For David’s Sake

January 20, 2020

 

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1 John 5:14 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Versions of this three-word phrase—“For David’s sake”—pop up in multiple places in the Old Testament. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness even when we’re faithless.

In 853 BC, a king named Jehoram assumed the throne. He was the fifth king of the southern kingdom, and he did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. Jehoram actually killed his brothers to secure the throne. You would expect God to execute judgment in the next verse, wouldn’t you? Not so fast.

Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah.

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.

Can I suggest that God has done some things in your life for the sake of someone else?

I know He has for me. I had a praying grandfather in Elmer Johnson. At night he would take off his hearing aid, kneel next to his bed, and pray. He couldn’t hear himself, but everyone else in the house could. Those are some of my earliest memories. My grandfather died when I was six, but his prayers did not. There have been distinct moments in my life when I’ve received a blessing I know I didn’t deserve, and the Holy Spirit has whispered these words: Mark, the prayers of your grandfather are being answered in your life right now. That will give you goose bumps! God did it “for Elmer’s sake.”

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.

We tend to think right here, right now.

God is thinking nations and generations.

Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. NCC also owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 17 books, including The Circle Maker, Chase the Lion, and Whisper. Mark and his wife, Lora, have three children and live on Capitol Hill.

8 Comments

  1. Dawn Glassburn on January 20, 2020 at 5:22 am

    My husband had strokes in both eyes years ago and has field of vision blindness in both eyes and cannot read books. Is Whisper available in audio format and if so can you guide me to where to go to purchase. Thank you for your time and reply.

  2. Pat Foreman on January 20, 2020 at 6:33 am

    Prayers and blessings to you and your family

  3. Cheryl M. Palmour on January 20, 2020 at 8:10 am

    I very much appreciate all your books. I am currently reading Double Blessing. I plan to re-read all of them. I am keeping a gratitude journal.

  4. Jack on January 20, 2020 at 11:18 am

    Mark,

    You have been more than a good man, but an inspiration for seeking Him…may we all never stop, love to you and your family!!!

    Onelove
    Jack

  5. Aburo Emmanuel Sunday on January 27, 2020 at 3:52 am

    Pastor thank for the ministry, l would like to read your books most especially the whisper. How can l get the book. Bless you and your family.

  6. Lienna on February 5, 2020 at 7:20 pm

    Mark, thank you SO much for answering Gods call and not giving up on your writing! Your books are truly inspiring. I have started using the prayer circle journal and it’s so amazing to see God answering my prayers, but most importantly it’s a chance to grow closer to Him. I’ve read almost all of your books and sometimes feel that you wrote these books just for me. I always feel that God is using your writing to challenge and inspire us. Blessings!

  7. Carolyn Lassiter on March 9, 2020 at 11:56 am

    My dad was my pastor growing up. I understand about loud prayers being heard throughout the house. My dad wasn’t deaf but for some reason he prayed out loud. I’m sorry to say that I wouldn’t invite friends over because I knew that in the morning by dad would be kneeling in the living room crying out to God and that it would be heard throughout the house. He passed away 25 years ago but oh how I wish I could hear him pray again.

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