Who am I? In Jesus, a Child of the King

Sunday, September 14

1 Chronicles 17:16 (NIV)Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Lord, God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”

Devotion

New Covenant Believers have so much more than even King David. We can overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. In Jesus, we have the only Name under heaven given to men by which we all can be saved. We can love our enemies, preach, and pray with hope that Jesus will transform them into our brothers. And should our enemy strike our cheek, we have the ability to turn the other cheek.

In Jesus, we can be changed from enemies of God to Children of the King and servants to God's People. Yet the temptation is to forget that in our sin, we dug most of the pits we were rescued from by the blood of Jesus. We can also be tempted to think our status as Adopted Children is enough to bring Jesus to our rescue.

We do well to remember that the passages Pastor Franklin preaches on from the Old Testament were written as examples for us as New Covenant Believers (1 Corinthians 10:11). Most of the time, Israel got into trouble because of their sin, and it was repentance and crying out to the Lord that brought deliverance. By itself, their status as God's chosen people was insufficient to get them rescued. God disciplines those He loves to bring growth and repentance.

We don't want to be like Job's friends who think some deep dark sin is the cause of every problem. At the same time, we need to be open to the idea that God is using hardship as discipline to produce a change in us. Being changed from one degree of glory to another means accepting God's hand in our lives, repenting as needed, and enduring always as God strengthens us for our next assignment.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess I am often confused about why hardships occur. Give me wisdom, I pray. Show me when I am being disciplined for sin and need to repent. Show me when I am being disciplined for strengthening. And help me not to waver in my trust that You are a loving Father who knows what You are doing. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Take time today to thank God for His specific actions toward you and your family, including answered prayers, protection, provision, correction, and redemption.

Resources

During prayer, cycle through these phases for variety:

  • Adoration – Praise God's character and works (e.g., "You are faithful and loving").
  • Confession – Repent of sins and shortcomings (e.g., "Forgive my impatience").
  • Thanksgiving – Gratitude for blessings, big and small (e.g., "Thank you for daily provision").
  • Supplication – Petitions for needs, others, and guidance (e.g., "Provide wisdom for my challenges").

Rotate starting points to keep it fresh. Journal responses for reflection.