13th November 2024

By Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: RIGHTEOUS SUCCESS

THEME SCRIPTURE: "When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?"  - 2 Samuel 4:10-11 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. How much are you determined to succeed in life and by what means are you hoping to secure this success?

The post-modern Christian has come to the age where being successful by all means (fair or foul) is accepted. As a result, chaos rules, and righteousness is not regarded. Many Christians are therefore wondering whether it is possible to walk righteously and be successful in our day. Beloved, those who know their God will always strengthen themselves in Him, and they shall do exploits.

 

David was anointed many years ago to be king over Israel. He looked forward to the day he would be king. He had been persecuted by his master all because he had been anointed to be king someday. There were many instances where David could have killed Saul and become king. This anointed young man avoided them all. Eventually, Saul died in battle, and three days later, someone (an Amalekite) came to him with the crown and bracelets belonging to Saul. This Amalekite confessed that Saul was leaning on his sword and requested that he be killed before his enemies captured him (2 Sam 1:8-10). He further provided the crown and bracelet of Saul as proof of the king's death (2 Sam 1:10).

 

Precious One, though the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul long ago, David questioned this Amalekite, "How was it that you were not afraid to stretch forth your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?" (2 Sam 1:14). David gave the order, and this man was killed (2 Sam 1:15-16). Why should David kill the man who helped to take away the enemy of his life? The answer lies in this question, "Which is important before God—being righteous or being successful?"

 

Not too long after, Abner, the army commander of Saul, also died. This rendered the cause of Ishbosheth (the new king of Israel) hopeless. Then, two captains of Ishbosheth conspired and murdered him while he was asleep (2 Sam 4:5-6). In haste, these two men beheaded Ishbosheth and brought his head to David, hoping to get a reward. David was not impressed by this (2 Sam 4:8). These men thought that if they were in David's shoes, nothing would please them better than the removal of the last obstacle to the throne. Unfortunately for them, David turned on them with honest indignation.

 

Beloved, men of coarse nature understand little the workings of a righteous man. David understood that his redemption was not of man nor by the maneuvering of men but by God's tender mercies (2 Sam 4:9). Therefore, he was not impressed by the deception, betrayal, and unrighteousness of scrupulous men. He needed no unrighteous means to advance his cause.

 

Precious One, let's dare to act apart from self-interest. Let's dare to act righteously no matter the cost. Let's dare to point it out when others act wrongly, even if it will favor us. Success is true when it is founded on righteousness. Let your success be founded on all righteousness, and then shall you have good success. God bless you more.

FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 1:1-15

 

  Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. In your pursuit of success in this life, have you cut corners at some point?

2. How comfortable have you become with employing foul means to gain success or an advantage?

PRAYER

Precious Father, everybody wants to be successful, but few want righteous success. Sometimes we see righteous success as laborious or almost impossible in our days. Eternal Father, help me to know at all times that the race is not for the swift nor the battle for the strong. Help me to know that the unrighteous can be at the top today and tomorrow they will be nowhere to be found. I receive grace to fight a good fight, finish my course, and keep the faith. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Ezra 9,  Hosea 10,  Colossians 1