Lesson 2 - Core Issues
The story of young David contains several characteristics and descriptions. Just so you know, he is guessed to be about fifteen years old as the story begins. Keep in mind two things. First, we know from Lesson 1, that God had already chosen David as the next national leader. In this Lesson, you will discover the basis of his decision. Second, God acted in a very specific and powerful way to endorse his selection. These two things, his basis and his endorsement, formed the context in which David lived the rest of his life. If you are to understand effective leadership through the example of David, it is essential that you understand these two pieces and how they may apply to your role as a leader.
God based his selection of David upon his examination of the young man's heart...his core motivations. His finding is described in the verse you just read as, "a man after God's own heart." David is the only person in the biblical record who is given that description. Explore what it means. Here are a few places that will assist your discovery.
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Based upon what you learn from scripture, summarize the meaning of the phrase "a man after God's own heart." See if you can get it in one sentence. Can you get it down to three words or less?
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The scripture is the standard of God's expectation. If you captured that standard in your summary, you have identified a position to which you can compare yourself...your own heart and its motivations. What is the result of your honest measure?
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Let's say you took an honest look and don't square up. Here is the next step...1 John 1:9
Give attention to verse 13. God endorsed his selection of David with a specific action that had a life-long impact. "And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on." From the moment God told Samuel that David was the one, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him and continued to be so to the end of his life.
Those two points, the basis of God's action and the result of it, form the context of the rest of David's life. Everything you discover about him through the rest of this study occurs under the umbrella of, "a man after God's own heart" and "the Spirit of the Lord upon him." You have looked at the heart evaluation. Now spend some time on what it means for "the Spirit of God" to be upon someone.
The Bible has a lot to say about it. I will point you to a few places.
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