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Jarrod Jacobs: “A Man After God's Own Heart”

The statement above is well-known to many. It is based on the words of Scripture found in I Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22. What made David a man after God’s own heart? The answer to this question is found in I Samuel 13:14. Can we possess those characteristics today? Let the Bible answer.

When reading I Samuel 13, we see that David was “a man after God’s own heart” because he was obedient to the Lord. God saw in David something not found in Saul, and that was his willingness to continue to obey God even when it was hard to do!

Another attribute that makes David “a man after God’s own heart” was his willingness to repent of sins. We know David sinned (II Sam. 6, 11-12, 24, etc.). Yet, each time he sinned, David repented and determined to do better in the future. He went to God for forgiveness. His attitude is best summed up in his words, “Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man” (II Sam. 24:14).

David was a humble man. He repented humbly before God when he sinned. Even though David was king of Israel and the victor in many battles, he still remembered, “The Lord is my shepherd …” (Ps. 23:1). He freely confessed, “I am poor and needy” (Ps. 86:1). He was truly a humble man.

 David was a man of faith, as well. When he met Goliath, he said, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with 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 defied…. (I Sam. 17:45-47). This is one of many examples we could cite of David’s great faith. He believed God! Doesn’t God expect the same of us today (Heb. 11:6)?

 David was a patient man. Though chosen to be king over Israel (I Sam. 16), he did not lead a rebellion against Saul. He would not harm “the Lord’s anointed” in any way, nor did he encourage others to do him harm (I Sam. 24:4-7)! He was patient and waited to serve as king of Israel (II Sam. 2:1). In addition to this, David’s patience is seen when he wanted to build the Temple. He was satisfied to gather the materials and wait for his son to build the Temple (I Chron. 22:2-4, 14-16, 29:2-7). What wonderful examples of patience by David.

 Friend, could it be said that you are one after God’s own heart? Notice David is not called “the” man after God’s own heart, but he is “a” man who fits this description. Evidently, God acknowledges that others could also be described in this way.

 Friend, examine yourself (II Cor. 13:5). Could God describe us as a man/woman “after His own heart”? If not, why not? What part of our lives have we decided do not belong to the God of Heaven? When we determine to show humility, faith, patience, and obedience to God, we will be someone “after God’s heart.” Let us learn a lesson from David’s life and apply his life attributes to our own (Rom. 15:4; I Cor. 10:11). When we do this, we will grow closer to God and prepare ourselves for an eternity in Heaven.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167

 
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