RUTH 4


22 And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

Famous in Israel


Accustomed to think of David as a crowned monarch and the founder of a long line of illustrious kings, it is not easy for us to realise his humble origin in its full force.

If we suppose a mechanic or herd boy in our own age exalted to power, we will be enabled to understand the case of David - a man of no "birth"- having none of the human prestige arising from rank, wealth, or pedigree - suddenly called to the highest position.

The case is practically interesting to us in this way, that we are called by the gospel from the humblest classes of society to be heirs with Christ, the son of David, of the kingdom in Israel in the coming day of its universal dominion upon earth.

Our neighbours laugh at the presumption of the idea. We would agree with them in thinking such an idea presumptuous - absurd - insane - any other hard name they might choose to use -if it rested in any degree on human opinion or conception. But it is God's own invitation -God's own promise; and the case of David is a historic illustration of the very feature of it which is now so much scouted:

"Hath not God chosen the poor of this world - rich in faith - heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love Him."

"Rich in faith;" this is where David would present a great contrast to the mechanics and shepherds of our day. He was of a fervent mind and affection towards all things pertaining to the purpose and Law of God. He was a man of love, of faith, of obedience. In this, he was a "man after God's own heart." In this, he differed totally from most men of similar social position in our day. For this he was chosen. So it is now.

Poverty is no recommendation to God if the poor one lacks the wealth of mind that can rejoice in the worship and fear of God, and in the hope of His covenanted goodness, and in all the service God has associated with these things. The poor must be "rich in faith" before they will be chosen for the Kingdom - a faith, too, that works by love; a faith that is not dead, but fruitful in every good word and work, according to the divine law of these things.

Seasons 2.44