The Lord made David victorious wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and righteousness for all his people. (2 Samuel 8:14-15)
Today, take some time to honestly consider where your hope is found. Is it in your success, in acceptance by others, or a relationship you have? Or perhaps, is it in a person or group of people, perhaps those in office?
If we’ve learned anything from these past three months, it’s that we are so prone to set our hope on our political leaders—presidents, senators, representatives, governors, mayors, and more—instead of on our God, the King of Heaven! Now, this doesn’t mean that we should disrespect our elected officials or shun politics altogether—as God has placed these men and women in authority, and He has called us to obey the governing authorities (unless doing so would cause us to sin against God) and be “salt and light” in the world. As Christians, we should acknowledge that it is God who has authority over every human ruler, who is ultimately on the throne, and who will one day usher in His Kingdom, where there will be no injustice, no pain, and no sorrow.
Throughout this chapter, we see David achieve victory after victory over Israel’s enemies, ushering in a time of peace and rest from its oppression by the surrounding peoples (2 Samuel 7). This victory was ultimately accomplished by the Lord, who made David victorious wherever he went. Because of the work of the Lord, David reigned over Israel and was able to administer justice and righteousness for his people.
David was a good king, a man after God’s own heart. However, as we’ll soon read, even the best of human kings like David are sinful people just like us. The righteous and just rule of David along with his terrible sin should point us towards Christ! Our hope is in King Jesus, who would come through David’s line, live perfectly, die a horrific death in place of us, rise again victoriously, and who will come again to establish his Kingdom that will have no end. He is the ultimate just and righteous king! Come to him in faith and set your hope forever on him!