COME AS YOU ARE

2 SAMUEL 7:1-24

INTRODUCTION

Though hard work is the  trait all top stars have in common, Age is the wild card, peak performance does not come same time in every field. Track and field record breakers-25yrs old, football-27yrs old, chemists-35 years old, Economist-56 yrs. old, Great investors-39years old, Philosophers-64 years old etc.

King David had fought countless wars, defeated all his enemies and brought stability to Israel. (V.1) Peace was at an optimum, things were quiet in the battle and the nations left Israel alone. It was at this time that King David wanted to build a Temple. He felt that the Ark of God should rest in a more secure and magnificent place. Although his request was rejected by God, his prayer was accepted because he came to God as he was. He stripped himself of all pretension and accomplishments. What kind of relationship would you have with God in your success?

Let us Learn:-

I. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GREATNESS. (II Sam.7:18)

• Once David was by himself, he bowed his heart and knees to God.
• At the height of success and might David did not see himself as a high and mighty King. He considered himself as God’s servant.
• Formerly David was a shepherd of sheep. He rose from obscurity to opportunity (V.8).
• From ordinary shepherd boy to the shepherd and ruler of men (v.8).
• Nine times David calls himself “Your servant” (v.20,21,25,26,27,28,29,29).
• The highest rank, honor and accolade God can give anyone is to call him or her “His servant”.
• The only other people who received this honor were Moses and Job.
• Never be ashamed to serve the Lord or to be called a servant of God.
• David recognized that his greatness was overstated (v.21).
• David knew that his greatness like all other great people, was limited to earth, but only God is unequaled in greatness.

II. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GRACE (II Sam.7:15-16,19)

• God gave David a permanent kingdom, unlike Saul, David’s rule will never end.
• God took away, removed and plucked the kingdom from Saul and gave it to David.
• Usually wealth will not survive beyond three generations, but for David it is forever.
• The grace of God is what we all need in this life and eternity. (2 Sam.5:12)

III. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS        (II Sam 7:23-24)

• David’s people were a Nation of slaves. Israel was special only because God chose them.
• You and I are only special because God chose us.
• God’s design was to be their God(Gen.17:8, Ex.29:45, Lev.26:44).
• Israel was not inherently more beautiful, elegant or meritorious than other nations.
• Only the goodness of God brings us out of slavery to freedom. (Deut.15:15, Ex.20:2, Deut. 16:12).
• We have been saved from affliction, misery, suffering, diseases and reproach (Ex.3:17, Neh.9:9, Deut.28:60, Josh.5:9)
• When we forget our past, we forget God’s goodness.

CONCLUSION.

• Prayer is to come to God as you are.
• Have you come to God in prayer stripped of your power, position, properties, pride and pretension ?
• Is your wealth found in the security of political power, worldly status or physical property or in the riches of God’s inheritance and wealth of your children’s relationship to God?
• Is your security found in God and not in riches or fame ?
• True security is knowing you are His servant and that true success is in acknowledging God’s greatness, grace and goodness.