What Will You Do With It?

Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 8

Scripture Focus: And David made a name for himself. (2 Samuel 8.13)

Devotional Thought: Aaron was given a great opportunity. "Would you like to open a store in South Carolina?" That was seven years ago. He accepted the offer, invested the capital, and got started. That was just the beginning. Hard work, long hours, and personal sacrifices were needed to get the business off the ground. But, he did it and made a business for himself. Some looked on with envy: "He had that business given to him..." No, he was given an opportunity and made something of it.

David was like that. God had promised to build a house for David. God made him an offer completely out of divine and infinite grace. But, that wasn't all the story. David had to accept the offer! David had to accept the terms of the offer. David had to work hard and wise to take advantage of the offer. And, that's what he did.

David made a name for himself. He was given the opportunity, but he had to do something with it.

All of us are like David in God's eyes. He loves each one of us with an infinite love. He makes us an offer that seems too good to be true: Exchange your poverty for my riches, your guilt for my forgiveness, your obscurity for my name, your death for my life. What an offer!

But then, we have to do something with it. With his strength and by his grace, we have to work hard to live into the name that he gives us. Self-denial, suffering, surrender, and obedience are all needed to form a character worthy of the gift.

Are you making a name for yourself?

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the unsearchable riches of your kindness, for the gift of life in Jesus, your Son. I receive your love and consecrate myself to achieve your purposes for me. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 102.12-17

12 But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;

you are remembered throughout all generations.

13 You will arise and have pity on Zion;

it is the time to favor her;

the appointed time has come.

14 For your servants hold her stones dear

and have pity on her dust.

15 Nations will fear the name of the Lord,

and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.

16 For the Lord builds up Zion;

he appears in his glory;

17 he regards the prayer of the destitute

and does not despise their prayer.