A Profitable Life - II Samuel 23-24 and Luke 19:1-27
As we read the end of II Samuel, we come to the last words of David and some insights into his life. I think we could all agree that even though David had not lived a perfect life, he had lived a profitable life. When he looked back, he could see much that God had done to bear good fruit through his life. He was the anointed king over God's people, and he had led them to conquer their enemies. He was the sweet psalmist of Israel, and he had composed so many rich songs of praise and instruction that make up much of the book of Psalms. Yes, he fell into sin for a while, but God was able to use him greatly. Let's look at this passage to get a few reasons for his profitable life.
II Samuel 23:2 tells us that the Spirit of the Lord spoke by David. He had spoken God's Word to people. God had spoken to him, and he had relayed that Word to others. That is a key to living a profitable life. We must live it by God's Word. It must be central in our lives. David had a large group of mighty men who supported him. This shows that a person does not live a profitable life in isolation. We must live in fellowship with other believers to be effective in our lives. Finally, we must not live in pride, but if we find ourselves falling into pride or other sins, we must repent and confess our sin, so God can forgive it. A profitable person is a person who is willing to admit when he or she messes up and to get back on track. If this does not happen, a good life can be destroyed and very unprofitable.
Look at what Jesus said in Luke 19. From what we read about the conversion of Zacchaeus, do you think he just sat back and enjoyed being a believer the rest of his life, or do you think he made a difference? I think he made a difference because of his realization that faith in Jesus meant paying back those he had stolen from. His life was going to be characterized by honesty and integrity and the wise use of his resources for God. Then, the parable of the minas tops it off. It is like the parable of the talents. What does it teach? God is looking for us to take what He gives us and make a profit in life. If we don't, He is displeased with us. Please, don't pass over this vital truth. Let God empower you to live a profitable life. Christianity is not about us being comfortable. It is about bringing glory to Jesus who saved us. It is about doing His will, which is to make a difference in the lives of others who need to know Him. That is what David did, and that is what we should do.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 1-2 and Luke 19:28-48.
II Samuel 23:2 tells us that the Spirit of the Lord spoke by David. He had spoken God's Word to people. God had spoken to him, and he had relayed that Word to others. That is a key to living a profitable life. We must live it by God's Word. It must be central in our lives. David had a large group of mighty men who supported him. This shows that a person does not live a profitable life in isolation. We must live in fellowship with other believers to be effective in our lives. Finally, we must not live in pride, but if we find ourselves falling into pride or other sins, we must repent and confess our sin, so God can forgive it. A profitable person is a person who is willing to admit when he or she messes up and to get back on track. If this does not happen, a good life can be destroyed and very unprofitable.
Look at what Jesus said in Luke 19. From what we read about the conversion of Zacchaeus, do you think he just sat back and enjoyed being a believer the rest of his life, or do you think he made a difference? I think he made a difference because of his realization that faith in Jesus meant paying back those he had stolen from. His life was going to be characterized by honesty and integrity and the wise use of his resources for God. Then, the parable of the minas tops it off. It is like the parable of the talents. What does it teach? God is looking for us to take what He gives us and make a profit in life. If we don't, He is displeased with us. Please, don't pass over this vital truth. Let God empower you to live a profitable life. Christianity is not about us being comfortable. It is about bringing glory to Jesus who saved us. It is about doing His will, which is to make a difference in the lives of others who need to know Him. That is what David did, and that is what we should do.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 1-2 and Luke 19:28-48.