David the chosen and anointed king, in his early days was driven to wander by constant chasing of Saul, the first king of Israel.  However, these wanderings were times of pruning and learning for David as God shaped him into a man after His own heart! One of the key aspects of change that happened to David was his transformation from a shepherd boy into an indomitable leader!! This transformation was so remarkable when we see how he affected so many lives to stand for God and how through that process the plan and purpose of God was established.

When God spoke to Samuel (1Sam.16:1-13), that He had looked at the heart of all the candidates and had chosen David and commanded Samuel to anoint him, God knew what was in stock for David! He knew already that Saul would be chasing Him. From the time Samuel anointed David, the “Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David…”(1Chr.11:13)

Surely the presence of the Spirit was significant in the essential transformation of David. In one of his wanderings, David fled to the cave of Adullam (1Sam. 22:1-2). About 400 people who came to David there— people who were in distress, in debt and discontented. Anyone would be wondering how is it possible to fight a war with such kind of people and establish his leadership and authority? Yet we see that it was possible – David rose to the position of a great leader who was able to impact the lives of his followers, who also were transformed and rose to the required standards!

Our reading today gives the description of these mighty men of David. We can see that they were no ordinary people!! They were men of valor! If bad company corrupts good habits, then good company can do the reverse too!! As Jesus stated, we are the salt and light of the earth that give taste and direction!!

David the leader truly lived his life before his people. He showed perseverance and character even during the most trying times.  There were two instances when he could have killed Saul who was constantly chasing him for his life (1 Samuel 24; 26). Yet David respected Saul as the anointed of God did not dare to touch him!! We can be sure that this integrity of David would have influenced many. In 1Samuel 22:2 there were about 400 men with David; but in 1 Sam.23:13 it became 600. However, in 1 Chr.12:22 we read that people were coming to David daily to help him until there was a great army like the army of God!!

The most important quality of David commended by God Himself – “A man after God’s own heart.” He was zealous to serve God and even risk his life! So he wrote several beautiful songs-the Psalms that proclaim the Lord’s faithfulness.   There were several moments in David’s life when he thought he was going to die; he went through moments of utter despair and hopelessness. Psa.23:4 talks about the “valley of death…” In Psa.31:12 he says, “I am like a broken vessel.” But God in His mercy lifted this broken vessel, used him mightily to change many and carry out mighty works for His glory.

Are you somebody like David who thinks that your life is a broken vessel? Today God wants to speak to your life! He can still use you!! What does God expect from you? A heart of integrity like David’s; a mind to admit his/her own weakness like David and a zeal to stand for Him in all circumstance.

God gave His Son Jesus Christ knowing that we are helpless (Rom.5:6), and sinners (Rom.5:8) and enemies (Rom.5:10). He shed His blood and rescued you from the power of sin, reconciled you with God and revived you with His Spirit – you can be a mighty man like David!!

 Thought for the Day: 
How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of men!
You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man;
You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
(Psalm 31:19 & 20)