David’s Prayer

December 29, 2019 Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:17 – 25; 1 Chronicles 17:16 – 27 Lesson Passage: 1 Chronicles 17:16 – 27 Our lesson text examines one of David’s prayers. In this prayer, David prayed in response to the prophetic word God sent to him by Nathan. Israel’s recorded history makes it clear that David was a man who depended on prayer and God’s response to his prayers. Prayer for David was as it should be for all of God’s children; it was a conversation David had with God and not a religious ritual or some ecclesiastical speech or recitation. David did not use meaningless or repetitious words that sounded sacred. David presented himself in God’s presence in humility. Whether as a keeper of his daddy’s sheep or king over all of God’s people, Israel, David always presented himself before God in humility; this can be noted from the content of David’s prayers that are recorded in the scriptures. David knew that whatever God did was not difficult for Him because He is all-powerful. There was no need for David to ask God how He did anything. David’s question to God was: Why are You doing such great things for me? David knew that his shortcomings were not hidden from God. David acknowledged that God knew all about him. Furthermore, there were no worldly credentials David had to offer God that would qualify him for the blessings God promised him. God had given David everything he had obtained. David also acknowledged that God was addressing him as though he was some great person of high degree among the people of the world—yet, David had no explanation for why God would do such a thing. Then David turned his attention away from himself towards God’s people, Israel. Israel was a great people because God had made them so. God took the initiative to claim Israel as His very own and redeemed them from slavery in Egypt. God established Israel in a land of their own. It was a land already developed (vineyards, farms, houses, etc.). The covenant and the numerous miraculous acts had endeared Israel to God as their God. This was not a temporary relationship but rather one that God established to be forever. What a privilege to receive something so great through no real effort of their own—other than obedience to God’s instructions and directions for them. David saw God’s choice of him similar to how he saw God’s choice of Israel. Both were undeserving and, at some point, had been among the least of all. God established Israel to be His example of holiness for the rest of the people of the world. They were set apart to become a nation of priests—a royal priesthood. Their government was designed to be a true theocracy. They were to have a God-centered and God-directed form of government and not just one where God is mentioned. This was not a government of the people and by the people but a government with God as the supreme ruler over the people. David understood this and thus he became a perfect leader for Israel. That is one of the reasons why prayer was such an important part of David’s life. Through his prayers, David acknowledged God as the supreme ruler of His own people. Earthly leaders were all servants of God whose purpose was the fulfillment of God’s desire for His people. David accepted his role as such and his attitude concerning it is apparent when one examines the content of his prayers. Robert C. Hudson November 25, 2019

Mary’s Praise

December 22, 2019 Background Scripture: Luke 1:39 – 56 Lesson Passage: Luke 1:39 – 56 Elizabeth was elderly and barren when it was announced to her husband, Zacharias, that God was going to use her to bear the forerunner of Israel’s Messiah, John the Baptist. After she became pregnant, she hid herself from society. After Mary was told that she would conceive and bear the Messiah as a virgin, she went to visit Elizabeth (her cousin). Both women found themselves in situations unexplainable aside from the miraculous work of God. They could happily confide in each other and await the manifestation of God’s promises to them. The faithless world would not be able to accept or willing to understand what God was doing until after it had been accomplished. Mary and Elizabeth knew what God was doing but they were in no position to tell anyone about it. Even as Isaiah had written about his own prophecy, who would believe their report? Who were they to declare to anyone the extent to which God was using them—especially in regard to the society in which they lived? But, in the comfort of each other’s company, they could celebrate and praise God for using them. The word “thanksgiving”, when found in the Old Testament, is translated from a Hebrew compound word. Part of the Hebrew word denotes the lifting of hands. In essence, it was not so much a verbal expression of gratitude as it was an exultant declaration of praise for God’s wonderful works. What Mary did according to the text, would be described as offering thanksgiving in the Old Testament. As she praised God for His amazing kindness to her, Mary declared that her spirit had rejoiced in her Savior. God was using poor, somewhat obscure people, in the unfolding of His revelation of salvation to the entire world. Mary understood the extent of what this all would mean for her for years to come. She would be called blessed by all future generations beginning from that point in time. She was a simple and poor virgin who had received a blessing of God beyond anything any person could ever ask. Mary was chosen as the human vessel to bear God’s only begotten Son. She knew this was not just a task or assignment to be completed and afterwards it would lose its relevance. The course of human history would be changed forever by what God was going to do through Mary. Furthermore, God’s actions were in line with what He had done over the years to fulfill the promises He made to Abraham and the patriarchs who descended from him. God had been faithful to Israel throughout her existence. What God had accomplished and what God was accomplishing was not through the rich or the proud. God used individuals of low estate who trusted Him and revered Him. This was especially so for the women of that society who were not viewed in the same light as the men. Whenever God used men, it was expected and respected by that society. The women were not treated with the same level of respect as the men. Nevertheless, God accomplished great things through many women. Mary and her relative, Elizabeth, were the two used by God at that time. In addition to sharing with Elizabeth for three months, Mary praised God for the marvelous works He was performing. Some people praise God for what they observe Him doing through others. Mary praised God for what she knew He was about to do through her. Robert C. Hudson November 25, 2019