Jesus is hailed as the "son of David" (Matthew 1:1). Nearly 1,000 years had passed since David was king - and Israel had never stopped longing for another king like him. They should have longed, not for a king like David, but for a boy like David. When he was young, his heart was full of love for the Lord; with no armor but his trust in God, the little boy courageously ventured out and toppled the gigantic warrior Goliath.
But once ensconced in his palace in Jerusalem, his childlike dependence upon God shrank as his stature soared. We may ask: Am I like David? If all is swell, if I have plenty, do I pat myself on the back? and forget to pray? But when times are rough, when the road is dark, do I not live into my faith more fully? What are the perils of success? and of possessions?
David flexed his power, fighting violent battles not of God; David lusted after Bathsheba and greedily took her. Jesus was the David who might have been, with childlike devotion to God, shedding his might so he could see us Davids as forgiven. "The Lord sees not as we see; we look on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).
Lord, you are our King; we are your dependent children.
James
james@mpumc.org
