For David's Sake

For David's Sake

I Kings 15:1, 3-4 NKJV

[1] In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijam became king over Judah. 

[3] And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him; his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David. [4] Nevertheless for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, by setting up his son after him and by establishing Jerusalem; 

Mark Batterson in January 2020 explored this theme in a brief devotion. " This is 117 years after David’s death! David is long gone, but God hasn’t forgotten the promise He made. God has a good memory. He doesn’t forget His people, and He doesn’t forget His promises. The only thing He forgets is the sin He forgives". A simple search of the phrase " for Davids sake " reveals God's restrain to destroy the Kings and people who had sinned because of a Name, David. The singer in Psalm 132 seeks for the sure mercies of God, then he is promised the continuance of the mercies for his generations. The phrase continues in Kings and Chronicles. John Gill explains this in the light of the New Testament that it is not in the " excellencies or merits, of David, literally understood"   but " for the sake of the covenant and promises made with him.."  and  " for the sake of the antitypical David, the Messiah, the son of David according to the flesh, and the servant of the Lord as Mediator; for whose sake, and in whose name, prayers and supplications are made and presented". So you're qualified for answers  and mercies because of what was accomplished in Christ Jesus. In the old covenant it was because of David, and in the new it is because of Christ. Batterson submits, " We’re the beneficiaries of prayers we know nothing about. God was working long before we arrived on the scene, and He’s using us to set up the next generation". Your prayers are not wasted. Oh God, may this generation experience, " for your sake ". Move heaven to stop and acknowledge that someone loved God- you. May heaven say, " for your sake and turn things around. Good morning.