2 Samuel & 1 Chronicles – Remember who you are
Now these are the last words of David.
Thus says David the son of Jesse;
Thus says the man raised up on high,
The anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel: 2 Samuel 23:1
The books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles cover the life of King David. Samuel wrote 2 Samuel just after the events he describes transpired, while Ezra likely authored 1 Chronicles many years later expanding on stories from the books of Samuel and Kings. Both books, though, follow the life of King David, one of the greatest leaders in history and one called “a man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22)
David had a simple and yet profound trust and love for God which revealed itself in his life in courage and fearlessness. Whether facing the giant, Goliath, or the entire Philistine army, he always moved in the confidence of God. David knew who he was. In fact, his last words, transcribed in 2 Samuel 23, begin with him revealing his heart, calling himself “the man God raised up, or exalted; the anointed of God, the sweet psalmist of Israel,” this is who he was.
For the most part, his life is a reflection of who he was at his core, but there were times he forgot who he was and gave in to the lusts of the flesh and the power that his calling had granted him. One such time is recorded in chapter eleven where it says:
“It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1
David was king and as Samuel records it here, this was a time kings took their place in the field and led their armies, as David himself had always done. But this time he stayed behind, the text doesn’t say why. But while he was in Jerusalem and not where he should have been, he found himself on his roof where he saw a young woman bathing, he inquired about her, sent for her, committed adultery with her, as she was married to a man in Davids own military service. The young woman conceived which led to David arranging for her husband to be placed on the front lines, effectively sending him to his death. Lust, adultery, murder. Why?
David forgot who he was. Vocationally he was king. As such he had a job to do. He was called to shepherd Israel and this time of year that meant lead the troops. But even deeper than his calling was his core. He was a man of faith and depth, the sweet psalmist, raised up and anointed of God.
Forgetting who you are will lead to distraction, sin, and consequences.
I often tell my children and my grandchildren before they compete, or go to school, or venture out with friends, “Remember who you are.” In the immediate context, I am telling them that whatever they encounter to remember that we are part of each other, my blood flows through their veins, they represent our family, our integrity, our honor. And, personally, I am telling them to remember that they are Christian, they are not their own, they have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and are ambassadors for Christ – they represent their Lord.
Everything we do or say will be a reflection of our calling and our core. Satan would like to distract you with the lusts of the flesh and trip you, get you to be something that you are not. Don’t fall for it.
Like David you are someone’s son:
He was the son of Jesse. Jesse’s blood coursed through Davids' veins and David represented his father and his family. My dad wasn’t perfect but I honor him and the name he gave me. My children don’t have a perfect father, but their lives reflect a better me. Some people don’t know their earthly father, some have nothing but bad experiences with their parents, but we all can do this; we can thank God for life and the opportunity to know a heavenly Father who will be to them everything their earthly father or mother could not be.
Like David you have been ‘raised up’ by God:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2
Like David you have been ‘anointed’ by God:
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you…” 1 John 2:27. This is the seal of the Holy Spirit.
Like David you are a ‘sweet psalmist’ of God:
Now, not all of us sing or write poetry, but all of us communicate somehow, usually by conversation, and that conversation should reflect the glory, goodness, and love of God.
This is who you are, loved one, if you are a Christian. This is your core. Remember who you are.
Sincerely,
Ed
