Day 650: 1 Chronicles 14- Blessings Of The King

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters to build a house for him. 2 And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.
3 And David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David fathered more sons and daughters. 4 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet.
Philistines Defeated
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” 11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through[a] my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 12 And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.
13 And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 14 And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 15 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.
 
Meditation
God’s anointed King blesses his followers. King Jesus blesses Christians in many ways, not least of which includes bringing the enemy into submission (Colossians 2:15), increasing Kingdom family (Matthew 28:18-20), and the furthering of God’s glory among the nations (Philippians 2:9-11). We must rejoice in the blessings of our King!
 
The blessings of King David are a foretaste of the blessings of King Jesus. David’s rule was blessed by subduing nations and receiving tribute (1-2), his family increasing (3-6), and the defeat of his enemies to extend the glory of the king (7-17). The Lord blessed David. The Lord fought for David. Jerusalem and all of Israel were blessed through the success of David’s leadership.
 
Like the story of David, Christians know there is more to come in Christ’s rule and reign. The blessing of God “broke through” (11) to David and would continue for decades of his reign. Likewise, the blessings of King Jesus will be fully realized when Jesus returns at the second coming. Until that day Christians must celebrate the “already” reality of the blessings of King Jesus.
 
Embracing the blessings of the King means we trust King Jesus with all our heart. We trust that the enemy is defeated by living FROM victory. We trust the Kingdom family will grow by making disciples. We trust God’s glory will advance in our neighborhoods and among the nations by loving as we have been loved. God’s anointed King blesses His followers! And we must rejoice in His blessings.
 
Richly Dwelling
-How does God bless you through the rule and reign of King Jesus?
 
-How are the blessings of both David and King Jesus a foretaste of what is to come?
 
-What does it look like for you to rejoice in the “already” blessings of Jesus today? Be specific.
 
Key Verse
17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.