Established by God

King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, and masons and carpenters to build a house for him. David then perceived that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.                                                                         1 Chron. 14.1,2

The actions of Hiram of Tyre indicate an international acknowledgement and acceptance of David as King of Israel. He himself sees God’s affirmation of him.

Nothing is impossible to God. I have no difficulty in seeing God behind the scenes working on, and with, Hiram. Indeed, there are other examples in the Bible story of God working with worldly forces to bring about His plans (e.g. Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus).

If I apply this thinking to the world situation today, I could be tempted to ask “Where is God in this?”, “Why doesn’t He act?”, “Why does He allow the various injustices that play out on the world stage, especially the persecution of those who faithfully follow Him?”, “Why, even in the most stable of countries, does He tolerate damaging and destructive behaviour?”

I sense this is where I need to exercise faith, and believe that God may not be inactive, but realise also that His ways are not my ways. I will trust God but I will also keep myself open to Him and alert to His leading in my life. All of history is known to this omniscient Being. He holds the past, the present and the future.

God led David diligently and faithfully. He is there for the world today. He is there for me. I will go with Him.

Lord God,

I pray for the world today, and for my place in it. As You led David and made the way for him so, please, lead us, and me, in Your ways. I give myself to Your plan and pray for wisdom and constant alertness to Your ways for me. I ask for courage to be obedient in all things.                 Amen.

Collaboration

These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the LORD.                     1 Chron. 12.23                                                                                        

The chronicler continues by listing contingents from the twelve tribes of Israel who came to David’s support and to replace him as king instead of Saul. David had support from representatives of every part of God’s people.

What I see here is God and people working together. There is a harmony which only willing collaboration can bring. I wonder if the men involved knew they were working for God! They may well have felt goodwill in coming together. They might have experienced the amazing peace that only God can produce. But did they know that they were working directly and in harmony with the mighty and all-loving God?

I sense God saying something like: “Sometimes I let my people know clearly and without any doubt that they are working in holy partnership with me. At other times they may simply have a sense that they are doing the right thing. They may feel good about what they are doing. Yet again there may be times when human realisation and response is somewhere between the two examples above. What is important to me is that humanity gives itself into my plan and is willing to be guided and directed by me. My plans for you are truly wonderful. You can have no real conception of what I might do if only you allow me. So, give yourself freely into my will and my way, and get ready to be astounded!”

Lord, Great God and Loving Father,

I come! I give myself to You in all the fullness that I can muster. I ask You to take me and release those parts of me that I seem unable to let go of. Have Your way fully in me, in Jesus’ name I ask.                Amen.

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