July 17, 2016
When the warrior poet David became king, he set apart musicians and singers for the worship of the Lord. As an accomplished player of the lyre and a writer of psalms, his love of music was apparent. He elevated music to a regular feature of worship. Prior to this we have little record of music’s place in Jewish worship. We know that Moses set apart priests from the tribe of Levi to serve in the temple worship and that he wrote and performed at least three worship songs (Ex. 15, Deut. 32, and Psa. 90). But David was the first to “set apart” musicians from the Levites to join their brothers in worship. God gifted them, so that they “prophesied” with musical instruments and singing. This is the highest purpose of both spoken and musical language, that it would forth-tell (“prophesy”) the Word of God. And so, believing humanity joined the angels and the stars (Job 38:7) in the heavenly chorus of praise to God.
July 14, 2016
When David told the prophet Nathan of his desire to build a house for the Lord, the Word of the Lord came to Nathan during the night saying that He was instead going to build a house for David. The Word of the Lord spoke of a Son that would be born to David’s line that would build His house and establish an eternal kingdom. In other words, the Messiah, the Christ would be born to David’s house. David’s response is revealing. “Who am I?” Indeed. Who are we that God would give us this Christ, so that we might be built into His house?
July 15, 2015
When David sinned against the Lord by calling for a census of Israel, the prophet Gad brought a word of warning to him. God was going to judge Israel because of David’s sin, but He allowed David to choose from three possible judgments. David chose to put Israel in God’s hand. He repented of his sin and entrusted himself to God’s righteous judgment and great mercy.
Today, the Word of the Lord offers a choice to us. We may choose the mercy of God by repenting and receiving the Son of David, Jesus the Christ. Or we may choose the judgment of God by choosing to stand on our own merits.
July 14, 2015
When David told the prophet Nathan of his desire to build a house for the Lord, the Word of the Lord came to Nathan during the night saying that He was instead going to build a house for David. The Word of the Lord spoke of a Son that would be born to David’s line that would build His house and establish an eternal kingdom. In other words, the Messiah, the Christ would be born to David’s house. David’s response is revealing. “Who am I?” Indeed. Who are we that God would give us this Christ?
July 13, 2015
David’s first attempt at transporting the ark to Jerusalem failed when Uzzah was struck dead by God while reaching out to steady the ark when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. David became so afraid of God that they left the ark there. But after a season, David researched this with the Levites and discovered that he had not followed God’s instructions for carrying the ark. It was not to be carried by oxen and cart. It was to be carried by men, specifically, set-apart men from the priestly house of Levi. And they were to carry it in a very specified way- “with the poles on their shoulders.” They were to carry it with their faces towards the ark and the backs towards the world, being careful not to touch it, but to honor it and not let it fall.
David learned to follow God’s Word in how he worshiped. How we worship matters to God.
July 19, 2014
What David taught Solomon is what every father and mother should teach their children: How to know God. Notice the verbs: “Learn, worship, serve.” This is a great 3-part course in training your child to know God. Also notice the way that David wants Solomon to act on these three imperatives: 1) know God “intimately,” 2) worship God “whole heartedly,” and 3) serve God “willingly.” Are you teaching your children these things? Have you learned them yet?
July 19, 2012
David’s prayer as he donated his wealth to the building of the temple. He recognized that even our ability to give comes from God. Like David, when we recognize God’s ownership and our stewardship, we are found trustworthy to manage God’s resources.
July 14, 2012
We can learn much from David’s prayer life. God has honored us with the gift of life through Jesus His Son, even while we were “yet sinners” (Rom.5:8). As David said, God knows what we are “really like.” I’m so thankful that God has loved me and saved me, even though He knows what I’m really like. Aren’t you?
July 13, 2012
David wrote this song of thanksgiving for the Levites to sing on the day they carried the Ark into Jerusalem. Today, the very Presence of God abides in us through Christ. We are His tabernacle. If David had cause to celebrate, we have more. So, let us give thanks and proclaim God’s greatness to the whole world!
July 19, 2011
How David described God’s inspiration of the temple plans. God gave him both the vision and the understanding. I pray that we have such for our church!