“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers” (Acts 13:36 ESV).
The apostle Paul described King David’s life with a powerful summary during his sermon in Pisidian Antioch. He said David “served the purpose of God in his own generation.” Though David had many ups and downs—moments of triumph and times of failure—this epitaph described his life. He was remembered not for his fame, wealth, or power, but for faithfully fulfilling God’s calling in the time and place in which he lived. After serving God’s purpose, David “fell asleep,” a common biblical metaphor for death, and was laid to rest with his ancestors. Paul’s point was to contrast David’s earthly death and decay with the resurrection of Jesus, who did not see corruption. Still, this statement about David gives us a compelling vision for our own lives: we too are called to serve God’s purpose in our generation.
We were not born by accident or placed in this generation by chance. The same God who created David and called him has also created and called us. Each of us has a general purpose: to glorify God and make Him known. But we also have a specific purpose—good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. Like David, we must seek to know God’s will and walk in it, trusting Him with our whole lives. We may not be kings or public figures, but we are God’s people, chosen to serve Him in this time and place. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we living for God’s purpose in our generation? Are we being faithful with the gifts, opportunities, and calling He has given us?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for having a purpose for us in this life. You have placed us in this generation for a reason. Help us to discern the specific ways You have called us to serve You. Give us faith to obey, courage to act, and perseverance to finish well. May we, like David, be remembered as those who served Your purpose in our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.