When I do a good deed or act of kindness, my human nature wants to take the credit for it. That’s when I have to ask myself my motivation and if I am content with knowing that God sees it and if that is all that matters. Jesus did not want to take the credit for his good works. They were motivated by His love for His Father. He knew that everything He was and did came from Him. Just like John was chosen to go before Jesus to prepare the way for Him. He gave Him all the glory…
“There was a man , his name John sent by God to point the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the light; he was there to show the way to the light.” John 1:6-8 MSG
… and so did David. He pointed the people to God. He did not manipulate things into his own plan like his followers were doing, or try to “help God along” with his own plans. He was truly a man after God’s own heart. As I see the story in 2 Samuel unfold I can see why. He became angry when Abner was killed. Even though he seemed to deserve it. David told everyone that he had set Abner free with his blessing. He even mourned his death. This reminds me of how John prepared the way for Jesus to come and set us free so that we don’t get the punishment we deserve.
John and David’s identities were in Christ alone and both sought Him with all their hearts. They were not seeking their own fame. Instead, they gave God all the glory. Both John and David were humble men who knew that God went before them and made a way for them. Even after David was anointed king, he knew that he couldn’t fight the Philistines on his own. He asked for God’s help twice.
“When the Philistines got word that David had been made king over all Israel, they came on the hunt for him. David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. Then David prayed to God: “Shall I go up and fight the Philistines? Will you help me beat them?”“David again prayed to God” “Go up,” God replied.”Count on me. I’ll help you beat them…God is going ahead of you to smash the Philistine camp.” 2 Sam 5:17-20, 23&24 MSG
Dear Jesus, help me to seek you, like these Godly men did. I pray that the words to this song would be the cry of my heart…
A thousand times I’ve failed still Your mercy remains.
And should I stumble again I’m caught in your grace.
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
My heart and my soul, I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord.
(From the Inside Out, Joel Houston)
Amy(amyctanner)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Beautiful and true! Thank you.
Your words remind me of the Scripture, “Create in me a clean heart, Oh, God, and renew a right spirit within me…restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Ps. 51:10
And, oh, how I need that reminder today!