Most of us have a desire to be a person of influence or make a difference in the world. World leaders like Hitler and Stalin tried to do it selfishly through power and control. God has a better way through the cross of Christ. David became a man of influence through his intimate relationship with God. He "redeemed David's life from all distress" (2 Sam. 4:9). In a similar way, let's study 2 Sam. 4-5 on how to be a person of influence in contrast to those who killed Ish-bosheth mentioned in the first paragraph.
Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, lost courage and all Israel was disturbed when Abner died. Two commanders of Ish-bosheth killed him while he was taking a nap and then presented his head to David at Hebron saying they had given the king vengeance on Saul (2 Sam. 4:1-8). Selfish ambition motivates people to seek favor before those in power.
As the Lord lives who redeemed David's life from all distress, he said the person bringing news of Saul's death in Ziklag received the reward of death. How much more when wicked men killed a righteous man in his own house. David commanded Ish-bosheth's killers to be slayed (2 Sam. 4:9-12). The cross of Christ motivates people to act justly in spite of what people think.
All the tribes of Israel came to David saying they were "your bone and your flesh." During Saul's reign, they said David led as shepherd and ruler over Israel. The elders made a covenant with David and anointed him king over Israel (2 Sam. 5:1-5). People follow and support those who care and lead them with integrity.
David and his men captured Jerusalem, stronghold of Zion, city of David, against the Jebusites where he lived. David became greater and greater for the Lord God was with him (2 Sam. 5:6-10). One's influence increases in direct proportion to their intimacy with God.
Hiram king of Tyre sent cedar trees, carpenters and stonemasons to build a house for David. He realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel (2 Sam. 5:11-12). God imparts favor from others to realize your purpose and destiny.
David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem and more sons and daughters were born to him (2 Sam. 5:13-16).
God uses imperfect people.
The Philistines sought out David and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim when he became king over Israel. David asked the Lord if he should battle and be victorious over the Philistines. The Lord said yes to both. David defeated them and said the Lord broke through his enemies like "the master of breakthrough." The Philistines abandoned their idols with David and his men carrying them away (2 Sam. 5:17-21). God gives wisdom on which assignments to accept in response to prayer.
The Philistines arrayed themselves in battle again. The Lord instructed David to circle around behind and come at them in front of the balsam trees. After hearing the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, they he should act promptly since the Lord had gone before them to strike the Philistines. David did as the Lord commanded and defeated them (2 Sam. 5:22-25). God gives strategy for pursuing your purpose and destiny in response to prayer.
Which of the underlined principles is God using in your life to be a person of influence? Which one(s) can you apply to be a person of influence?
Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, lost courage and all Israel was disturbed when Abner died. Two commanders of Ish-bosheth killed him while he was taking a nap and then presented his head to David at Hebron saying they had given the king vengeance on Saul (2 Sam. 4:1-8). Selfish ambition motivates people to seek favor before those in power.
As the Lord lives who redeemed David's life from all distress, he said the person bringing news of Saul's death in Ziklag received the reward of death. How much more when wicked men killed a righteous man in his own house. David commanded Ish-bosheth's killers to be slayed (2 Sam. 4:9-12). The cross of Christ motivates people to act justly in spite of what people think.
All the tribes of Israel came to David saying they were "your bone and your flesh." During Saul's reign, they said David led as shepherd and ruler over Israel. The elders made a covenant with David and anointed him king over Israel (2 Sam. 5:1-5). People follow and support those who care and lead them with integrity.
David and his men captured Jerusalem, stronghold of Zion, city of David, against the Jebusites where he lived. David became greater and greater for the Lord God was with him (2 Sam. 5:6-10). One's influence increases in direct proportion to their intimacy with God.
Hiram king of Tyre sent cedar trees, carpenters and stonemasons to build a house for David. He realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel (2 Sam. 5:11-12). God imparts favor from others to realize your purpose and destiny.
David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem and more sons and daughters were born to him (2 Sam. 5:13-16).
God uses imperfect people.
The Philistines sought out David and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim when he became king over Israel. David asked the Lord if he should battle and be victorious over the Philistines. The Lord said yes to both. David defeated them and said the Lord broke through his enemies like "the master of breakthrough." The Philistines abandoned their idols with David and his men carrying them away (2 Sam. 5:17-21). God gives wisdom on which assignments to accept in response to prayer.
The Philistines arrayed themselves in battle again. The Lord instructed David to circle around behind and come at them in front of the balsam trees. After hearing the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, they he should act promptly since the Lord had gone before them to strike the Philistines. David did as the Lord commanded and defeated them (2 Sam. 5:22-25). God gives strategy for pursuing your purpose and destiny in response to prayer.
Which of the underlined principles is God using in your life to be a person of influence? Which one(s) can you apply to be a person of influence?
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