David: A Man of God

As we’ve learned this month, the Bible compares the life of a Christian to running a race. In fact, Hebrews 12:1 has been our go-to verse: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Who are the witnesses? It’s those in Hebrews 11 who died in faith.

Another one of those individuals is David (Heb. 11:32-34), who is described as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).

David vs. Goliath: A Man of Courage (I Sam. 17) — David did not back down, cower in fear or retreat at the sight of the giant. In fact, David didn’t even acknowledge the size of Goliath. David’s faith was that God was with him. God had delivered him in the past, and David had confidence that God would deliver him again. David knew that God would win, and God wants His children to have that same courage.

David vs. Saul: A Man of Integrity (I Sam. 24, 26) — Saul hated David. He wanted David dead. Saul viewed David, who had already been anointed as the next king, as a threat. How serious was Saul? He ordered 3,000 men to hunt David. But in both of these chapters, David has opportunities to kill Saul, but he doesn’t. In the face of temptation, David did the right thing. David realized God did not want him to take matters into his own hands. He had high regard for the anointed king and great respect for God. David waited for God’s timing, and we must, too.

David vs. Himself: A Man of Sorrow (II Sam. 11-12) — After David becomes king, his life becomes a mess because of the sin of adultery. He had become his own worst enemy. God sends a prophet, Nathan, because He was “displeased” (11:27). What made David a man of sorrow? David receives the rebuke from Nathan, and confesses his sin with an honest and good heart. He doesn’t argue with Nathan. He doesn’t make excuses or points the finger at Bathsheba. He simply says, “I have sinned against the Lord” (12:13). True repentance changes your conduct, and that’s what happened to David. He learned from his mistakes, and grew as a man and as a leader.

-- Steven Matthews