1 Chronicles 15 "Second Chances"

Here in chapter 15 David was making his second attempt at moving the ark to the city of Jerusalum. During the three months it stayed at Obed-Edom's house, David had plenty of time to learn from his mistakes. This time, the Ark was carried properly (on poles), the Priests and Levites were used more formally, and a period of consecration preceded the move.

David took a huge risk by trying it again. What if something else went wrong? But he moved ahead in faith and humility, believing that God's will would be accomplished, and even more important, that God forgives sin. This was a key lesson for David to learn, for this wouldn't be the last time he would need a second chance.

I’m sure we can all relate to the need of forgivness and second chances. Even the great apostle Peter would need a second chance. And, on the day of Pentecost, he received it (the Holy Spirit) and preached a powerful sermon that led about three thousand people to trust Christ as Savior that very day (Luke 22:54-62)

The application here is obvious, God forgives sin and gives second chances - His grace never runs out.

The Truth

“For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.” (Psalm 25:11)

1 Chronicles 14 "David Waited, Then Obeyed"

“It shall be when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” David did just as God had commanded him.” (vv.15-16)

Here is yet another reminder that, the battle is not ours, but God’s. He will deliver the Philistines in our lives to us if we wait on Him, and follow His leading. All to often we just charge ahead not realizing we could save ourselves much grief, if we just wait for Him to work in our lives.

When circumstances in our lives cause us to want to march ahead and take things into our own hands, may we all inquire of the Lord, wait on His leading, and not anticipate His will. It is useless to move forward before He has gone out before us.

The Truth

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:1-2)

1 Chronicles 13 "The Ark of God"

“David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, the Lord who is enthroned above the cherubim, where His name is called. They carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.” (vv.6-7)

David understood the importance of the Ark of the Covenant. Having made Israel militarily more secure, he now turned his attention to putting the nation back on a sound spiritual foundation. His first priority was to recover the Ark and bring it to his new capital city of Jerusalem. At that time, the Ark had been in Kiriath Jearim for about a century. The Philistines had captured it in battle, but after plagues struck their cities, they had returned it on a new oxcart to Kiriath Jearim, where it had remained.

Many things were right about David's desires and behavior with regard to the Ark. He consulted with other leaders, he acted in a spirit of respect and worship, he celebrated before the Lord, and displayed his personal love of God for all to see. Though David's heart was in the right place, he neglected to submit his decision (in today's reading) to the Lord. The ark should never have been put on a cart. It was (at God's directive), to be carried with poles by priests and was never to be touched by anyone for any reason (Numbers 4:15).

The application for us today is to never assume we know what God wants or that He will “rubber stamp” our plans, no matter how well intended they might be. Ask for His guidance, pray over your decisions with an open mind, and see where His Spirit may lead.  

The Truth

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

1 Chronicles 12 "David's Army"

“All these, being men of war who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king.” (v.38)

Chapter 12 gives us a list of all the men of war who came to David from all over Israel to pledge themselves to him in defense of his kingdom. The numbers of men and divisions equipped for war the Bible likens to, “the army of God” (v.22). These were men of valor (v.30), stouthearted men who could keep ranks (v.33), armed for battle with every kind of weapon of war (v.37), and were of one mind (v.38).

Oh that every man of God would learn to keep rank, shoulder to shoulder, in step with our brethren and with an undivided heart. That the church would center around the Son of David, Jesus Christ, and not fracture over infighting, pride or individual differences.

The Truth

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)