2 Samuel 5, 1 Chronicles 11 & 12: Great by Association

2 Samuel 5:1
David was thirty years old when he began his forty-year reign.

On my 30th birthday, I was remembering that Jesus public ministry began at that age, and was feeling spiritually unsatisfied. I was hungering for a real/deep encounter with God. I remember feeling like my time was running out to make a difference in the world, to leave my mark on it.


2 Samuel 5:2

In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord told you, You shall feed My people Israel and be prince over [them].


David had already be anointed King over Judah, now that Ish-bosheth was dead, the remaining tribes remembered David’s leadership under Saul. The thing I am reminded of is that a person does not need the “title” of leader in order to be recognized as one. One's actions speak louder than a title or designation. A leader leads!


2 Samuel 5:10
David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him.

If God, the Greatest Being in the universe is with us, we will be great! I think of guilt by association. With God, it is greatness by association!


2 Samuel 5:20

And David came to Baal-perazim, and he smote them there, and said, The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like the bursting out of great waters. So he called the name of that place Baal-perazim [Lord of breaking through].

I remember reading a book based on this verse called “The Breaker Anointing” by Barbara Yoder. The power of Baal-perazim is with us whenever we come upon an enemy, which seems invincible. God will burst out like great waters!!!!

Lord, thanks that you do not look at age or physical characteristics, but peer into our hearts. You are the One Who teaches us how to lead, makes us great, and causes us to burst through our enemies! Praise and honor be to You, my King Who leads the way! AMEN!!!