Lesson Three

KING DAVID

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Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32
Further Study: 2 Samuel 7, 9, 11:1-13:27; Patriarchs and Prophets, 711-728; The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 86-103

I was called a “latchkey kid.” This described a child, like me, who wore a house key on a string around their neck. The school bus would drop me off, and I’d let myself in, lock the door behind me, and wait for my mother to return from work.

On one particular day I forgot my key. I didn’t want my mom to know so I had the bright idea of picking the lock to our apartment.  

On one particular day I forgot my key. I didn’t want my mom to know so I had the bright idea of picking the lock to our apartment. I found a wire, bent it into the right shape, and began my deed. Needless to say, it not only didn’t work, before the day ended, it escalated in police being called, the perception of a burglar in the area, fear created among the neighbors, and probably also to my single mother. I lied throughout the entire process and until this moment, have never admitted to anyone it was me.

I lied throughout the entire process and until this moment, have never admitted to anyone it was me.  

David would have also liked his deeds to go unknown. His step toward temptation escalated so rapidly that by the end of it, he’d broken all the commandments. David, our hero, spiritual leader, singer of psalms, confident warrior, suddenly failed and we’re left bewildered as to what happened.

My computer sits in the living room plugged into an outlet. Sometimes unbeknownst to me the plug dislodges from the outlet so while I’m working it has all the appearances that I’m plugged in, but in fact, I’m not. After a while, If I’m not paying attention, my computer goes dark.

David was completely plugged into God, that is, until he wasn’t.  

Our Christian walk is a bit like my computer. David was completely plugged into God, that is, until he wasn’t. We, too, can give all appearances of being plugged into our relationship with God, when in fact we are running on battery power. We become spiritually weak without realizing it, and it’s then that Satan takes advantage by offering us something too tempting to resist.

We become spiritually weak without realizing it, and it’s then that Satan takes advantage by offering us something too tempting to resist.  

Ellen White, in Our High Calling (p. 278), writes some sobering words. She references three familiar Bible friends—Enoch, Joseph, and Daniel. These three when presented with severe temptation, kept their character intact. They never lost their connection. Mrs. White then writes further:

“When Christ shall come, our vile bodies are to be changed, and made like His glorious body; but the vile character will not be made holy then. The transformation of character must take place before His coming.” (emphasis supplied)

How is it with you? Are you plugged in?

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Digging Deeper 

David determines to build a magnificent temple to honor God (2 Sam. 7). It seemed like a great idea, and initially the prophet Nathan applauded the suggestion. God, however, had different plans, and Nathan returned with the message that while God appreciated the sentiments, David was not to build the temple.

Have you ever purposed in your heart to do something? Maybe stay in a job when it might be time for someone else to take over? Or determined only you can accomplish something? David offers us a good example as he accepted God’s will in spite of his desire.

Ellen White comments: “The grateful resignation [by David] thus manifested is rarely seen, even among Christians. How often do those who have passed the strength of manhood cling to the hope of accomplishing some great work upon which their hearts are set, but which they are unfitted to perform! God’s providence may speak to them, as did His prophet to David, declaring that the work which they so much desire is not committed to them. It is theirs to prepare the way for another to accomplish it. But instead of gratefully submitting to the divine direction, many fall back as if slighted and rejected, feeling that if they cannot do the one thing which they desire to do, they will do nothing (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 712).

Hard words to read, but ones we would do well to ponder.

Making it Real

Both the devotion and Digging Deeper leave much for us to think about. Here are some questions for you to consider now or as you go through your week.

  1. How do you know if you’re plugged into God or running on battery power?
  2. In what ways can you plug in to God?
  3. Our character is to be transformed BEFORE Jesus comes, not afterwards. Sober words. What plan do you have to become more like Jesus?
  4. Is there something that you desire above all things and God has yet to grant it? Is it possible that you need to accept His will for you?

 

_________
Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being the grandmother of two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus.

 

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