BEING A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

Acts 13:22, “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’”

David, one of the key figures in the Old Testament – First King from the tribe of Judah, whose descendants Jesus, the savoir of the world was born (Mat 1:1). He has lot of positive natures however the Bible records his negative lifestyle also,

·  He was the medium for lot of bloodshed (1 Chr. 22:7-10)

·  He committed adultery, a liar and a murderer (2 Sam. 11)

·  He made wrong decisions which led thousands lose their loves. (2 Sam. 24)

Amidst of all God calls him as the man after His own heart? Surprising? God’s favourites always people’s least favourite and vice versa (1 Cor. 1; 18, 27)

He was least in his family – being the youngest but rejected by all (David’s mother believed to be Jesse’s concubine so that the other brothers hated him wildly). His father had no interest on him since by any way he will not represent his lineage besides other sons. (His father almost forgot David when Samuel came to anoint one of the sons of Jesse) 1 Sam 16:11 - So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

He received hatred from his brothers (1 Sam 17:28) in the battlefield: 1 Samuel 17 we see about the battle of David and Goliath. The story even kids would know – The world uses when simple people defeat the giants. We learn some spiritual lessons from David’s approach that made him outstanding with others. 1 Sam 17:23, David enters into the conversation with the soldiers about Goliath.

Five things can be noted out from his conversation with people in spiritual way.

1. He had Spiritual Preparation (1 Sam 17:29) – His brothers were mad at his arrival to the battlefield. He responded them quietly, “And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (ASV)

“Is there not a cause?” or “Am I here without a Purpose? – Don’t I have a purpose to come here? The spiritual preparation is always expecting a chance to fight against the evil and the evil one. Goliath despised God, the army of Israel and Saul (vv 8-10). The response of David was courage instead of Fear. The armies hid themselves as they saw the philistine (vv 11, 24). David responded “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (v.26)

Our life has a God ordained purpose in it, we must prepare ourselves to face at any time. God has sent you with a purpose to this battleground. As it is certain battlegrounds are not entertaining, prepare yourself to face it. 

2. He had Spiritual Realization (1 Sam 17:32) – “David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

There are occasions we must understand where to battle and where not – Identifying the above fact will make our battles easier. 1 Cor. 9:26, Paul says, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” 

Recognizing what is your battle and what is not makes your time and energy in a useful manner. David identified that did his moment to get in and fight with the uncircumcised Goliath. He proved his spiritual realization.

Paul chose “Good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7) which can award him the eternal reward.

Isaiah chose the battle and said, “Here I am.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Mary said, ^“I am the Lord’s servant.” (Luke 1:38)

We should have spiritual realization like David – What to do and what not to do?

3. He had Spiritual Confidence (1 Sam 17:37) – “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

1 Sam 17:45-47, “David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

The phrase, “The Lord will rescue me” proves that he had no confidence on himself but on the Lord. There cannot be a physical comparison between these two – There is no way you can compare them in worldly sense but spiritual confidence enabled him to face the giant.

There are people afraid to face demons and demon possessed people. I often get dreams of chasing demons – since I’m not getting chances to face them in reality. The spiritual confidence enables us to confess “The Lord will deliver me.” The scripture time and again prove that to be real.

Israelite while crossing the red sea – (Ex 14:14), “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Daniel in Lion’s Den – (Dan 6:22), “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions”

4. He had Spiritual Zealous (1 Sam 17:45) – “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied”

Earlier he said to Saul (v.39), “I can’t go with this outfit” – If you do the unfamiliar things which will not help you rather make you uncomfortable. This is not a war of David but Lord’s. V.47, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

David was so angry at the philistine because of his words against the Lord and the army of Israel – This zeal made him to go for any extend! I sometime surprise how Saul allowed David to fight against the mighty Goliath – The challenge is defeating him will result defeat of their army.

David said it later in Ps 69:9, “For zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” Later the same verse referred to Jesus as he was cleansing the temple in John 2:17.

