Wednesday 7 December, 2016

1 These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: 2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ 5 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. 6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. 7 Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.”

We have a fascination with last words. A Google search returns dozens of lists of memorable last words. Some are witty. Others are foolish. Most reflect whatever had been the most important part of their lives. And then there are David’s beautifully poetic last words …
The consequence of a life in right relationship with God is a beautiful thing: “like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.” It’s a blessing to all.
The consequence of a life separated from God is like thorns that “tear the hand that touches them”. A cause of pain.
How did he make the transition from godless thorn to righteous sunrise? God’s salvation (v5) coming to fruition now, God’s choosing (v5), his anointing (v1), and his word (v2).
At the end of his life in place of incoherent ramblings is a beautiful, wise poem. I suspect that’s because he had meditated on these things throughout his life. His life had been this song.
So the challenge for me is: what will I be today? Will I be a thorn or sunlight on wet grass? Will I cause someone pain or give them hope like first light on a bright clear day? Will I walk in right relationship with my God? Will I receive His anointing? Will my mouth be filled with his words?
And at the end of my life, will I be able to testify to God’s grace and blessing on me, and through me?
Father, fill my soul. Fill my life. Overflow into blessing to all around me.

Written by David Cornell