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Marching to Zion
'The Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling.' PSALM 132:13
Before David became qualified to rule as King in Zion, he first had to be found faithful in three places. Examine them carefully, for you too must pass these 3 tests:
1) At home in Bethlehem. That's where David learned to be responsible, to earn a living and support his family, to develop his relationship with God, and to overcome the resentment of others because of God's favour on his life. 'Charity begins at home.' It's here you become qualified to handle bigger assignments by being faithful in smaller ones. It's here your character is developed and your dependability proven.
2) In the cave of Adullam. By living among the misfits and rejects of society David learned to give of himself to others without expecting anything in return; to love and serve others even when his own life was under attack. 'Adullam' is where our kingdom dies and God's kingdom is showcased through us. It's here that God deals with every self-seeking, self-serving motive in our hearts. Sadly, some of us never make it out of this cave.
3) On Mount Hermon. The word Hermon means 'covenant.' It was the highest mountain in Israel and there was no easy road to the top; it was uphill all the way. And it's that way with covenant relationships! They require loyalty regardless of circumstance, truthfulness regardless of cost, and forgiveness regardless of pain. When we begin to live this way the world will look again to Zion (the church) for answers, because they'll see God working in us.
written by Bob Gass
'The Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling.' PSALM 132:13
Before David became qualified to rule as King in Zion, he first had to be found faithful in three places. Examine them carefully, for you too must pass these 3 tests:
1) At home in Bethlehem. That's where David learned to be responsible, to earn a living and support his family, to develop his relationship with God, and to overcome the resentment of others because of God's favour on his life. 'Charity begins at home.' It's here you become qualified to handle bigger assignments by being faithful in smaller ones. It's here your character is developed and your dependability proven.
2) In the cave of Adullam. By living among the misfits and rejects of society David learned to give of himself to others without expecting anything in return; to love and serve others even when his own life was under attack. 'Adullam' is where our kingdom dies and God's kingdom is showcased through us. It's here that God deals with every self-seeking, self-serving motive in our hearts. Sadly, some of us never make it out of this cave.
3) On Mount Hermon. The word Hermon means 'covenant.' It was the highest mountain in Israel and there was no easy road to the top; it was uphill all the way. And it's that way with covenant relationships! They require loyalty regardless of circumstance, truthfulness regardless of cost, and forgiveness regardless of pain. When we begin to live this way the world will look again to Zion (the church) for answers, because they'll see God working in us.
written by Bob Gass
