Articles
Living Hope
One of the greatest examples of courage and trust in God is found in the example of David confronting Goliath. (1 Sameul 17) David, a shepherd boy, and youngest son of Jesse, was chosen by God as the new King of Israel to replace Saul. (1 Samuel 16)
"And David said, The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion, and from the paw of the bear, HE WILL DELIVER ME FROM THE HAND OF THIS PHILISTINE." (1 Samuel 17:37)
As the story continues, David further demonstrates his trust and faith in the Lord. " Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear and a javelin, but I come to you in the NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE ARMIES OF ISRAEL, whom you have taunted.. This day THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU UP INTO MY HANDS, AND I WILL STRIKE YOU DOWN AND REMOVE YOUR HEAD FROM YOU, And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild bests of the earth, THAT ALL THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL." (1 Samuel 17:45,46)
David became a great king for the nation of Israel. Much of his adult life was spent destroying God's enemies in battle after battle. Even though he committed some terrible sins (Bathsheba), God knew his heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and defined David as "a man after His own heart". He made preparations for his son, Solomon, to build the temple after becoming king after his death.
Solomon records for us some important Proverbs. Beginning in the first chapter, in the first few verses, we find wisdom of God expressed for us:
"To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the saying of understanding To receive instruction in the behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel," (Proverbs 1:2-5)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. " (Proverbs 1:7)
We too can trust and be confident of God's promises and protection just as did David. The apostle Peter gives us assurance of the outcome of our faith and hope in his second letter:"Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you." (2 Peter 3:14,15)
God often gives us reason to have courage and confidence in His promises. Many examples are found of those who trusted God and put things in His hands - resulting in success. Those who did not failed. Let us continue putting our faith in Him, and experiencing a "living hope" to the end.
David did, and so did many other people in God's inspired Word. Daniel, Joseph, Moses, Abraham, Noah, and many others. Where is your trust and faith today?? God wants us to be in heaven, but forces no one. Jesus, His Son, and the Gospel have been provided for our obedient faith and hope.
Ross
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