meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus

The City of David

1Chronicles 11:7–9 Then David took up residence in the stronghold; therefore, it was called the city of David. He built up the city all the way around, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding parts, and Joab restored the rest of the city. David steadily grew more powerful, and the Lord of Hosts was with him.

The most important things David ever did were with God. Sadly, he is most often remembered by the activities he engaged in that were in open rebellion to God.

David made Israel a strong nation, united a divided kingdom, begat Solomon, and wrote some of humankind’s most beautiful lyric poetry; yet he is instantly and forever joined to the memory of Bathsheba.

Get to know one another by grace and not by sin.

She has not drawn near

Zephaniah 3:1 –2 Woe to the city that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressive city! She has not obeyed; she has not accepted discipline. She has not trusted in the Lord; she has not drawn near to her God.

Of course this was written about the Hebrew people who consistently fell away from (and were drawn back to) God, but isn’t it also applicable to nations and people today?

We have not come so far that we do not need God. Most likely that was what Israel thought to themselves: “We have done well and we have prospered. We don’t need God the way our ancestors did. They were weak and stupid!”