Acting Like a King

"Then they told David, saying, 'Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors.' So David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' And the Lord said to David, 'Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah.' But David’s men said to him, 'Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?' Then David inquired of the Lord once more. And the Lord answered him and said, 'Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.' So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines; and he led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter. Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah." -1 Samuel 23.1-5

David hears that some of his people are in trouble, and he is moved to action. He seeks God's leading, and once he is given the go ahead from God, he and his men move in and attack the Philistines, saving the people of Keilah. David is not the reigning king, but he is the anointed king. While the current king is obsessed with eliminating his rival, David is focused on saving his people. David may not wear the crown, but he is acting like a king.

David knows that Saul is after him, and yet he also knows that his people are under attack. He seeks God, and knowing that God will watch over him and protect him, and then moves in to save his people. Saul should have done this. Saul should have assembled the army and ridden out into battle against the Philistines who are plundering in his country. Saul has lost focus on his role as king. He is obsessed with keeping power that he is failing to use it as he should. He is not acting like a king.

Men, each of us are called to be kings. A key responsibility of a king is to protect those he leads, making them safe so that their lives can be better. We have the responsibility to protect our families. We have the responsibility to take care of our employees. We have the responsibility to guard those in our churches. That is the responsibility that comes with a kingdom.

While David did not wear the crown, he was the anointed king. Rather than hiding out, seeking to protect his own life, David does what a king should do and moves to defend his people.

Let us be men who act like kings. Let us use our strength not to preserve our own lives and to protect our rule, but rather let us spend our strength in the service of those we lead. Let us act like kings.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor