God raised up David to be king, for God said of him, ‘I have found in David, son of Jesse, a man who always pursues my heart and will accomplish all that I have destined him to do.’ “From David’s lineage God brought Israel a Savior, just as he promised. Acts 13:22-23
For the past couple of days we’ve glimpsed into the life of David. David’s story encompasses much of 1 Samuel and all of 2 Samuel. He wrote a vast majority of the psalms. He is given more press than any one person in the Bible with the exception of Jesus Himself. What’s that all about?
Paul gives us some explanation in his first sermon on his first missionary journey while in the synagogue in Antioch. He points out that David is part of the gospel story because God considered David a man after His own heart - a man who always pursues my heart. This phrase might actually be better translated as “a man whose heart is according to My heart.” David’s heart related to God’s heart; it beat with the same desire, followed the truth of who God is first and foremost and desired to please Him over everything else. Of course, because David was human we know from his story that he doesn’t do it perfectly but he does pursue it relentlessly!
What would that look like in your life? There are many ways it could be played out. But Paul chose one particular way to highlight - he “will accomplish all that I have destined him to do.”
David desired obedience. He wrote Give me an understanding heart so that I can passionately know and obey your truth.” (Psalm 119:34) He would not have received the acclaim or been given the opportunity to be part of the gospel story without that desire.
How can you apply this to your life? Does your heart desire to be obedient? Do you find joy in obedience as David did? Obedience isn’t about me. It’s about the One who makes the request.