Learning From A Giant Killer (Part 1)

Learning from a Giant Killer

Selected Passages

Lessons from the life of David

December 30, 2007

Evening Message

This message was written with the aid of two major sources

David: A man of Passion and Destiny by Charles R Swindoll

David: A man after God’s own heart by J. Vernon McGee

Introduction

If I asked you who the most prominent character of the Old Testament was, I would likely get a variety of answers. There are several good choices because there are so many memorable people.

Adam: He is the source of the entire human race and his failure set into motion the work of salvation

Noah: He is the ultimate survivor through a life of radical obedience to God

Abraham: He is the source of the nation of Israel and the example of living faith in God

Moses: he led the people out of their bondage in Egypt and to the Promised Land. Moses was likely the greatest leader in all of the history of Israel

Joshua: He was the great warrior leader who led the conquest of Canaan

Elijah: He was likely the greatest of all the prophets and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.

Of all the characters in the Bible, David has one of the most pivotal roles in Israel’s history. The life of David is recorded in sixty two chapters of the Old Testament and 59 separate references in the New Testament. (David: A man of Passion and Destiny p. 195)

Think of everything that links to David:

The succession of Saul

The unification of Israel under one king

The greatest expansion of Israel in history

The temporary subduing of the Philistines

The promise of the Messiah

The linage of Jesus

The kingdom of Israel at its apex

The family line of kings that fills Old Testament history

The construction of the temple (David planned and Solomon built)

All of these things are part of the life that David led and the legacy that he helped to create. David truly was the greatest hero of Israel’s history. He led a life of courage, compassion and contrasts. David lived a life of destiny and legacy. As we look at the life of David we learn a number of valuable lessons for life.

True greatness comes only from God (2 Samuel 7:8-9)

8 "Now then, tell my servant David, `This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. 2 Samuel 7:8-9

When chapter seven opens, David is at a time of peace. God had given him peace from all of his enemies. As David is sitting in is palace made with cedar wood, an example of his vast wealth, he becomes concerned with the Ark. He wanted to put the Ark in equally lavish housing instead of the tent in the tabernacle.

David had the desire to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. He sought the counsel of Nathan, the prophet and begins to make plans for the construction of a glorious temple. Nathan returns with a message from God that David is not the man to build the temple. There was nothing wrong with David’s desire. There was nothing wrong with David wanting to pursue this task for God but he was not the man for the job.

Even when God says no to David, He reminds him of all that he has accomplished. God raised David from the sheep pen to the king’s palace. He made David into a great hero by simply being with him wherever he went. David also was given peace by God destroying his enemies. Make no mistake David was blessed by God.

God however teaches David an important lesson, greatness come only from God himself. Look at what God tells David: I will make your name great. David could do nothing to make his name great but when he allowed God to have control of his life, then he would become great.

The same is true of us as well; there is nothing that you and I can do to make ourselves great. We might be able to get some recognition here and there but to have true greatness that comes only from God.

Allow the heart of God to lead your life (1 Samuel 13:13-14, 2 Chronicles 16:9)

13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command."