David was anointed on three different occasions. He was first called and anointed at Bethel (1 Sam 16:13), then chosen and anointed at Hebron (2 Sam 2:4), and finally as he remained faithful with what he had been given, he received his final anointing at Zion (2 Sam 5:3), which established his rule over Israel for 33 years. In Hebron, David reigned over Judah for a period of seven years and six months. He was then 30 years of age when he became king and he reigned for a total of 40 years. Pastor Yang often quotes the following statement, “David’s life could actually be defined by the battles he fought.”
It’s interesting to study the various weapons of warfare David used for each battle. I believe God makes available an appropriate weapon accompanied by a fresh anointing for each season and battle we face.
1. The Slingshot
“He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds.” Ps 78:70
David’s early years of shepherding prepared him for his battle with Goliath. He came to battle with a simple shepherd’s staff, a slingshot and five stones; but they were nothing compared to the weapon of his faith. He came armed with trust in the saving power of his God, whose ways David had carefully learned while tending to his father’s sheep.
There were many lessons learned while faithfully serving as a shepherd. David came to know of the ways of God while shepherding in obscurity. The future king of Israel experienced the peace of quiet rest and refreshment of God’s presence. He learned to worship during the long days spent in solitude. Most importantly, a passion stirred within him to defend those (sheep) who couldn’t defend themselves.
In the course of caring for his flock, he had occasion to deal with both bears and lions. David shepherded his sheep at the potential expense of his own life. Lance Wallnau calls it “a stewardship of God’s given territory.” David was willing to risk his life for a lamb. This was the early training in David’s life in preparation for leadership in the years to come.
2. The Sword of Goliath
“And David said to Ahimelech, ‘Is there not here on hand a spear or a sword? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.’ So the priest said, ‘The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, there it is, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. For there is no other except that one here.’ And David said, ‘There is none like it; give it to me’.”
Have you ever wondered why David asked for a sword? The same David who slayed Goliath with a stone and sling now asked for a sword. Every time God positions you for the next level, do not be surprised if all hell begins to break loose around you. Joyce Meyer terms it, “New level, new devil… it just comes with the territory.”
David did not rely on his past victories. He slayed Goliath with his slingshot, but you never hear of him using it again in his other battles. Remember, there’s always a God-given strategy for every battle. We need to incline our ears and hear clearly in this new season and at every new level.
3. The Sceptre
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah.” Gen 49:10
God’s sceptre promise was given to the tribe of Judah as seen in Gen 49:10. David was of the tribe of Judah and eventually became an inheritor of the promises of that tribe. God tested him over a period of 15 years between the time of his first anointing and the period where he officially assumed the reign of power.
He was continually taunted and harassed by King Saul, but David’s heart for God saw him through many battles resulting in an increase of anointing and spiritual stature. King David eventually became the greatest ruler of Israel. God tests His people over a period of time to determine if they’d be worthy of such authority.
David’s example demonstrates to the Last Day Church what it’d take to rule and reign with Christ in the Millennium (Rev 20:6). We do well to remember and apply the following exhortation that Dr. Brian Bailey had oftentimes shared, “We’re called, chosen and must remain faithful, to rule and reign with Christ.” May Cornerstone continue to remain faithful with what God has entrusted us with.
As we embark on the “Kingdom Synergies 7-Day Prayer” this week, we’ve the opportunity to use the slingshot, wield the sword of the spirit and exercise the sceptre of authority in contending for the destiny of Singapore. Singapore is a land allotted to us through our righteousness in Christ. May we boldly wield the sceptre of authority over the sceptre of wickedness and enter into our allotted inheritance.
