Month: October 2023

引言：

大卫从他自己人生的经历，从许多不同层面来认识神。

一、祂创造的世界（v1-6）

神用听不见的言语在传递祂的信息。以致当我们抬头观看大自然，观看日月星宿，就可以让我们来认识神，认识神创造的伟大和奇妙。每当我们思想神的创造，也在提醒我们，我们所相信的神是这么的伟大。

二、祂赐下的话语（v7-11)

神还藉圣经传达的全备话语。这些话语就是耶和华的律法，是从耶和华来的律例，是神的训诲、命令和典章。当我们坚持每天读神的话语，并且思想、遵行的时候，就会发现许多事物不再成为生命的捆绑，许多难处不再成为生活的阻挡，并体会到神的话语‘比金子可羡慕’、‘比蜜甘甜’。

三、祂所喜悦的祭（v12-14)

大卫虽然是君王，但仍然知道自己不能自大骄傲，也知道人常常无法察觉自己的错误。因此他求神保守他不要骄傲，这样才能躲过大罪。凡在灵性上有长进，获得成就的人，都是在诸般的管教及试炼中学习出来的。因此，我们千万不可轻看管教，这会让我们的生命改变，并使我们每日的言语和意念蒙神悦纳！

总结：

弟兄姐妹，神是一位愿意启示自己的神。祂是说话的神，祂也盼望我们愿意聆听并且经历改变，使我们的生命可以蒙神悦纳！

Psalm 19 Must Know the Lord
GK611 Morning Devotion
19/10/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Stella Ling

Introduction：

David came to know God on many different levels from his own life experiences.

1. The World He Created (v1-6)

God is communicating His message in inaudible words. So much so that when we look up and watch nature and the sun, moon and stars, it allows us to come to know God and the greatness and wonder of His creation. Whenever we think about God’s creation, we are also being reminded that the God we believe in is so great.

2. The Word He Gave (v7-11)

God also has the fullness of the Word communicated through the Scriptures. These words are the law of the LORD, the statutes from the LORD, the teachings, commands and codes of God. When we persist in reading God’s Word every day, and thinking about it and obeying it, we will find that many things no longer become a bondage to life, and many difficulties no longer become a hindrance to life, and realise that God’s Word is ‘more to be desired are they than gold,’ and ‘Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.’.

3. A Sacrifice Pleasing to Him (v12-14)

Though David was a king, he still knew that he could not be arrogant and proud, and he knew that people are often unable to detect their own mistakes. He therefore asked God to keep him from being proud, so that he could avoid great sin. Anyone who grows spiritually and achieves success learns from all kinds of discipline and trials. Therefore, we must not take discipline lightly, for it will change our lives and make our daily words and thoughts pleasing to God!

Conclusion:

Brothers and sisters, God is a God who is willing to reveal Himself. He is a God who speaks, and He expects us to be willing to listen and experience change so that our lives may be pleasing to God!

引言：

一个珠宝盒的价值乃在于里面装了什么东西？同样一个人的价值不仅仅在于他有多少学问或才能，而是他的生命里面有谁？

一、神是我全方位的力量（18:1-6）

1.因此我爱神（V1-2）

我的力量不在乎我自己，因为神才是我真正的力量。而且这力量是全方位、全面性的。因此，我爱神，且要全心爱神，让神完全掌管自己的一生。

2.因此求告神（V3-6）

当各种祸患、仇敌、甚至威胁到生命的急难出现时，这正是引导我们求告神的时候。事实不正是如此吗？考验越大呼求神的迫切感就越强烈！

二、神显出祂无比的权能（18:7-15）

1.地震与火山的爆发（V7-9）

神是掌管天地的主灾，当神发怒时，可以是顿一顿脚、或者打个喷嚏，就惊天动地到山崩地裂，火山冒烟，喷出熔岩火花。大地都被黑云罩住，一片黑暗。人在这些天灾面前真是微不足道，束手无策。

