Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-10:19
My selection: II Samuel 8:14-15
Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. 15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.
My reflections: David consolidated the kingdom that God had promised to Israel. Here are some important observations:
1. The LORD was credited and praised for these victories. In the midst of all this progress it is said by the writer here, “…the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.”
2. David administered well what he had established. Verse 15 says “And David administered justice and equity to all his people.” This included setting up a well-organized administration with reliable people to take care of the on-going business of the kingdom.
3. David kept his promises. He had pledged to Jonathan to protect his family even though for years Saul had pursued him to kill him. He carried out this promise by giving Mephibosheth a place at his table.
In the wake of great victory, David did not lose sight of the importance of praise to God and faithfulness to his duties.
There is a common paradigm that says some people are good starters and some are good finishers. Perhaps no one is naturally both a great starter and a great finisher. Nevertheless, great, godly leaders make sure that both the starting and the finishing of the work are attended to.
My challenge: Have you completed your commitments? Does God get the praise for the victories He has given you? Do struggle more with starting or with finishing important projects? Do you find ways to assure that projects get both started and finished? Do you care for the Mephibosheths in your life?
Today, take steps to start an important project that needs doing or to finish one that needs completing. Take care of your Mephibosheth. Be sure to take time to give God praise for His power and guidance in your life.
Tomorrow’s reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-13:22
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