“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption” — Acts 13:36
As Paul stood to beckon with the audience in Acts 13:15-43, he gave the history of Israel. His aim was to show the connection with Jesus the Messiah. During Paul’s message, he refers specifically to David, revealing insights about his life. Consider what Paul points out about the life of David:
- David was a man after God’s own heart — vs. 22.
This speaks of the heart. David failed many times, but when he fell, he repented and jumped back up. Psalms 32 and 51 are great examples of David’s repentant heart after straying from God. A just man falls seven times, but rises again (Proverbs 24:16). When you fall, get back up.
This also speaks of God’s character. God could have remembered David for his sin with Bathsheba, the killing of Uriah or his pride to make a census in Israel. Yet God does as is customary of His character, remembering the good and forgetting the bad. And God continues this practice today. He forgives over and over. He separates our sin as far as east is from west, remembering it no more. He’s a good God!
- David fulfilled “all (God’s) will” — vs. 22.
This speaks of priority. David’s priority was for God and God’s work. This should be our priority as well. God doesn’t want to just be in your life, He wants to be priority in your life. We are to seek first God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
David was going to fulfill (bring to completion) all God wanted him to do. We as well should not only fulfill what God gives us, but be sensitive to know what He wants us to do.
- David “served his own generation” — vs. 36.
This speaks of focus. The focus should not be on self, but on God. To serve God and to serve others is the responsibility of every child of God. Paul told the Corinthian Christians, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” (1 Corinthians 9:19). There’s no room for selfishness in God’s service.