2.天降灾殃谁能抵挡（V10-15）

当我们看着地上的风球、雷暴等愁云惨雾的时候，人只能在惧怕中寻求庇护，这些灾殃人都无法抵挡，也根本无法改变这些事实。无论你喜欢或不喜欢，当雷电、台风、龙卷风等灾难出现时，人都无法制止。正如神若出手，仇敌要往哪儿逃呢？

三、我是神喜悦而得益的人（18:16-42）

1.大能的神救我脱离劲敌（V16-19）

神常以超自然的方式拯救我们，甚至得以脱离比我们更强大的敌人。因此我们愿意全心依靠祂成为神所喜悦的儿女。神是爱我们的神，我们如果也是全心爱神，得神喜悦，祂怎么会不帮助我们呢？

2.留心谨守诫命做个完全人（V20-28）

神常常按着祂的公平法则行事，你是怎样的人，祂就以怎样的方式待你。我们若愿意遵行神真理法则做事，我们就成为完全人。我们想神怎么待我们，就要成为怎样的人！

3.神的子民是强而有力的军队（V29-42）

以色列是神的军队，神亲自教导他们作战。神要除灭仇敌，这是公义之神的法则。但是神如果只是公义的神，祂就如同暴君，顺我者昌、逆我者亡。但神是慈爱的神，因为祂以完全的爱去爱那些凡是愿意领受爱的人。人若选择听从神，信靠神，就不再是遭灭绝的罪人了不是吗？

四、恩典福音要扩展到列邦（18:43-50）

外邦人要看见神在祂子民中的作为而归向神，以致外邦人也要起来歌颂敬拜赞美神。
我们不就是归向神而起来赞美神的外邦见证人吗？

总结：神的计划我的命定

神的计划是让人认识祂、依靠祂、跟随祂、经历祂····。但是人就是要回应祂的计划，成就神的命定，可以经历神的一切丰盛应许。

Psalm 18 My God and I

GK611 Morning Devotion

18/10/2023

The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction：

What is the value of a jewellery box but what is in it? In the same way, the value of a person is not just how much knowledge he has or how talented he is, but who is in his life?

1. God is my all-encompassing strength (18:1-6)

(1) Therefore I love God (V1-2)

My strength does not care about myself, for God is my true strength. And that strength is all-encompassing and comprehensive. Therefore, I love God and will love Him with all my heart and let Him have complete control over my life.

(2) Therefore seek God (V3-6)

When various disaster, enemies, and even life-threatening emergencies arise, this is the time that leads us to ask God. Isn’t this exactly what happens? The greater the trial the greater the sense of urgency to call on God!

2. God reveals His incomparable power (18:7-15)

(1) Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions (V7-9)

God is the Lord who rules over heaven and earth. When God is angry, it can be a pause or a sneeze, and it shakes the heavens and earth to the point of landslides, and volcanoes smoke and spew out sparks of lava. The earth is covered with black clouds and darkness. People in front of these natural disasters is really insignificant, helpless.

(2) Who can resist the natural disasters (V10-15)

When we look at the sorrowful clouds of wind balls and thunderstorms on the earth, man can only seek refuge in fear. None of these calamities can be resisted by man, and there is nothing at all that can be done to change these facts. Whether you like it or not, when disasters such as thunder and lightning, typhoons, tornadoes, etc. appear, man cannot stop them. Just as if God strikes, where will the enemy flee?

3. I am a person in whom God delights and benefits (18:16-42)

(1) A Mighty God Delivers Me from a Powerful Enemy (V16-19)

God often saves us in supernatural ways, even from enemies stronger than us. Therefore, we are willing to rely on Him with all our hearts to be God’s beloved children. God is a God who loves us. If we love God with all our heart and are pleasing to Him, how can He not help us?

(2) Be careful to keep the commandments to be a perfect man (V20-28)

God often acts according to His law of justice. As you are, He will treat you in the same way. If we are willing to do things by God’s law of truth, we become perfect. We become what we want God to treat us!

