David Great in God

Read 2 Samuel 5
 
2 Samuel 5:9-10 So David made the stronghold of Zion (also called the City of David) his headquarters. Then, beginning at the old Millo section of the city, he built northward toward the present city center. 10 David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of heaven was with him.  
 
WHEN reading this, the thought occurred, “How far the shepherd boy had come! The LORD God had led him from a sheep pasture to build a stronghold in one of Israel’s strongest natural fortifications. A city is named for him. And it is called City of David today, 3,000 years later!”
    Only God could plan and fulfill such an incredible transformation of a man’s physical, moral and spiritual life. The youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy destined for a life of hard labor in the sheep pastures became greater and greater for the LORD God of heaven was with him. What does it mean to be greater in the Lord?
    For David, it means God had called, strengthened and blessed David with both singular accomplishments in the world and in the kingdom of God. David reigned for 40 years. In the entire history of Israel, few reigned longer, and no one had more success than David. David’s kingdom is seen in Scripture and by the Jews as a picture of strength, wealth, power and safety. Material greatness and political peace came from David’s throne. He conquered all opposition. He built a city and a palace. He forged strong alliances with neighboring kings.
    David’s kingdom accomplishments are also unique. Of course, he had many faults as most of us do. Yet in his weaknesses, despair and sin his heart was generally faithful to God’s law. Even more, his psalms express he loved God, and God loved him. He wrote and sang psalms of worship, psalms of complaint and psalms of prayer for his enemies’ destruction. He could have so many different conversations with God because he was so close to God. As we’ve learned, God especially anoints particular people for great moments in his kingdom on earth. David was great in God’s sight because God had chosen him. David had acted into his election. David’s life is generally a display of t a man after his own heart who God and appointed him leader of his people (1 Samuel 13:14b)  
    How would you describe greatness in your life? Would you begin with your heart attitude toward God? What is real and true for your life? What lasts forever? What in life is truly great?
   
2 Samuel 7:18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”