Daily Reading
Daily Thought
Jonathan and David had many reasons not to be friends. Jonathan’s loyalty to his father, King Saul, tops the list. As his oldest son, Jonathan was next in line, but David was a popular alternative. Sure, David had killed his ten thousands (1Samuel 18:7), but Jonathan was a fierce warrior in his own right, leader of a third of the army, and had his share of victories. Jonathan, who had claim to the throne, had a choice to make: Who would be king?
Saul had become king because he appealed to man. He looked the part of king, handsomely standing head and shoulders above all others. David appealed to God. He had God’s heart. Jonathan could take the throne and continue the reign of Saul, of man, of me-on-the-throne. Instead, “Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt” (1Samuel 18:4). Like Jesus, he “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). God was on the throne of Jonathan’s life, therefore, David, the man after God’s heart, would be king.
Daily Prayer
God, as I wake up this morning, the first question I will answer is “Who is in charge of my life today?” You are. You are my King of kings and Lord of lords. There are all sorts of competitors to the throne, but none bring the peace, purity, righteousness, justice, and love of the one true God of heaven and earth. Thank You for putting my life in order, providing peace and contentment in a world of chaos.
May I follow Your ways closely and confidently, knowing they lead to a life of overflowing joy. My decisions in life reflect the one choice I have to make: who will be king? I choose to follow You, to give you my allegiance, my devotion, my worship. Each morning, I awake to a day that You have made and set before me. I shall live this day displaying the banner of my King.
Amen
Daily Question
Who is on the throne of your life? How can you tell?