Thinking about King Saul and David. Such a shame they couldn’t join forces! Rivalry or partnership? It’s a choice we need to make too sometimes-do we see our colleagues, family, co-workers as rivals or partners?
The trick is to embrace these three: your own calling, those who have been given to work with you and the Holy Spirit who makes his home in hearts of love.
Roly Howarth
Concert with Rachel Huggins & Band
Support: Richard Dormandy
Tickets: £3 on the door
Dinner and 30-minute film.
Click on the picture below to see a preview of the film.
17th May
The story of how God chooses David as king over Israel is filled with important insights. Look at Eliab, David’s eldest brother, with all his attributes: tall, handsome and strong; yet Samuel was led to choose David, the youngest and least regarded among his siblings.
We tend to give precedence to outward appearances, rank, affluence, anything vain or indeed whatever is easy on the eyes. We turn our nose up at people we deem inferior to us. God, however, looks beyond that. He looks for a good heart, character and attributes that engender the fear of Him, respect, humility, care, peace, love and unity among his people.
Is there a situation that you are considering at the moment? A judgement you have to make or a decision you have to take? What factors are influencing you? Are you also listening, as Samuel was, to the Spirit of God?
10th May
What kind of Messiah do we really need? It’s certainly not a re-run of David, Solomon, or any from the past. Jesus, who they called Son of David”, redefined what that Messiah would look like.
He came from God – he was God’s provision, not man’s idea. He took on human flesh – raising us up – rather than bringing our hopes down with the inevitability of human corruption. He was totally secure in who he was, where he came from, why he was here – rather than anxiously clinging onto to a failing power. He was the perfect servant of humanity and his mission was unsullied by human desire for supremacy. He came to give of himself rather than take for himself. He included the marginalised rather than seeking popularity. He came for you; he came for me. His Kingdom began before time and would stretch beyond time.
This is the King God has given us – not in response to our braying demands but from the fullness of his undying love. Here is the Prince of Peace; here is the Saviour of the World. He is here now, risen from death, alive! And today he offers himself: will you accept me as your King? Will you trust me? Will you receive me? Do it today while there is still time: Open your heart and say, “Yes Lord, I receive you. You are the King of my heart and my life.” Amen.