(3) God’s people are a strong and powerful army (V29-42)

Israel was God’s army, and God Himself taught them to fight. It is the law of a righteous God to destroy His enemies. But if God were only a God of righteousness, He would be like a tyrant, those who obey me would prosper and those who oppose me would perish. But God is a loving God, for He loves with perfect love those who are willing to receive it. If a person chooses to listen to God and trust Him, he will no longer be a sinner who perishes, will he?

4. The gospel of grace to be extended to the nations (18:43-50)

The Gentiles will see what God is doing among His people and turn to God, so that the Gentiles will also rise up to sing and worship and praise God.
Are we not Gentile witnesses who turn to God and rise up to praise Him?

Conclusion: God’s Plan and my destiny

God’s plan is for man to know Him, depend on Him, follow Him, and experience Him…. But man is to respond to His plan, fulfill God’s destiny, and can experience all the rich promises of God.

引言：

大卫在受冤屈、遭逼迫的时候，都会来到神的面前祷告，因为他认定神，是他唯一的保护和满足！这也是基督徒得胜的秘诀之一！

一、求神垂听 公义的祈求（V1-5）

大卫求神垂听公义的祈求，是出于他的诚实公义，和他是清白无辜的。这说明有敌人对大卫提出了恶意的指控，大卫希望由神亲自为他洗清罪名。

你是否也曾经历过被人诽谤诬赖的情况呢？你在当时是采取了什么行动呢？大卫的祷告给我们提醒：受冤屈的时候，要来到神的面前祷告。如果发现是自己做错了，就赶紧悔改，寻求原谅与和解；如果发现是纯粹的诽谤，就祷告等候主为我们伸冤平反。

二、求神显出 慈爱的保护（V6-9）

大卫向神的呼求‘奇妙的慈爱’，大卫知道这种奇妙的爱，使神与祂的子民立约，成为他们的保护和避难所，所以大卫用了两个比喻，向神祈求慈爱的保护：

1. 保护我如眼中的瞳人

神造我们的眼睛极其宝贵，是人最柔弱也很容易受伤的一部分。大卫求神温柔的保护，如同保护眼中的瞳人。神对我们的爱是何等伟大，竟然温柔地保护轻易悖逆祂的我们。

2. 隐藏我在祢翅膀荫下

大卫又希望神的保护，是如同母鸟保护自己的雏鸟，将他隐藏在自己翅膀的荫下。

神应许要成为义人的避难所。所以，我们可以到神面前，说出敌人的所作所为，祈求神的保护。无论所面临的挣扎和患难是何等之大，我们都可以信靠神对我们的慈爱！

三、求神起来 拯救我脱离（V10-14）

大卫呼求神起来为他争战，将恶人打倒。因为恶人心中无神，们如狮子一样逼迫欺压正直人，他们只在乎今生的福分和满足。大卫求神救他脱离恶人，因为他不要作只在今生有福分的人！

当我们忍不住羡慕属世的好处时，应求神赶快救我们‘脱离那只在今生有福分的世人’，免得我们失去警醒，陷入世界的网罗！我们若靠基督只在今生有指望，就算比众人更可怜（林前15:19）。

总结：得见神面 就心满意足（V15）

最后一节经文，大卫用‘至于我’，将自己与属世的恶人区分！大卫不以今生的福分为满足，他相信并盼望复活的生命。‘我醒了的时候’，一般认为大卫是在讲他复活的时候，会得见神的容面与主同在！就算是在世上，大卫也为我们做了一个很好的榜样：就是每天醒来时，他就寻求神的同在，并从神那里找到满足！这也是祷告的核心意义，祷告不只是向神要东西，而是寻求神的面，享受与神甜蜜的交通！

你醒来后做的第一件事情是做什么？愿我们每天醒来之后的第一件事，就像大卫一样祷告，只要得见神的面，就心满意足了！

Psalm 17 God, the only protection and satisfaction!
GK611 Morning Devotion
17/10/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Daniel Kew

Introduction：

When David was wronged or persecuted, he would come before God and pray, because he believed that God was his only protection and satisfaction! This is also one of the secrets of Christian victory!

