Saturday, June 20, 2015

Saturday, June 17, 2015

by Kenneth and Keesha Sullivan

What does it mean to be a man or a woman after God's own heart? How can we attain this name for ourselves? King David was known for this title. In fact hundreds of years after David's death, the apostle Paul still referred to him in this manner. As Paul spoke to the men of Israel and the Gentiles who worshipped God, he highlighted God testifying that "David son of Jesse [was] a man after [His] own heart; he [did] everything that [He] wanted him to do" (Acts 13: 22).

Chuck Swindoll puts it this way: "[Being a man or woman after God's own heart] means your life is in harmony with the Lord. What is important to Him is important to you. What burdens Him burdens you. When He says, "Go to the right," you go to the right. When He says, "Stop that in your life," you stop it. When He says, "This is wrong and I want you to change," you come to terms with it because you have a heart for God. When you are a man or woman after God's heart, you are deeply sensitive to spiritual things."

David possessed two attributes, which stood out in his life: his loving relationship/harmony with the Father and his incredible obedience to God.  However, the relationship that David had with the Father was the fuel for his obedience. I would suggest that David was not obedient to God simply out of a sense of duty, but because of love for the relationship. Consider these words from the prophet Samuel:  "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."  (1 Samuel 15:22)  David wanted to bring delight and joy to God's heart, so his love for God drove Him to obey.  His love for God motivated his songs and psalms and everything that he did for the Lord.  Yes, David was not perfect - he made his share of mistakes.  But, even David's sorrow for his sins was motivated by love.  He was a man driven ultimately by his relationship with God.  And that's God's heart!  Since the beginning of time, God has been driven by the pursuit of a relationship with His creation – us.  

We love You, Father, and we want to be more in love with You! Help us to become men and women after Your own heart, that are relentless in our pursuit of You, that find joy in bringing You joy. Help us to become completely Yours in spirit and action. We desire to be in harmony with You. We want to heed everything You tell us to do. May our thoughts, actions, and desires be focused on pleasing You. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen!