David – A Man After the Heart of God
The Bible says, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (Acts 13:22). Paul is here quoting 1 Samuel 13:14. David was anointed king because he was a man after God’s own heart. David cultivated a lifelong pattern of service to the Lord. His goal in life was to do the will of His heavenly Father and glorify His name.
The main intent of his heart was to do the Lord’s will: “I delight to do thy will” (Psalm 40:8). He was teachable and inquired to learn the ways of God: “Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10). His eyes were fixed on God for direction: “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast” (Psalm 57:7).
From an early age David demonstrated valor and bravery when he fought lions and bears, endangering his life, to save the life of his sheep (1 Samuel 17:36). This attitude continued on in his life and was shown when he again endangered his life fighting the giant Goliath, who was mocking God and the armies of Israel (1 Samuel 17). His courage and faith in God gave him victory.
Later on as a king of Israel, David lived a life of service relentlessly fighting the enemies of God and delivering the land of Israel from their oppressors. His courage and faith were put to the test as he set to defend the honor of God. In this way, he resembled the ministry of Jesus who gave His life to redeem humanity from the oppression of the enemy and the slavery of sin. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
Even when David sinned, he repented in sincerity and all humility: “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). And he pleaded for cleansing: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow… Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:1–17).
David loved the law of God: “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes” (Psalm 119:47–48). And on God’s law he mediated day and night (Psalm 1:2). It was his joy. “Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways” (Psalm 119:2–3).
Finally, David lived a life of praise and exultation to God in spite of all the trials, difficulties, and hardships that he faced. He sang, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100). “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness …” (Psalm 150:1-6). David was a man after God’s own heart because he lived a life of service, love, humility, and zeal for His honor.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team