Gospel Reflections #1072: From Strength to Strength

2 Samuel 8:15 ‘David reigned over all Israel, administering justice and showing kindness to all his people.’

Driven into the wilderness by King Saul’s jealousy, David, cut off from human help, learnt to rely ever more deeply on God.

Through many years of uncertainty and danger, David learnt to find comfort, support and life in God.

David realised that it was only through God’s power that he was fit for the throne, and that it was only through God’s wisdom that he could rule wisely.

As hostile nations still surrounded him, and it was necessary to subdue them in order to secure lasting peace, David sought to consolidate Israel’s borders.

His success in this was the fruit of the training he had received in the school of hardship and suffering.

Thus, the young shepherd progressed from strength to strength and from knowledge to knowledge.

This was because the Spirit of God was with David.

The Spirit of God is at work within us too.

Whether we receive it or not is left to our own free will.

And free will is the state of our hearts, which is the source of our actions.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.