After God's Own Heart

In the first book of Samuel, we begin to learn about David. David succeeded Saul in ruling over Israel as the king o Israel:

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22

David was not perfect. He was human and made several mistakes in his life, some of which had major consequences. Nevertheless, God called him a man after his own heart. David is referred to throughout the Word of God and he is someone we can learn from.

David is first mentioned at the end of the book of Ruth specifically referring to his lineage. Naomi was Ruth's daughter-in-law and she eventually married Boaz. They begot Obed who begot Jesse who was David's father. David's lineage was important as it was part of the Christ line.

In I Samuel 16, the record of David starts with some of the events that led up to his replacement of Saul as King of Israel. In chapter 16, David was young still, but the scene was set up for him to move towards God's intended place for him.

We all know the story of David and Goliath. The heart of David is shown vividly in the record.  Two key components of his thinking separated him from all those dealing with the problem of Goliath.

First, he believed in his authority to remedy the situation:

45 Then said David to the Philistine (Goliath), Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.1 Samuel 17:45

Second, he believed he had the power to accomplish what he had to do:

38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. I Samuel 17:38-40

 Authority comes from the kingdom of God and power is what an individual has internally to carry that authority out. Jesus Christ amazed people when he performed great miracles:

36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. Luke 4:36

As believers today, we have the same authority and power to carry out the works of God:

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Notice the repetition of the word 'verily' (or in other words truly, truly!).  God calls our attention to what he is about to say. Believing is the key to the heart.  We can have authority from God and we have the power to carry out whatever God sets before us.  Whatever 'Goliath' stands in our way, no matter what, God will support us to deal with it effectively without heavy amour and with simple confidence just as David did.