In this blog post, we delve into the life of David, who was renowned for being a man after God’s heart. We will discuss the significance of the heart posture in our relationship with God, drawing lessons from David’s life that resonate with our spiritual life today.
David is Anointed as Saul’s replacement
David’s story begins in 1 Samuel 16, where the prophet Samuel is mourning the rejection of Saul as king. God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king from the house of Jesse. When Samuel arrives, he sees Jesse’s sons and initially assumes that the eldest, Eliab, is the chosen one. However, God reveals a profound truth in 1 Samuel 16 verse 7,
“ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
This moment sets the stage for our understanding of why David was chosen as King in contrast to God’s rejection of King Saul which we discussed in the previous blog post, Why God rejected Saul as King of Israel.
Jesse presents his sons to the prophet Samuel, but none of them are chosen by God. Jesse then reveals that he has another son David, who was tending the sheep. This highlights David’s humble position in the family, but when he arrives, it is David who is anointed as king. This shows that God values the condition of the heart over societal status and outward appearance.
David versus Goliath: A case of faith over fear
Fast forward to 1 Samuel 17, where Israel faces the daunting challenge of Goliath, a giant who taunts the Israelite army. Goliath challenges the Israelites to choose a warrior who will fight him one-on-one, and the nation who loses will serve the winning nation. This proposition is not so simple though as Goliath is a giant who is six cubits and a span long, which is over 9 feet!
David who is not originally part of the war, is sent by his father to deliver supplies to his brothers who are soldiers in the battle. Upon hearing Goliath’s threats, David is filled with righteous anger. He could not understand why this giant, who does not know God, dared to speak against the armies of the living God.
David’s response is remarkable. He asks,
“What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26
King Saul hears this and attempts to dissuade him because of his youth and inexperience. However, David recounts his victories over lions and bears while protecting his sheep, asserting that Goliath will be no different.
His faith leads him to confront Goliath in combat, armed with only a sling and five stones. The giant mocks him and curses him by his gods but David boldly declares,
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”1 Samuel 17:45-47
With a single stone, David defeats Goliath, showcasing his unwavering courage and faith in God. David won the battle against Goliath because he feared God much more than he feared men.
The Qualities of David’s heart
Let’s go over some of the qualities of David that made him a man after God’s heart.
David trusted God amidst trials
Following his victory over Goliath, David became a celebrated hero, but his success bred jealousy in Saul. As the people sang his praises, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7), Saul’s wrath was kindled and he sought to kill David. David faced several years of persecution while he was on the run for his life. Despite the trials, David remained steadfast in his faith in God and encouraged himself in God.
David had a heart of integrity
Even when he had opportunities to kill Saul, David refused. He chose instead to uphold his integrity. He understood that Saul was God’s anointed, and he determined that he would not raise his hand against him. This decision reflects David’s deep respect for God’s authority and his commitment to honouring God.
David had a heart of repentance
David was not without faults; however, he was quick to repent, and this set him apart. Whenever he sinned, he turned back to God with a broken and contrite heart. This attitude of repentance is crucial in maintaining a relationship with God, contrasting sharply with King Saul’s refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoings even when they were pointed out.
David’s Legacy
Years later, after He becomes King, David expresses a desire to build a house for the Lord, recognizing that the Ark of the Covenant resided in a tent while he lived in the palace. This desire stemmed from his heart for God, which was without compulsion. Although God responded by saying David would not be the one to build the temple, He promised that David’s throne would be established forever because of his desire to build the Lord’s house This promise highlights the significance of David’s heart posture in his relationship with God.
Key Takeaways
- God values the heart over outward appearances.
- David feared God above men, and this led him to victory over Goliath.
- Integrity, repentance and confidence in God are crucial in maintaining a relationship with God.
- David’s desire to honour God resulted in a legacy for generations to come.
Conclusion
David’s life teaches us invaluable lessons about the importance of the heart posture in our relationship with God. He was a man after God’s own heart not because he was perfect, but because he sought to honour God, demonstrated integrity, and repented when he fell short. As we reflect on David’s journey, may we strive to cultivate a heart that seeks after God, valuing our relationship with Him above all else.
Say a prayer with me
Lord Jesus, search my heart and help me to love you above all else. Amen.
Leave a comment if this post resonates with you. I’d love to hear from you.
