1 Chronicles 10-12

May 4

1 Chronicles 10-12

Transitions can be difficult. Israel faced a transition of power. Often in biblical days as is the case for many countries today, transition of power results in power struggle. Everyone wants to be in charge. Whoever can bring together the most people with the most power claims leadership. Saul and his sons died while in battle against the Philistines. Saul was mortally wounded and did not want to fall into the hands of the Philistines so he asked his armor bearer to kill him. His armor bearer refused, so Saul fell on his sword to kill himself.

"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." (1 Chronicles 10:13-14, NIV) Saul and his family lost power in Israel because Saul turned his back on God. He decided to do things his way instead of God’s way. God is the one who placed him in power, and God was the one who removed him from power.

After Saul’s’ death the men of Israel, the powerful fighting men from all the tribes gathered around David to lift him up as the new king. David had been in exile, but the men knew David. Some had fought with David, others had heard about his valor and bravery. The men were attracted to David as a leader. There are numerous reasons why the men were able to unify as they joined David. There are numerous reasons Israel may celebrate as David was anointed King. But David was not king by chance. David was not king by popular vote. David was not king because the people wanted him to be king. David was selected by God to be king.

David was probably the least likely candidate to become king. Even within his own family, they did not invite him to join them when Samuel was coming to anoint the next king. David was a great warrior, but even before he became a warrior God had chosen him. Why David? Because he loved God and was willing to step out and live out his faith.

Jesus said; "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12, NIV) What does God want to do in you and through you; He is only waiting for you to step out in faith.