May 13

In today’s readings, we see God's faithful hand guiding His people through seasons of transition, conflict, and calling.

In 2 Samuel 3–5, David’s journey to becoming king over all Israel reaches fulfillment, but not without hardship. Betrayal, political tension, and the assassination of rivals mark the path. Yet David consistently inquires of the Lord, and “David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). His strength was not in strategy alone, but in his submission to God.

1 Chronicles 12 gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the warriors who aligned themselves with David. These men, from many tribes and backgrounds, “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (v.32). God was uniting His people around a man after His own heart—one whose reign foreshadowed the coming of the true King, Jesus.

Psalm 122 shifts our eyes upward: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (v.1). As Jerusalem becomes the center of David’s kingdom, it also becomes the symbol of God’s peace and presence. The psalmist's joy is rooted not in political victory but in the beauty of worship and unity under God.

Then, in Acts 22, we see Paul stand in Jerusalem—David’s city centuries later—boldly testifying to God’s work in his life. Despite hostility, Paul remains faithful to the calling God gave him, recounting how he went from persecutor to preacher. His strength is in obedience, not self-defense.

Whether building a kingdom or bearing witness, God’s people are called to walk in humility, courage, and trust. David, the warriors, the psalmist, and Paul all point us to a deeper truth: lasting peace and true strength come from surrendering to the purposes of God.

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