Under Authority
Opening Prayer
As you begin this time with God, take a moment to thank him for all he has done for you.
Read 2 SAMUEL 22:31-51
[31] “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. [32] For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? [33] It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. [34] He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. [35] He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. [36] You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. [37] You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. [38] “I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. [39] I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. [40] You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet. [41] You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. [42] They cried for help, but there was no one to save them- to the LORD, but he did not answer. [43] I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets. [44] “You have delivered me from the attacks of my people; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know are subject to me, [45] and foreigners come cringing to me; as soon as they hear me, they obey me. [46] They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. [47] “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! [48] He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me, [49] who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. [50] Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. [51] He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.” 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
For what is David thanking God here (38)?David has been a powerful king, and his song records the high points of his reign: the battles, the victories, the conquests. David has known great triumph. We may not be comfortable with the tone of the writing; it seems very prideful to talk about crushing enemies and seeing people cringe in defeat, but David had a job to do. He rejoices in a job well done, and gives credit where due: to God.
David’s greatness comes from the fact that he never forgot that all he did was done under God. Like the centurion who approached Jesus (Luke 7:8) David’s experience of authority teaches him that, while he has authority over others, he is himself acting under God’s authority. All David’s power, all the blessings, and all the authority come from God.
While we may not have a kingdom to run or battles to fight, God has a purpose for each of us, and it is God who has given us what we have. This is especially important when we have any sort of authority over others. Does my treatment of others reflect God’s loving dealings with me? How can I repay God’s trust in me to represent him?
Apply
How will you act today as you are representing God? Who can you treat in such a way as to reflect God’s love for them?
Closing prayer
God of power and might, may I use any authority I have to reflect the loving and good way You relate to me.
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