For The Sake of Others

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 14-15

And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel. (1 Chronicles 14.2)

Devotional Thought: I once had a friend who told me, "If you ever see a toad on top of a fence post, you know that someone had to put him up there."  Any claim to fame that I may have reminds me that I am "that toad"!

King David was "that toad", too.  God put him on a "fence post".  As king, David was...

• Established.  The Lord established David, making his throne "stable, secure, and enduring."  This was fulfilled in Christ Jesus.  We, too, are established in Christ Jesus: "It is God who establishes us with you in Christ" (2 Corinthians 1.21).  Even when in suffering, we have assurance that God has established us: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (1 Peter 5.10).

• Exalted.  In order to care for his people, God establishes rulers and shepherds to guide them.  God elevates these leaders so that the sheep of his pasture will be able to see them and to follow them with confidence.  It is not exaltation for exaltation's sake, but it is for the sake of God's people.

• Emptied.  David's kingdom was exalted "for the sake of his people Israel.  David - along with all Christian servants - had to empty himself of pride and ambition.  We must remember that God's purpose in choosing one is to save others!

All of us are God's servants, and our posts are neither high nor low.  We simply serve the Master in the way he has commanded.  Let us be faithful as stewards in God's house.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you have established me in the faith.  In this blessed position, help me to live for the sake of others that they, too, may know you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 42:1-7

1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation

6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.