Thurs.’s Devo - David’s Prayer

Read: 2 Samuel 22:21-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20 David continues his praise of God. He doesn’t mention his sin with Bathsheba, which shows that he knows he was completely forgiven. David didn’t live in condemnation or fear. He knew that everything he had accomplished was because of the Lord. God’s enemies were David’s enemies. All his victories were God’s victories. He understood when a king rules fearing the Lord, God will bring his blessings. *** David had many mighty warriors who fought for him and the Lord. He sang their praises and told of their exploits. Once while on a crusade, he became very thirsty and commented that he would love a drink from the well beside the gate at Bethlehem. Three of his men broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the well and brought it to David. He refused to drink it because these men had risked their lives to get it. He saw it as their blood and poured it out on the ground. *** The strangest story was of Benaiah who was the son of Jehoiada. He struck down two ariels of Moab. Ariels??? My commentary said they were “lionlike men.” Sounds like a demonic hybrid. Then he went and killed a real lion in a pit. *** In Acts, the day of Pentecost had arrived and just like Jesus had promised - his gift arrived. It came as a sound like rushing wind and filled the house they were in. Divided tongues of fire rested on the heads of each of them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues by the Spirit of God. *** Many men had come from all over Israel to celebrate Pentecost, They heard the disciples speaking in their language and knew they were locals who wouldn’t know their language. They were amazed because, in their language, the disciples were telling the mighty works of God. *** Some thought the disciples were drunk, but some one pointed out that it was 9:00 in the morning, so they probably weren’t drunk. Peter stood up and explained what was happening. He quoted the prophet Joel who said that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh and their sons and daughters would prophesy and their old men dream dreams. Even the servants would prophesy and they would all see wonders in the heavens and on the earth. Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. *** Peter explained that Jesus was sent to earth and did the mighty works of God, but they delivered him up to be crucified. God raised Jesus up and loosed him from death. David had prophesied and prayed that God would not abandon him to stay in Hades, but bring him into life. *** But, David did die and was buried. David was seeing ahead to the resurrection of Christ. Peter and his disciples were witnesses of Christ’ resurrection and now experiencing his promise to send his Spirit. *** Peter said, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, the Jesus whom you crucified.” *** The people were broken-hearted when they realized Peter was telling the truth. They asked what they could do and Peter told them to repent and be baptized in Jesus name to forgive there sins, then they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand agreed and accepted Jesus and were baptized in water and in spirit. *** Then, the new converts devoted themselves to learn from the apostles and fellowship with believers. They saw many signs and miracles at the hands of the apostles. They lived as one family eating and fellowshipping daily. Their numbers grew as they lifted up the Lord. *** Lord, we look forward to the day we will be see this same hunger for You and your Word. We pray for revival in our nation and in our cities. Let it start in our hearts.