Is it you? In your own kingdom? Your rules. Your desires.

In 2 Samuel 2 David is anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron where he and his men and their families have settled after Saul’s death. v. 2-4. He returned to Hebron only after asking God. God directed David and David listened. David is made king of Judah but David knows who his King is and he seeks His counsel. Can you imagine having that close, personal relationship with God?

Abner, who had been commander in chief of Saul’s army, made Saul’s son, Ish-Bosheth, king over all Israel. v. 8-9. He ruled for 2 years and David ruled Judah only for 7 years and 6 months. A people divided.

I keep thinking of when Israel asked for a king to rule over them and what they must think now. Did they want to be divided? Did they want that uncertainty? Think of nations today and the people who rule over them. Is there stability? Uncertainty?

When Jesus came to live among us, his own people expected a ruler to free them from the rule of Rome…He wanted so much more for all of us. The prayer He taught His disciples was quite different. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10.

Our Father. Our Father’s will. Our Father’s desire. “Then I said, ‘Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, my God.’” Hebrews 10:7 (Psalm 40:6-8). Jesus lived His Fathers will for us.

I love this King. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.

What do we need to repent of? Is it not being king of our own kingdom apart from Him? Where have all these kingdoms led? Tears needing to be wiped away, sorrows needing to be healed.

How about needed forgiveness given and received? That blessing comes from our Lord and King. One of the most beautiful verses in Scripture: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26. Who is our King? The One who is patient, faithful, gracious, not wanting anyone to perish. The One who walks with you and reassures you you are loved. You are not a mistake. You are chosen. The sorrows you experience now will not be forgotten and will be redeemed in love only He can give as He wipes away your tears. The Lord blesses you with His love and gives you peace that heals every hurt. That’s the close, personal relationship David had with God. So can we. David wasn’t perfect. We in our own little kingdoms are not perfect. God knows that better than we do. His love stands because He is not just our King. He is our Father and He loves us.