1. Ask God to hear righteous prayers (V1-5)

David asked God to hear his righteous prayer because of his honesty, righteousness, and innocence. This shows that an enemy had made malicious accusations against David, and David hoped that God himself would clear his name.

Have you ever experienced being slandered? What actions did you take at that time? David’s prayer reminds us that when we are wronged, we must come before God and pray. If we find that we have done something wrong, repent quickly and seek forgiveness and reconciliation; if we find that it is pure slander, pray and wait for the Lord to redress our grievances.

2. Ask God to show His loving protection (V6-9)

David’s cry to God for “marvellous lovingkindness”. David knew that this marvellous lovingkindness made God make a covenant with His people and become their protection and refuge. Therefore, David used two parables to express his love for God. Pray for his protection of lovingkindness:

(1) Protect me like the apple of Your eye

God created our eyes to be extremely precious. They are the most delicate and easily injured part of the human body. David prayed for God’s gentle protection, like the apple of His eye. How great is God’s love for us that He tenderly protects us who easily disobey Him.

(2) Hide me under the shadow of Your wings

David also hoped that God’s protection would be like a mother bird protecting her chick, hiding it under the shadow of her wings.

God promises to be a refuge for the righteous. Therefore, we can go before God, tell what our enemies have done, and pray for God’s protection. No matter how great the struggles and tribulations we face, we can trust in God’s love for us!

3. Ask God to rise and save me (V10-14)

David cried out to God to rise and fight for him, to bring down the wicked. Because the wicked have no God in their hearts, they are like lions persecuting and oppressing the righteous. They only care about the blessings and satisfaction of this life. David asked God to save him from evil people because he did not want to be a person who was blessed only in this life!

When we cannot help but envy the benefits of the world, we should ask God to quickly save us “from men of the world who have their portion in this life”, lest we lose our vigilance and fall into the snare of the world! If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable (1 Corinthians 15:19).

Conclusion: Once see the face of God, will be satisfied (V15)

In the last verse, David uses “as for me” to distinguish himself from the wicked people of the world! David was not satisfied with the blessings of this life. He believed in and looked forward to the resurrection life. “When I awake,” it is generally believed that David was talking about when he was resurrected and would see the face of God and be with the Lord! Even in this world, David set a good example for us: when he woke up every day, he sought God’s presence and found satisfaction from God! This is also the core meaning of prayer. Prayer is not just asking God for things but seeking God’s face and enjoying sweet communication with God!

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? May we be like David the first thing after waking up every day is to pray. As long as we can see the face of God, we will be satisfied!

13/10/2023

引言：很多人喜欢自己的名字被列入【伟人功绩榜】，以便流芳百世···！

一、抢夺功劳惹神怒（24:1）

昨天我们读《撒下23章》的时候，我们看到大卫的英勇史和勇士伟人榜。从属灵意义上来说，我们发现这是可喜可贺的人民英雄；但是事实上原来这是人心的骄傲。人总以为自己领导有方，以致以色列产生了过人的英勇战士，值得一一提名。但事实上这是抹杀了神的作为，明明是神让他们有恩宠而得胜，但人都以为这是自己的本事和作为。因此，大大惹神发怒。神一怒之下仿佛把一个想法放在大卫心头：‘既然数算了英勇大将的数目，不如也算算手中的子民人数吧！’果然大卫真的就这么做···！

人心的骄傲和自大有多强呢？当神生气而讽刺我们的时候，你能觉察到不对劲吗？我们需要明白真理和真认识神，免得陷入后悔莫及的惹神发怒，抢夺神的荣耀。

二、数点兵力表功绩（24:2-9）

大卫王有权柄，一声令下让全民国花了九个多月完成数点人口。从客观而言，这似乎是一种需要，因为重整国家，统一犹大和以色列，又加上有些外族人也投奔了以色列，要了解最终的人口有多少，这不是很正常吗？但是，神所看到的是大卫的内心，和众人也自以为是的思想。神抵挡骄傲的人，赐恩给谦卑的人。神知道大卫的心是怎么想？为什么要特别强调拿刀的勇士之数目就有130万？这是在展示大卫王朝的军力不是吗？再加上部下也往同一方向来赞美祝贺大卫王，再增加百倍军力。

