Fri.’s Devo - David and Paul

Read: 1 Chron. 11:1-12:18, Acts 28:1-31, Ps. 9:1-12, Pr. 19:1-3 David is finally moving into his destiny of king. He goes from the enemy to the leader in one day. But first he must take Jerusalem from the Jebusites. He announced that whoever went first against them would be the leader. Joab took off first and became the leader. That is a great lesson. If you want a great leader, see who is willing to lay down his life for it. If you want to be a great leader, then start leading. Start doing the work. Notice it didn’t say start commanding other people to do the fighting. A leader goes first into battle and shows by his example. He’s not just a boss with a lot of rhetoric and good ideas. We also have the account of David’s three mighty men. To me, they stand for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then we have the credits of all David’s great men. Like David, Paul gets bit by a snake and goes from accused murderer to confirmed god in one day. While on that island he has the opportunity to pray and heal the leader of the island. This opens opportunities to heal many more people. Jesus used the same technique to show the people the love of God. He healed people. We do the opposite. We try to save people first and then think they may deserve God to heal them. Jesus and Paul healed them first, then they knew God loved them. When Paul got to Rome he started his teaching ministry. First to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. God gave him a house and freedom to have as many visitors as he wanted. Lord, looking at these two men: David and Paul, I realize how many hardships they went through, but also the great adventure they had in following you. It is truly fulfilling to walk with You.