Grace and Identity

When I read the last words of David as recorded in II Samuel 23:2 I find a Reflection of grace.

"Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high. The anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet Psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of morning when the sun rises, a morning with out clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain."

It is in the Introduction where David shows you his heart. His identity is not in the name of his earthly father Jesse, or in the fact that he was a shepherd God "raised up" as king. His identity is not in any kind of heroic deed such as killing Goliath. He has moved on in his life, so his personal identity is not in the shameful act of adultery with the wife of Uriah the Hittite. No, he sees himself as, " The anointed of God and the psalmist of Israel"

There is a message of encouragement in these words for those of us who struggle with feelings of personal inadequacy and guilt. When I consider the last words of David I see a reflection of grace.