they killed on the way up! But David displayed an unusual heart for his people.
Just what was it that made David a good king? Why did he see himself as responsible for the care and protection of his subjects? I believe it was the years he spent as a shepherd. All those years, David thought he was just tending sheep, but Adoni was actually molding the man Jesus, The Messiah, would descend from. This demonstrates that The Father has a plan for each one of us. Those seeking after Him need to be trained in various ways for the authority they will later receive. With Moses, it was forty years in the desert, to toughen and strengthen him and his people. With David, it was being a shepherd. But David didn't know that. When we get depressed and confused about our circumstances, remember David. And Moses. If you are a Christian seeking Jehovah's will, you must allow him to train you for the task He has ahead for you.
"And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Notice this verse does not say "some things" work together for good. It says all things work together for good. If we truly desire to be God's man, we must put the needs of others ahead of our own. And what we do accomplish should honor our Creator and serve our neighbors. We are to follow the example set by Christ. The world tells us to lie, cheat, steal, and kill to get to the top. But we are not to follow the world.
"Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." Mark 10:42-44
David was so successful because he honored God; in return; Our Father honored him. Most of the world has either never learned or has forgotten that the secret to true success is seeking God's Will, and then giving Him honor for their accomplishments. We must remember that true success is only possible when our Lord is leading us. Some may achieve what the world may define as "success" without following or honoring God, but that success will be temporary and will not carry over into eternity. Like King David knew, true success is honoring our Father in this world and for all eternity. Any other success is "as filthy rags."
Copyright 2007 Timothy E. Davis