Victory is not Always Glamorous

"Acts 2:22-47

Victory everywhere you go

The victory of Jesus was foreshadowed in the life of David. There are over a thousand references to David in the Bible. He was an anointed (messiah) king. The Lord gave him ‘rest from all his enemies around him’ (7:1). Nathan the prophet said to David, ‘Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you’ (v.3). ‘The Lord gave David victory wherever he went’ (8:6,14).

We see in David’s prayer an example to follow:

Praise for God’s greatness

David has both a sense of his own unworthiness in the presence of God (7:18) and at the same time, a realisation of the greatness of God: ‘How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you’ (v.22). He praises God for his redemption of his people (v.23).

Passion for God’s name

David is passionate to see God’s name honoured: ‘Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever’ (vv.25–26).

Promise for God’s family

David trusts in God’s word: ‘Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant’ (v.28). He goes on to ask for one more thing: ‘Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You’ve already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!’ (v.29, MSG).

God made a covenant with David. Whereas God had been dwelling in a tent (7:2), he promises to establish a house for David (vv.7,10–11). He promises, ‘I will raise up your offspring to succeed you … I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever … Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever’ (vv.12–13,16).

Only in Jesus were the promises of the Davidic covenant fulfilled. The human kings failed, but there remained the hope of a future king who would fulfil the kingship ideal. Jesus was the son of David (see, for example, Matthew 1:1). As he entered Jerusalem, the people cried out, ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ (Mark 11:10).

However, the victory of Jesus and the kingdom of Jesus were far greater than anyone had anticipated. They were achieved not by a conquering king winning physical battles, but by a dying Saviour winning the great spiritual victory over sin, guilt, addiction, fear and even death itself.

We see from the example of Jesus that victory is not always glamorous or even obvious. But God promises you, as he promises David, that he will be with you wherever you go and that, in Christ, ultimately you will be victorious.

Lord, like David, I feel a sense of unworthiness in your presence. ‘Who am I, O Sovereign Lord?’ (7:1). Thank you that in Christ you promise us even greater victories than David over sin, guilt, addiction, fear and even death itself. Lord, I trust today that you will be with me and help me wherever I go."

1. Indeed, thank You Lord for these promises of even greater victories than David. Amen!

2. Thank You for plans but still thank You even if some do not materialize as I have planned. Thank You for calling me out to serve.

3. Thank You for a safe flight, although it was a shaky one. This was when I focus on where I am as your servant. Thank You.

4. Thank You for giving people the gift of humor. It was fun meeting people like that.