Session 32

Waiting for a leader worth following?

From 2 Samuel: A 5-Week Devotional

David is remembered as Israel’s greatest king, but Scripture is full of reminders that David was far from perfect. His legacy is marred by adultery, murder, and pride. Yet David was called a “man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22). 

At the end of his life, David looks to a king to come — one that will become the perfect leader. 2 Samuel 23:3-4 predicts the coming of “one who rules righteously” and is like the “gleaming of the sun” (NLT). In other words, David looked forward to a leader of Israel that would truly govern with wisdom, justice, and love. 

When Jesus arrived in Israel, he exemplified that leadership. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus was never afraid to pick up a servant’s towel, even if it meant washing his disciples' feet (John 13:5). Jesus was merciful to a woman caught in adultery while instructing her to go and sin no more (John 8:1-11). In fact, He was merciful to sinners all the way up to His last moments on earth (Luke 23:39-43). 

Our hope is always best placed in Jesus.

Many leaders will promise a lot, but Jesus is the only one who can deliver. Our hope is best placed in Jesus, who will always lead us in the right direction. David knew it. How about you? Is your hope in Jesus? 

Reflect:

• What is one of Jesus’ leadership qualities you can apply to your life? 
• Who can you share the hope of Jesus with? 
• Have you come to know the Messiah David was talking about? If you would like to start a relationship with Jesus, you can do it today.