2 Samuel 8

God spoke to David about Jesus, a descendant of David who would reign forever, not only over Israel, but over the nations. The Lord had chosen David to be the ancestor of this great Messiah King who would be born in David's hometown, Bethlehem, one thousand years later.

David was overwhelmed with the glory of the Lord God's promises to him. But what would these promises mean in David's lifetime? How would David's life go? Though David would also suffer much, the Lord who had already given him many military victories would give him more, even beyond the borders of Israel.

The Philistines and Moabites would learn that David had been granted the power of life and death over them, and they would learn to fear him and to serve him without delay, excuse, or challenge. The people of Zobah and their allies and neighbors would find out what it would mean to obey the king of Israel.

The Lord gave success to David wherever he went. Why was it that the greatest Son of David, Jesus, would not seem to win against His enemies?

Jesus had a tremendous victory on the cross over sin and death. He defeated the grave by His resurrection. The message of His suffering love has gone to the ends of the earth and has won the hearts of millions upon millions. Yet for those who will not acknowledge Him as Lord or who will not repent of their sins and receive Him as their hope, He will display His power in judgment. The earth is being filled even now with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord through the preaching of His love. But Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead. Every knee will bow before Him on that great day. Every mouth will confess that Jesus is Lord.

Now is the time for people everywhere to make peace with the King of heaven and earth according to His terms. Now is the time to receive His life in us. He calls us not only to know Him, but to obey Him by following His Word.

David dedicated articles of bronze, silver, and gold to the Lord. Jesus has purchased us by His own blood, and dedicated us to God as the Lord's holy possession. Our lives belong to Him, and we offer them up as living sacrifices.

The Lord is bringing victory to Jesus wherever His Name is proclaimed. Yet some will not bow the knee Him today, even though they claim to be His disciples. This is a dangerous game to play against a very powerful King who has all mercy and justice in His hands.

Jesus is building up His kingdom even now through His church. We need to take the spots that He has prepared for us under His scepter. We are called to remember that we follow a King who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. What does the Lord who saved you through His own blood require of you today? Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Jesus is Lord.