Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33
David got it in his heart to give God what had blessed him. He now lived in a beautiful palace and he wanted God to be honored the same way. Nathan approved until God spoke to Nathan and told him to tell David that he had never been confined to a “house”. He had always traveled with his people in a tent. David was not to build this house, but his son would build him a house and through him God would establish His kingdom. It would be a dynasty of kings that would continue forever. It would be an eternal blessing.
David went to defeat the Philistines taking their largest town and only allowing one third to live to be his servants and pay him tribute. He also defeated the forces of Hadadezer, the Syrian king. The Armeaneans came to help the Syrian so he took their capital, Damascus, and they became subject to him and paid him tribute also. Other nations brought David gold and silver in honor of his greatness. The Edomites were also defeated and they fell subject to David and brought him tribute.
David reigned over Israel and did what was just and right for his people. He appointed holy men to lead his army, write their history, serve as priests and serve as his personal body guard. His own sons served as priestly leaders. When righteous people reign, the nation is exalted (Proverbs 14:34).
In John, Jesus explained the characteristics of the Holy Spirit. He is another Advocate who will never leave us. An advocate is a lawyer who pleads another man’s cause. According to Webster’s it means the transfer by a superior court to itself of an action pending in an inferior court. In other words, Holy Spirit is our lawyer who takes our prayers of what is going on earth up to heaven and he advocates for us in Heaven’s courts. He is truth, so he knows what the truth is of everything hidden or exposed.
It was Holy Spirit’s mission to remind the disciples everything that Jesus had said so they could write it down for them and for all who would read it afterwards.
Jesus left them with the gift of peace of mind and heart. He was going away but they would never be alone. He wanted them to know that what was about to happen to him was the Father’s will and he was bowing to his will. The world was not taking his life, he was laying it down for his Father and for them.
Lord, thank you for Holy Spirit, our Advocate who knows everything that is going on in our world and knows how to fight for us in your court. We gladly lay down our lives for your cause.
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