三、君王罪祸及万民（24:10-17）

1.受过管教还不学乖吗？（V10）

大卫在犯罪的事情上已经学过很艰难的教训，因此当他自己发现做错了，第一反应就是向神认罪，并且承认自己的愚昧。寻求赦罪是必要的。可见神对领袖的要求比一般人更高。人都是很健忘，所以会重复面对管教。学过教训之后，就要乖乖听话，不必再三跌倒。

2.领袖之过被放大来看！（V11-13）

大卫虽然悔改了，但是贵为一国之君，错误行为的影响力是很大的，因此神给他重重的教训。神让大卫选择ABC三种刑罚中的一种？大卫能怎么选择呢？因为全都是很惨。想想你若是大卫，你会作何选择呢？

3.知法犯法罪加一等啊！（V14-17）

大卫不作任何选择，但表示愿意落在神手里，既是任由神处置，因为他深知神是怜悯的神。不料神是以瘟疫攻击刑罚他们，结果竟然是死了7万人。相信当时以色列百姓的心态也是同样不正，导致神重重的管教他们。到一个地步连神自己都于心不忍才止住了瘟疫。正如鞭打孩子的父母，何尝不是打在儿身，痛在父母心。

四、付代价认真悔改（24:18-25）

经过了管教刑罚之后，还要加上筑坛献祭，并且要附上金钱的代价，而不是凭着王的身份，随意取他所要的东西。这表示要一步一步的按照神所要的加以赔偿，最终才得以脱离灾害，恢复常态。

总结：得胜还要再得胜

得胜、成功、得奖常常是人生的目标。但是当人达到目标之后，随之而来的又是什么呢？若说得胜是高峰，往往高峰之后就是下坡。更可怕的是高山的背后是悬崖，那是真实而可怕陷阱。所以在高山上要更加倍小心，如此一来才会更上层楼而不是走下坡；得胜还要再得胜。

2 Samuel 24 The Trap in the Blessing
13/10/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

Introduction: Many people like their names to be included in the [List of Great Men’s Merits] so that they can be remembered forever…!

1. Stealing credit and provoking God (24:1)

Yesterday when we read “2 Samuel 23”, we saw David’s heroic history and the list of great warriors. From a spiritual sense, we find that this is a gratifying hero of the people; but in fact, it turns out that this is the pride of the human heart. People always think that their leadership is good, so Israel has produced extraordinary brave warriors, and they deserve to be named. But in fact, this was obliterating God’s deeds. It was obviously God who gave them grace and victory, but people thought it was their own ability and deeds. Therefore, he greatly provoked God to anger. In anger, God seemed to put an idea in David’s mind: ‘Now that you have counted the number of heroic generals, why not also count the number of people in your hands!’ Sure enough, David really did that…!

How strong is the pride and arrogance in the human heart? Can you tell something is wrong when God is angry and taunting us? We need to understand the truth and truly know God, so as not to fall into regretful situations that provoke God’s anger and steal from God of His glory.

2. Counting troops to indicate merit (24:2-9)

King David had the authority to issue an order and it took the entire nation more than nine months to complete the population count. Objectively speaking, this seems to be a need to reorganise the country and unify Judah and Israel, furthermore, some foreigners have also sought shelter in Israel, isn’t it normal to know the final population size? However, what God saw was David’s heart and the self-righteous thoughts of everyone. But David wanted nothing more than to do so, so his men obeyed. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Did God know what David was thinking? Why did he emphasize that the number of sword-wielding warriors is 1.3 million? Isn’t this a demonstration of the military power of the Davidic dynasty?

