Unlikely Hero: Putting Things In Perspective

 

Series Summary

David has been described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). But as we read through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, as David enters the narrative of Israel's history, David was unknown. He was young. He was a shepherd. He was overlooked. He was unlikely. But God pointed him out to Samuel and said, "David is my choice. He's the next king. And he's the one I will use to build the family line from which the Messiah will one day come." But David was a very unlikely choice. He failed, and he failed often. Bathsheba... Absalom... The census... And yet God describes him as a man after his own heart. Why? David was chosen by God because of his character. Character doesn’t mean perfection. David was far from perfect. But David always pursued the Lord. David maintained his character, no matter what. All the way to the point of repentance when necessary. This summer, we will look at several events that take place in the life of David: His calling. His victories. His friendships. His failures. His legacy. We will look at the life of David. But David is not the main character. The main character is Jesus. What we will see in David is a life that foreshadows Christ. And we will see how we can better reflect Christ in our own character, and in our own lives.

Sermon Summary

David has been anointed king. But David has not yet gained the position of king. At this point in 1 Samuel, he has been serving King Saul, who has become increasingly hostile toward David, causing him to run and hide for his life. In chapter 24, we find David hiding in a cave, and Saul comes into reach. Yet David spares his life, in spite of an excellent opportunity to end all of his difficulties and persecution at the hands of Saul. Why? It's because David understands a key characteristic of God: mercy. And David holds onto his integrity and faith, and shows mercy to Saul. David knows what God has promised, and decides to wait for God to fulfill that promise in his own timing. David again foreshadows King Jesus, who showed mercy to us as sinners. In response, we need to be people who show mercy to one another, as well.