The three great and well-known Hebrew kings, Saul, David and Solomon, each ruled for 40 years. That’s not a coincidence. 40 years is considered a generation in the Bible (this means that a new group of Israelites that rises up, sustains itself, then dies off).
For these three kings, this time period of 40 years also contains a warning: 20 years of their rule was marked by prosperity and 20 years by ruin. It characterises the Prophet Samuel’s trepidations over instituting kings in the first place: eventually, they’ll take from the people more than they give.
Such periods of rule seem to have a modern parallel as so often the political elite of many nations seem to have this rise and fall in their periods of governance. Israelmore Ayivor a leadership consultant claims that, “The rise or fall, success or failure of your dreams is largely dependent on the association you build yourself around.”
Whilst David rose to the heights of kingship and did often stumble he was able to say, in Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”
One New Year’s Day, in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of petrol. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of fuel. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of petrol.
Even though Christians have access to God’s omnipotence, if we do not avail ourselves to it we will run out of power.
Lord, I kneel before You in humble submission and pray that in Your mercy and kindness You would help me to simply let go of all the fears and worries, problems and doubts, guilt and disappointments that seem to be filling my heart and mind so often, during the course of a day.
Fill me with Your love and peace I pray. Lord, You know what is in my heart. Help me Lord, to take every thought captive, to hand it over to You as it rears up in my mind, and help me to replace it with thoughts and words of Scripture that tell of Your great might and wonderful power.
Lord, You have told us to think about whatever is lovely and pure and holy and good, and I pray that You would help me to turn the eyes of my heart upon Jesus and look to Him day by day. In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
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