2 Samuel 8

At the conclusion of an incredible seventh chapter is a recording of David’s military successes. Here David’s attitude of worship derived from God’s great promises of graces is shown in the bounty collected from the war campaigns. Like God said, God is with David, bringing him the success in whatever frontier he takes the kingdom. Bronze material, gold silver, tributes; all of these material things came with the blessings of God’s presence but what I am writing to reflect is the astonishing thing that they did not replace God’s presence in David’s heart. He demonstrated this by dedicating the material gifts to the LORD, for use in His temple by the priests. Though it is conceivable that these successes eventually led to a prideful rebellion later on with Bathsheba and Uriah, I believe the message is clearly seen and worthy of our contemplation.

Are there any blessings we now enjoy that take the place of God’s presence in our life? How ignorant it would be to forget the success and goodness we Christians enjoy is solely from the bounty of God’s grace!