By Tom Wiles
And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. — II Samuel 5
I took a moment to watch as the high school students were pouring out their hearts into their labor.
Some were scraping the old shingles off the roof. Others were hauling mountains of trash out of the backyard.
It took four days for nearly 30 of us to clean up the yard and reroof the house of a young man’s family in my friend’s ministry.
It was exhausting and exhilarating.
Blessed are those living for others.
King David watched, waited and trusted in the Lord all the way to his ascent to the throne.
It was not easy living on the run, hiding, and even pretending to be an enemy of his own people.
The Lord removed King Saul in his time and gave David the keys to the kingdom.
Once foreign kings began to send him gifts, he knew he was established and why, “for the sake of his (God’s) people Israel.”
We all have our brief moment in the sun.
We might not ever sit on a throne, but our life matters just the same.
Jesus died to rescue us from our sins. We were created in Christ for good works that he prepared for us in eternity past.
Why?
Too often we think God blesses us just for us.
David knew he was blessed to be a blessing to others.
Serve. Protect. Sacrifice. Love. These are the traits of true royalty.
God at work
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster upon Absalom! — II Samuel 17
I used to think that summer was road construction season. However, the never-ending reality of flashing signs and orange barrels lining the highways reveal that now all seasons are construction season.
The crews work during the day. They work during the night. The evidence of their work isn’t only seen in traffic jams but also in smooth roads and stable bridges, for which, we are all grateful.
Family problems are one thing, but a brother assaulting his sister and a brother killing his brother and a son attempting to kill his father is something completely different.
It goes way beyond the average family dysfunction.
The description above is of King David’s family! In the middle of this literal royal mess, we see God at work accomplishing his purposes.
No wise guy was going to derail that train.
Are there any messes in your world today?
Be encouraged. God is still at work. Seek him with your whole heart and ask him to show you where.
When he does, join him! He’s not done with you, or you wouldn’t be here.
Also, by the way, if you are providing the fuel for some of the messes around you, now is a great time to stop and change course.
Wiles is senior minister of Fall Creek Christian Church in Pendleton. He can be reached at 765-778-3166.