DAVID’S LEGACY
Legacy statements of one’s life are an interesting way to measure the impact created, memories created and inspiration generated. David’s legacy statement is found in Psalms 78:70-72;
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
David’s story had humble beginnings. To be raised from being a shepherd boy to becoming the king of Israel is a transformation that only God could bring about. And we know that it was God’s doing as we see the prophet Samuel choose David, the lowliest brother in an ordinary family and anointed him king over Israel when he was just a boy. An impactful legacy always begins with God’s miraculous work within man.
While he ended up doing something very different to what he was, the training he received as a shepherd, looking after the sheep and guarding over them was put to good use when he became king because God wanted him to be not just any king but a king who was a shepherd to his people. God’s blueprint for his disciples might look odd and fractured on the outside, but weaves together a story that is linked from the beginning to the end.
David’s response was noteworthy. He put on the robe of integrity as he took up the role of being a king. Integrity is being truthful to your God and to your calling. This involved prioritizing God over all else and making everything else in your life orbit around the center of God’s will. David did that exceptionally well, except for a few moments when he strayed. Every person is dedicated to something or someone. It is blessed to be dedicated to God above all and let all else flow out as an expression of dedication to God.
He also led Israel with skillful hands. Skill is the ability to do something efficiently and well. While skill is inborn, it needs to be developed by trial, experimentation, pruning and focus. It is a pleasure to watch a skillful person in action while it a torture to bear another who fumbles through tasks he should not attempt. This is true in all aspects of life including our professions, ministry and homes. Recognizing the gift of God within us and painstakingly fanning into flame that gift so that it may be used for the greater glory of God is what ensures a legacy.