3. The sin of the king affects all people (24:10-17)

(1) Didn’t learn to obey after being disciplined? (V10)

David had learned a hard lesson about sin, so when he discovered that he had done something wrong, his first reaction was to confess to God and admit his foolishness. Seeking forgiveness of sins is necessary. God has higher requirements for leaders than ordinary people. People are very forgetful, so they face discipline repeatedly. After learning our lesson, we must be obedient and don’t fall again and again.

(2) The mistakes of leaders are magnified! (V11-13)

Although David repented, as a king of a country his wrong behaviour had a great impact, so God gave him a heavy lesson. Did God let David choose one of the three ABC punishments? What choice could David make? Because they are all miserable. Think about it if you were David, what choice would you make?

(3) Those who know the law but break the law will receive an additional penalty! (V14-17)

David did not make any choice but expressed his willingness to fall into God’s hands and let God handle it because he knew that God was a merciful God. Unexpectedly, God attacked and punished them with a plague, and 70,000 people died. The mentality of the people of Israel at that time was believed to be wrong, which caused God to severely discipline them. It got to the point where even God himself couldn’t bear it and stopped the plague. Just like a parent who whips a child, it hurts the child and pains the parents’ hearts.

4. Pay the price and repent seriously (24:18-25)

After the discipline and punishment, an altar must be built and a sacrifice must be paid, instead of just taking whatever he wants based on his status as a king. This means that compensation must be made step by step according to what God wants, and only then can he finally break from the disaster and return to normalcy.

Conclusion: To gain victory and more victories

Winning, succeeding, and winning awards are often the goals of life. But when a person reaches his goal, what follows? If victory is the peak, the peak is often followed by the downhill slope. What’s even more terrifying is that behind the mountains are cliffs, which are real and terrifying traps. Therefore, we must be more careful on high mountains, so that we can go up a level instead of going downhill; to gain victory and more victories.

12/10/2023

引言：

从大卫的诗歌和他所拥有的勇士看大卫兴盛的原因。

一、守约的神(v1-7)

1.提升卑微的人

大卫用这首诗歌，总结自己的一生。他尽管出身卑贱，在家是一个牧羊人。但，是那与他立约，并信实地履行那约的耶和华神，使他被神提升，被拣选成为以色列的君王，身居高位。

2.饶恕悔改的人

大卫很清楚知道，他虽是神所膏立的，他却不是圣人，也不是完美无瑕的人。大卫明白自己生命的软弱，也看到自己做了很多得罪神的地方，然而，神并没有因此而放弃他，而是在他认罪回转时饶恕他并与他立永远的约。

小结：

今天，立约的神，也与我们立下永远坚定的约，并让耶稣为我们成就了这约。感谢神，因祂信实的约，使我们可以在每一次软弱跌倒时，有机会回转并在次经历神的慈爱和怜悯。

二、大能的勇士（v8-39）

1. 靠神争战的头三位勇士（v8-12)

这里提到其中有三位特別杰出的勇士，他们分别是亚底挪、以利亚撒和沙玛。他们拥有大大击杀敌军的能力，但他们并不是归功于自己，但他们都承认是「耶和华使以色列人大获全胜」(v10、v12)。他们知道得胜并非是自己的功劳，他们赫赫的战功背后都有神的帮助，并要将一切荣耀都归于神。

2. 为王舍命的另三位勇士（v13-23)

第二组的三位勇士的献身超越单纯的对王的忠诚。这三个勇士使命必达，将生命置之度外，不顾一切来成就权柄心所想的。试问我们是否有愿意为神为人舍命的精神呢？撇开冒死，我们是否为了爱神爱人的缘故而愿意花多一点时间、精神或金钱呢？

3. 忠心跟随的三十位勇士（v24-39)