5. He had Spiritual Humbleness (1 Sam 17:47) – “For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

The terms “Lord’s – into OUR hands” proves that David do not want to take credit of his victory over the enemy rather God made him to be victorious. The victory belongs to everyone whom he represents.

Today the huge temptation for Christian leaders that they take the glory for the victories that came through the Lord. On the contrary David had victory but attributed to the Lord.

Preaching is our duty – the duty of Satan to divert the heart of the people – the work of the Lord is to soften the heart of the hearer to accept the gospel. The major role for all our success and victories is the Lord – This is the battle of the Lord (Ex. 14:14).

Spiritual humbleness always exalts the Lord, put ourselves down (John the Baptist John 1:27; John 3:30). John in his gospel never revealed who he was – “This is he who testifies” (John 21:24)

RESULT:

The result of his spiritual preparation, realization, confidence, zealous and humbleness – He defeated the mighty Goliath. It was an Unexpected, Sure victory for David as he depended on the Lord. He took the head of the giant Goliath – A complete conquest.

Later David said Ps. 144:1, “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

Psalm 18:34, “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

The victory/success of David laid on the failures he faced. The struggles, humiliations and oppositions should make you bolder and give strong trust in the Lord.

David endured in all the negativity in Jesse’s home – He improved the spiritual abilities that made him to be stronger in the Lord – Ultimately he became King and ruled the nation. Above all God testified about David, “He is man after my own heart” (Act 13:22) what a great testimony. Let us aspire to get the same from the Almighty God.

(What made Jesus to amaze at the faith of the Centurion?)

Three Characteristics of a Life Giving Leader

Luke 7:1-10

The Faith of the Centurion

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. ² There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. ³ The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. ⁴ When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” ⁶ So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. ⁷ That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁸ For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” ⁹ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” ¹⁰ Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

The passage preceded a long teaching in Luke 6, where we see the

• Beatitudes (17-26)
• Love for Enemies (27-36)
• Judging Others (37-42)
• Tree and its Fruits (43-45)
• Wise and Foolish Builders (46-49)

Chapter 7 is on the contrary to teaching but filled with the actions of Jesus, we see of

• Healing Centurion’s Son (7:1-10)
• Jesus raises widow’s son (11-17)
• Jesus curing sickness and delivering demon possessed (18-23)

V.1 states that it was held in Capernaum – One of the three towns in Galilee where Jesus visited frequently. In Luke 10:13-15, Jesus cursed three towns where he ministered so often yet people did not believe Him.

We see some important characters in the passage Centurion, His servant and some elders in Jews (mediators to Jesus). What made Jesus to amaze his faith? He is a Roman commander – having the authority over 100 soldiers. He heard of Jesus, sent messengers to bring Jesus. Jesus amazed at his faith for the statement he made and the great faith he had on Jesus. The characteristics of a life giving leader must follow the same as the centurion!

1.      HE HAD AMAZING LOVE (VV 4-5)

Romans by nature oppressive – Remember they are in power now – Roman empire ruling over the know world. On the contrary he was a man possessed with amazing love towards people and nation. “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”

Remember Romans destroyed the temple in AD 70 (after Jesus’ time), they were all concerned of demolishing the worship places so that the Roman emperor can be worshipped and proclaim his superiority over the gods of the nations they conquered.

Amazing love looks beyond everything – all differences are put aside in amazing love. He is pleading for His servant – not for son or daughter or one of the family members or for himself. His concern and love was towards the least in his house.

We need to build the lives that are torn down and broken – look for people who are not being cared by anyone. Someone might ask you “Why are you doing this?” because God loves us! “With God’s love we are quick to forgive one another! Not bitter to one another – Bitterness is the attack of the enemy.”

Corrie Ten Boom, “How to Forgive” (Watch in Youtube) – “Jesus would have suffered as if you were the only person lived on the earth” (Mat 6:15 – Rom 5:5) The Love of God is poured unto us through the Holy Spirit.

