2 Samuel 8:15-18 – The Aim of Messiah’s Victory
What David is doing in this chapter is very much focused on God’s glory rather than his own, but David’s actions are also for the good of the people. Those two things always go together. A victory for God’s king is a victory for God’s people. Not just because the kingdom they’re part of will expand, but because David is here striking down some of the ancient enemies of God’s people. David isn’t off fighting his own personal battles – he’s fighting nations who’ve been longstanding threats to God’s people. Then look down at v15: ‘So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people’. David’s kingdom was a kingdom where true justice was done, where people who committed terrible crimes didn’t get off with token sentences, where decisions were marked by fairness and honesty. This isn’t a king who’s out to serve his own interests. He’s a king who’s rule benefits the people. That’s because he’s a king whose rule reflects what God is like.
The aim of Messiah’s victory is God’s glory – and the people’s good. In this, David, points us to the true Messiah, Jesus Christ. His great desire and motivation was the glory of God. The cross was about God’s glory, but of course, it was also for our eternal good. We who deserved to drink the cup of God’s wrath, are given a cup of blessing. And now, the Lord Jesus governs all things for the good of the church. That’s why all things work together for the good of those who love God, because Christ is working them together, for our sake! 1 Corinthians 3 tells us: ‘For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future – all are yours, and you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s’.
The risen and ascended Lord Jesus is reigning on the throne of the universe for the good of his church. There is nothing in all creation that doesn’t exist for the benefit of God’s people. So whatever you face this week, in God’s providence it will be for your ultimate good. God’s glory and our good aren’t opposed to one another. That’s what the devil would like us to think. But actually, they go hand in hand. That was true in the reign and victories of King David, and it’s true in the reign and victories of King Jesus. The aim of Messiah’s victory is God’s glory and our good.
Question
- What is the aim of Messiah’s victory?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.