Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Understanding to grow in
God is a God of grace. So although David wants to build him a temple, God wants to bless David. And so he enters into the Davidic covenant. His desire is to make David’s name like that of the greatest men of the earth, and provide a place of security and peace for Israel. To this end he promises a “house” (ie. dynasty) for David. David’s response is to be overwhealmed, humbly marvelling that God would do this for him, and praising God for displaying his supremacy in redeeming Israel for himself. He then prays God would fulfil his promise so that people would not only know how great a God he is, but that he is Israel’s God. Reflecting his strong faith, David then reflects that because of God’s promise to build his house, he has courage to pray that God would do just that, and is confident his house will be blessed. God's promises to us in Christ, should move us to pray they will be fulfilled. And we can be certain they will. Indeed, the following chapter proves this, as God enabled David to "subdue” his enemies just as he had promsied (18v6, 13). These victories portray David as potentially the promised “star” of Jacob (Num 24v17-18), the ruler whom the nations would obey (Gen 40v10) – even the long-awaited serpent-crusher (Gen 3v15). But because God’s covenant with him looked to an everlasting kingdom under one of his offspring, it is hinted that he is actually being portrayed as a model of what that king would achieve (1 Cor 15v24-28). As you read note what God promises and does for David.Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.