A life giving leader must be known for his amazing love!

2.      HE HAD AMAZING GENEROSITY (VV. 4-5)

He was praised by the elders – He loves Israel AND built a synagogue. He doesn’t need to do so. Great leaders live with amazing generosity.

Generosity is an attitude – It is not how much you give. It is not determined or proportionate to how much you have. If generosity meant by how much you have then 60-70% of the people in the globe can give nothing to anyone who is in need!

Pastor Tom Milan had a poor unemployed boy in the congregation who came to church with dirty shirt and without shoes. As he noticed him purchased good cloths and pair of shoes asked him to wear it when he comes to the church. The next week he came to church wearing the shirt but not the shoes and jacket. The pastor got angry at him and said, “Why haven’t you wear the shoes I BOUGHT for you and the jacket?” he replied, “Pastor I put on all you gave it to me, but on my way I found a homeless man on the street having no shoes and shivering in the cold. I gave them to that man. Pastor if Jesus would be on the earth he would have done the same right?” That question from the boy struck the pastor and gave a new definition to generosity – Generosity does not come from plenty but the attitude of heart that longs to give, give and give.

During the death, people will be known by their generosity and love they had towards others. The centurion was known by his generosity – he didn’t have to do but his generous heart tends to do so.

A life giving leader must be known for his amazing generosity!

3.      HE IS A PERSON OF HONOR (6-8)

He said to Jesus, “I am not worthy of hosting you into my house.” He honoured the people of the society and most importantly JESUS.

The centurion though did not believe the Jewish customs yet honoured their ideas. It should be true to us sometimes – Even though you don’t believe what they believe yet honour THEM (people) – the centurion did the same to Jesus!

Jewish Rabbis don’t visit gentiles, by doing so they defile themselves. His house will be defiled too. Two understanding about defilement – people were defiled both by holy and unholy intention. The centurion admits that Jesus by entering into his house defiles himself and his house too (as Jewish understanding). God honours a person who honours others.

An Indian Hindu family in Kansas – Christ Church Members – children mingled with others and accepted Christ. They brought the parents, father attended the bible study and impressed about it, came to Pr. Dennis and said, “I attended the Bible study – It’s so impressive – But I don’t want to become a Christian – Can I keep coming to the church and be in your fellowship? – Pastor said certainly. The church was praying for the family – He became camera operator in the church – Got baptized after 3 years – 40 people from India witnessed his baptism – Now over 20 in his family accepted Christ – From Hyderabad.

He realized that he was not worthy of hosting Jesus – Jesus a person of Honour too – He broke all the Jewish practices in welcoming gentiles. V. 7, “But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” That led him to have great faith on Jesus.

A life giving leader must be a person of honoring others!

Jesus then said a word and healed him. We must be life giving leaders – must bother about the least one who is in need. The centurion was praised by Jesus, “I haven’t found even among Jews such a great faith.”

Let’s be life giving leaders, having…

Amazing Love

Amazing generosity

Person of Honor

Amen!

*(This sermon is adapted from Pr. Tom Mullins, Christ Fellowship Church, FL)

Text: Jeremiah 1:1-10

INTRODUCTION:

The book of Jeremiah is one of the major prophets in the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah is often identified as the ‘weeping prophet’ (9:1; 13:17) and an unmarried or ‘lonely prophet’ (16:2). Over 40 years he faithfully proclaimed God’s judgment and endured in oppositions, beatings and imprisonments (20:1-3; 38:1-28). He began his carrier as a prophet with the proper call from the Lord; when he was in 20 years of age. In the time of King Josiah his ministry was begun and it continued even the captivity in 586 BC, he was a prophet until King Zedekiah’s captivity to Babylon. He is the most persecuted prophet who suffered and no one recognized or heard his voice until his death. Often he is called to be the faithful man who did not see the success, yet spoke from the Lord.