David is one of the most well know characters of the Old Testament. His famous battle with Goliath has not been forgotten. In looking at His life, we see David is about 15 years of age when he was anointed by the prophet, Samuel, to be the king of Israel.
1 Samuel 16:1
… Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons.”
Look how Holy Spirit unveils God’s magnificent love for David. God’s love wins David’s heart.
God’s extravagant, transforming love for David enables David to love God in a way that no person before him had experienced.
Loving God and being loved by God became David’s greatest passion and highest priority. Do you feel David’s heart in this Psalm?
Psalm 27:4
One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
David had no ambition to be King; it was God’s idea. When David became King, he wanted every person under his rule to experience God they way he had. He wanted each person in Israel to have a first hand experience with the love of God. He wanted to restore worship as an emphasis in Israel.
God rewarded David’s desire by giving him a glimpse of the New Testament in the time of the Old Testament!
David brought the ark of God’s presence into a tent (it had previously been captured by the philistines).
There are key differences between the activity in David’s tabernacle and the tabernacle of Moses:
We read of Continual animal sacrifices in tabernacle of Moses vs. only sacrifices at the dedication in David’s tabernacle.
The finished work of Christ made direct communion with God available for all believers. Jesus died once for all; He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Restricted access to God’s presence by a special priesthood class vs. an unrestricted access to God’s presence and a tent full of people celebrating!
The veil is rent! No more restricted access! The New Testament priesthood is composed of all believers and worship as our new expression of sacrifice. God is a big-hearted Papa, and He is very inclusive! He wants to invite every tribe, kindred and nation into His family.
Righteousness based on obedience to detailed religious requirements in Mosaic law vs. righteousness as a gift of God’s grace.
It is difficult to maintain obedience to God without access to His presence. In the N.T., relationship with God is based on Christ’s obedience not our own. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”
We see full unity of all twelve tribes under one King
King David’s heart reflects SIX major priorities in the heart of King Jesus:
God is a Father who wants to give you His heart and transform you with His love.
God is a King who wants to give you His authority.
God wants you to enjoy unrestricted access to His presence because of what Jesus has done for you!
God wants you to celebrate Christ’s finished work!
He wants to invite every tribe, kindred and nation into His family! He wants passionate worship and effective evangelism!
Amos prophesies 250 years after David and about 750 years before Christ:
Amos 9:11, 12b
“On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old;
…so that all the nations that bear my name may seek me .
“My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations”
6. God is a benevolent King who wants to unify His diverse redeemed family on earth!
May our hearts cry for God’s presence as we run after Him with all of our hearts. As we unite in hunger for God we will be moved to impact our world around us. David’s life and desire for God has brought transformation to the nations of the earth. Jesus has empowered us to impact our world. Let’s run together and allow God’s love to touch everyone around us.