Jesus - The Center of It All
Devotional Contributor: Jim Gallagher
Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, God made David their king. He testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own HEART; he will do everything I want him to do” (also 1 Sam 13:14)
Luke pens these words that Paul spoke during a missionary journey at Pisidian Antioch at the invitation of the synagogue officials. This verse is right in the middle of a brief history lesson starting from Moses thru the death and resurrection of Jesus. I’m sure the audience knew that David was the guy who defeated Goliath, was anointed to become king after Saul. But he was also the man who had committed adultery with Bathsheba, and arranged for Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to be killed in battle. Yes, that David. A man after God’s own HEART?
That word HEART means the seat and center of circulation, and therefore of human life. It’s spoken of as the seat of the desires, feelings, affections, passions, impulses. Also, as the seat of the intellect, meaning of the mind and understanding.
How could God call a man who had committed such acts to be a man after His Heart? Did God wink at the sins of the rich and powerful? No, God confronted David with his sin, and it was David’s response to God’s conviction that defined his heart. David did not deny or try to justify his actions. He confessed and repented. That is the heart God is looking for.
So, what are some characteristics of a person after God’s own HEART?
1. Seek the presence of God- recall that David wrote Ps 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” David wanted to live in the presence of the Lord all the days of his life (Ps 27:10, 84:2,10)
2. Study the word of the Lord- David took delight in God’s word (Ps 119:92); they were more precious than gold, and sweeter than honey (Ps 19:10).
3. Sing praises to God- David said “I will praise the Lord at all times, His praise will always be on my lips“ (Ps 34:1).
4. Serve the purposes of God- David devoted his life to doing God’s will. He prayed God would teach him (Ps 143:10).
Let us begin 2024 by being a person after God’s own HEART. .Join in this worship song before moving on with your day:
