The Greatest Kingdom

And so it begins, the greatest time in Israel's history, the kingdom of David in the City of David (Jerusalem or J-town!). Why was it so great? There are a couple of reasons...

Unity. David united people; helped them to see a new vision of what was possible for a nation of people dedicated to God. Sure it had something to do with David's power and ability as a warrior, but it also had everything to do with David's faith in God and in the phrase that had been spoken of David, "You will shepherd my people Israel and you'll be the prince." (2 Sam 5:2, Msg) It was a promise fulfilled and the people were ecstatic.

God. David had become king, not because he was a great warrior, but because he was "a man after God's own heart." (1 Sam 13:14, NLT) From a child, he was taught to love God, his parents showed faithfulness in a place where parental faithfulness was a longstanding tradition (Bethlehem). David was sold out to God. He didn't care at all what others thought of his faith, He would do what he knew to do. He'd talk to God about the most minor things and would do what God told him to do.

David sought to bring the Ark of God into the city of David, into the center of this nation, this people. He knew that the Ark was the symbol of presence of God and he wanted it at the center for himself and for his people. And he danced as it made its way into the city. When his wife, Michal(Saul's daughter), saw his "foolish" behavior, she chastised him. But listen to how David responded,

"In God's presence I'll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God's people, over Israel. Oh yes, I'll dance to God's glory - more recklessly even than this. And as far as I'm concerned...I'll gladly look like a fool..." (1 Sam. 6:22, Msg)


Matt Redman wrote a song called "Undignified." (it was made popular by the David Crowder Band) It was based on this passage (as translated in the NIV). It goes like this:

I will dance, I will sing, to be mad for my king.
Nothing Lord is hindering this passion in my soul.

I'll become even more undignified than this
(some would say it's foolishness.)
I'll become even more undignified than this
Leave my pride by my side

It's all for You, my Lord!

It's no wonder God made this the greatest kingdom, his servant, David, was completely sold out to God!

That in itself says something about our lives doesn't it?

The greatest kingdom of God's people were led by the greatest king because he didn't care what others thought of his love for God.

That's what I'm striving for...not the blessing of God...

...rather for an undignified life in my love for God!

Peace ><>
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