Series: Israel’s 2nd King- David [#17]
FINALLY
2 Samuel 5:1-5
Introduction:
Have you ever worked and worked for something; and finally, you got it? Whether it was a job or a degree or a relationship; it is a relief to finally reach that goal. That is what David experienced- He was the anointed King of Israel while Saul chased him for years. Then, he was anointed as the King of Judah instead of Israel because Ishbosheth set himself up as the King of Israel.
Once Abner was killed, the 11 Tribes of Israel that were under Ishbosheth began to fear David; and 2 men of Israel went in and murdered Ishbosheth. Finally, David was anointed as the King of Israel.
2 Samuel 5:1-5
When you finally realize your goal…
1. Don’t forget where you came from.
The people of Israel had been watching the way David handled the deaths of Abner and of Ishbosheth; and they approved. Instead of seeing a man gloat over the deaths of his enemies, they saw a man who was trying to pull all 12 Tribes of Israel together. They saw a man who followed God. Notice that all 11 Tribes met David at Hebron and made him King over Israel.
David could have reminded them how they followed Saul and then Ishbosheth although God had already made him the King of Israel. The people acknowledged that David was the person who brought great victories for King Saul; and that God had anointed him as King. Instead of David rubbing that in, he made a covenant with them before the Lord.
David did not forget where he had come from. David had not forgotten that he had been a shepherd boy, an armorbearer, a musician, a military leader, and a fugitive. He followed God’s leading wherever he was lead- We need to do the same. When you have a great victory, don’t forget where the victory came from; and don’t forget where God has brought you from.
When you finally realize your goal…
2. Don’t stop, keep going.
After David was anointed as King, he didn’t waste any time on celebrations- He began to plan where the new Capital of Israel would be. Jerusalem was that place. Jerusalem was centrally located, it was a City that was easy to defend, it was easily accessible to the sea, it had plenty of water via rainfall and the Gihon spring, and was in neutral territory- The Jebusites had controlled Jerusalem since the days of Joshua and it was not a bad political decision in the region to take Jerusalem.
Conclusion:
Often times in life, we are taught to be good losers; but we also need to learn how to be good winners. This also teaches us to not stop just because we have met a goal. When God is finished using you on this Earth, He will take you home to Heaven.