这段经文记录三十个勇士的名字。当中，不但有十二支派的人，也有利未人；不但有以色列人，也有外邦人。虽然他们的能力不同、出身不同，但却一样被数算，因为他们的共同点是忠心。神把这些不同类型的忠心勇士赐给大卫，借着他们的忠心事奉和彼此配搭，支取神的得胜，建立神的国度。今天，神要我们建立基督的身体，就是教会。为了「配搭这身子」（林前12:24），祂也会把各种不同的人加进基督的身体。因此，我们不可以貌取人，也不可论断暂时软弱的弟兄，因为每个人都有可能被神造就成忠心的国度勇士。

总结:兴起吧，大能的勇士！

神盼望我们每个人都可以兴盛，像大卫一样。前提是，我们要持续跟随这位守约的神。此外，今天我们都可以成为大能的勇士。我们每个人都有份参与建造神的国度。我们之所以可以成为国度的勇士，不是因为我们的地位，我们的身份，我们的才能，而是看我们是否有一颗愿意回应神的心。神并沒要求我们十全十美，神也不会以我们的行为衡量我们，神是看重人的心胜於一切。祂必兴起我们成为祂大能的勇士！

2 Samuel 23 Reasons for the Prosperity of the House of David
GK611 Morning Devotion
12/10/2023
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps. Stella Ling

Introduction:

The reasons for David’s prosperity as seen in his psalms and the warriors he had.

1. A covenant-keeping God (v1-7)

(1) Elevates the humble

With this psalm, David summarises his life. He was a shepherd at home despite his humble beginnings. But it was the LORD God, who had made a covenant with him and was faithful to ulfil that covenant, that caused him to be exalted by God and chosen to be king of Israel and to occupy a high position.

(2) Forgiving the repentant

David knew very well that although he was anointed by God, he was not a saint or a perfect man. David understood the weakness of his life and saw that he had done much to sin against God, yet God did not give up on him, but forgave him and made an everlasting covenant with him when he confessed his sins and turned back.

Summary:

Today, the God of covenants also makes an everlasting and firm covenant with us and allows Jesus to fulfill that covenant for us. Thank God that because of His faithful covenant, we can have the opportunity to turn around and experience God’s love and mercy again in every weakness and fall.

2. Mighty Warriors (v8-39)

(1) The first three warriors who waged war on God (v8-12)

Three of these particularly outstanding warriors are mentioned here as Adino, Eleazar and Shammah. They possessed the ability to kill the enemy greatly, but they did not take credit for it, but they all recognised that it was “the LORD who gave Israel a great victory” (v10, v12). They knew that the victory was not of their own making, but that God was behind their success, and they wanted to give Him all the glory.

(2) The three other warriors who lay down their lives for the king (v13-23)

The second group of three warriors went beyond mere loyalty to the king. These three warriors were on a mission, putting their lives on the line and risking everything to accomplish what the heart of authority desired. Do we have the willingness to lay down our lives for God and man? Risking our lives aside, are we willing to spend a little more time, effort, or money for the sake of loving God and loving people?

3. Thirty Warriors who followed faithfully (v24-39)

This passage records the names of thirty warriors. Among them were not only the twelve tribesmen but also the Levites, not only Israelites but also Gentiles. Though they had different abilities and different origins, they were counted the same because what they had in common was their faithfulness. God gave these different types of faithful warriors to David, and through their faithful service and partnership with each other, they were able to support God’s victory and build up the kingdom of God. Today, God wants us to build up the body of Christ, the church. In order to “compose the body” (1 Cor. 12:24), He will also add various kinds of people to the body of Christ. Therefore, we are not to judge a man by his appearance, nor are we to judge a brother who is temporarily weak, for everyone has the potential to be made into a faithful Kingdom warrior by God.

Conclusion: Rise up, mighty warriors!

God desires that each of us may prosper and be like David. The prerequisite is that we continue to follow this covenant-keeping God. Furthermore, we can all be mighty warriors today. Each of us has a part in building the Kingdom of God. We can be warriors for the kingdom not because of our position, our status, or our talents, but by whether or not we have a heart that is willing to respond to God. God does not require us to be perfect, and God does not measure us by our behaviour; God values the human heart above all else. He will raise us up to be His mighty warriors!