Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Samuel 23 and Psalm 99

In 2 Samuel 23, David lets us in on a little secret. At some point during his reign, the LORD Himself had imparted a word of great wisdom to David. God had shown David that the secret to a kingdom blessed by God was to rule with justice and the fear of the Lord. The key to a successful and godly reign was to make every decision based on the desire to please God (rather than to anger Him) and therefore to line up with Godly justice.

But now, at the end of his life, as David reflected on his own reign he realised that God had chosen to treat him with incredible grace. He had often not been that kind of ruler. He declares: “Although my house is not so with God, yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure.” (v.5) God’s blessing came to David despite his failings. It was grace, pure grace that had taken a “son of Jesse” (v.1) – a shepherd boy – and transformed him into a “man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob” (v.1). Our God truly is a God of grace!

Great God of grace, Your goodness goes before You. Thank You for adopting me as Your child, not because of my goodness but because of Your gracious love and kindness. Please empower me by Your Spirit to make decisions and live my life in ways that line up with Your justice and bring You pleasure. Amen.