A Singer of Songs
Opening Prayer
Pause to thank God now that his loving hand is at work in all of your life today and every day.
Read 2 SAMUEL 23:1-7
[1] These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel’s singer of songs: [2] “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. [3] The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, [4] he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.’ [5] “Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire? [6] But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. [7] Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How does David say God uses a righteous ruler?It is popular nowadays at a funeral to play music which represents in some way the person who has died. A frequent choice is “My Way,” made popular by Frank Sinatra. In contrast, this passage (which would have been something that David prepared to be read at his funeral rather than the last words he spoke) makes it very clear that David’s priority has been to do it God’s way.
David has achieved huge power, popularity and success, but he describes himself not primarily as a king, but as Israel’s singer of songs (1). This is not just referring to his composition of the psalms. His whole kingship has been an attempt to listen to God’s spirit (2) and to reflect that in his actions, to sing God’s song with his life and his rule of God’s people.
This rule has been “in the fear of God” (3); not a dread of punishment but a respect for God as the ultimate authority before whom David is a servant, his life lived both in authority and submission. There is no better pattern for kingship or any other sort of leadership.
Apply
What would you like to be said of you after your death? How are you living now so that your desire may happen?
Closing prayer
Lord, show me how to live my life so in tune with You that, when I die, people will say that my life truly honored You.
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