Wednesday, July 01, 2015

You Can Do Great Things

Image from abcparish.blogspot.com

2 Samuel 5:1-5; 9-10 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, "Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel." So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

What distinguishes great people from good or average people? Great people always seek to do better today than they did yesterday. They are never content with their performance or service, and seek ways to improve. Great people also know that they accomplish nothing alone, but do so with the power of God helping them, and leading them. This comes from the Bible and in persons like David in this story. David, faithful to God since boyhood, always sought the Lord and to serve the Lord. Evidence is shown here as the people of Israel and Judah come together to ask that David become king over both of them. They had seen the caring shepherd quality that he had learned as a boy over sheep applied to the way he ruled as king. Now, he was asked to be king over them as well as Judah.

You may not be king, but whatever you have control over, you can do greater things, if you invite the Lord to be with you. You have to have a humble heart, like David, to seek the Lord more and more. You have to have a loving heart, to care for people and to work together with them if you are to lead them. And you have to be a person of deep and constant prayer. The key verse in this passage to me is the last one; "And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him." If God is with you, strive to do even more in whatever you are doing for Him. If you feel God is not with you, seek God and invite God into your life and heart; great things await. But, do your part, seek to do more and more, and realize you may just have to get out of your comfort zone, out of your pew, out of your house, and into the world that awaits God's blessings through you.

PRAYER: Loving God of hosts, bless this dear reader to become a blessing for You and to You. Be with us in all things and in all ways, and lead us to greatness in service and humility for You. This we pray in the name of He who is King of Kings, Jesus our Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde