April 13 – Reading 103

APRIL 13 – Reading 103

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 13

“THE RIGHT WAY TO THE THRONE”
(2 Samuel 4:1-5:25; 1 Chronicles 11:1-9; 12:23-40; 14:1-17)

“And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” — 2 Samuel 5:12

When I was starting my first professional job as a molecular biologist at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, I was surprised to learn the intense competition for recognition and promotion that existed.  Being naïve to the “ways things were done,” I was taken aback when others took my ideas and often my preliminary results and communicated them to upper management as their own.  Early on, I had to decide if I would live by a “When in Rome” philosophy to get ahead or to trust that God would exalt me without needing to “make it happen” myself.

Although I struggled to see others advance in dishonest ways, I decided I would rather not be promoted if it meant being dishonest myself.  Eventually, with God’s favor, my work was recognized, and I was promoted and compensated faster and given more responsibility than those who competed unfairly.  Living God’s way is always better.  This is David’s story as well:

For years, David had to run, hide in caves, flee to foreign lands, and wait for the promise of God to be fulfilled. He could have taken the throne by force but refused. He decided he would not become king by his own hand—He would wait on the Lord. And now, the day has come. After years of struggle, Israel gathers to anoint David as their king. God’s promise has come to pass, and David teaches us: When you trust His timing and follow His ways, He exalts you at the right time.

David’s journey to the throne was long and arduous. Though anointed as a young shepherd, he endured years of hardship—serving under Saul, fleeing for his life, and waiting patiently for God’s timing. When Saul died, David first ruled only over Judah. But in God’s perfect time, the elders of Israel came to him, recognizing him as their rightful king (2 Samuel 5:1-3).

Unlike many rulers who seized power by ambition or force, David ruled with principle. He didn’t fight his way to the throne—he trusted God to place him there. When the time came, he established his rule with wisdom, conquering Jerusalem and making it the capital of Israel. The Lord was with him, giving him victory over his enemies (2 Samuel 5:6-10). But David understood that his kingship was not about him but God’s more excellent plan for His people (v. 12).

David’s rise to power foreshadowed another King—Jesus, the Son of David. Jesus, too, was anointed as King, but His kingdom would not come through force or worldly ambition. Like David, He trusted the Father’s timing. Instead of seizing power, He humbly suffered, obeyed God, and ultimately was exalted above all.

New Testament Connection:

• Luke 1:32-33 — “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David… and His kingdom will have no end.” (Jesus is the true and eternal King in David’s line.)
• Philippians 2:8-9 — “He humbled Himself… therefore God has highly exalted Him.” (Like David, Jesus waited on God’s perfect plan rather than forcing His way.)
• Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.” (God establishes those who put Him first.)

Simple Truth:
God’s promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing. When we walk in obedience and humility, He exalts us at the right time—just as He did for David and, ultimately, for Jesus.

Reflection & Application:

• Are You Trusting God’s Timing? David waited years for God’s promise. Are you trying to force God’s plan, or are you waiting on Him?
• Are You Leading with Integrity? David didn’t take shortcuts to power. In your own life, are you choosing honor and obedience over ambition?
• Are You Living for God’s Kingdom? David knew his throne wasn’t about him—it was about God’s people. How can you live today with a kingdom-first mindset?

Closing Prayer…
Father, help me to trust Your timing and walk in obedience, even when I don’t see the complete picture. Teach me to lead with integrity and humility, like David, and to follow Jesus, the true King. Establish my steps according to Your will, and may my life glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.