We live in a world of discord, disunity, and division, a world of discrimination and prejudice, bitterness and hatred. Within man, a spirit of evil strikes out at others far too often, the evil of…Often the result of such discord and division is catastrophic, ending up in broken relationships, emotional difficulties, bankruptcy, conflict, and even war. No nation and no house can stand if it is divided against itself. Unity is commanded by God, and unity is the driving thrust of this Scripture. Even from the very first words, "all Israel," unity is the focus. All the tribes of Israel gathered together to appeal to David to become their king. Only if the people stood together as one, cooperating in building and protecting their nation, could they bring peace and economic prosperity to everyone. Accepting their appeal, David led the nation to the summit of power. Reading this account, the exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity would be encouraged to cooperate together. They had finally been freed to rebuild their nation. By studying this account of David's gradual rise to the throne and his uniting of all Israel, they could see how God could do the same for them. But there would be one condition they must stand together, united in spirit.
They could be successful in rebuilding their nation and in restoring true worship in the temple only if they were of one mind and stood united under God commanded by God. What does our day require of us? The world has never known such perilous times as these. Men today are perishing in a church pew, going to hell with a prayer on their lips, a song on their lips, and a Bible in their hands. Surely this day demands something from us. |
