Influence of God's Gloryنموونە

Power and Authority

Samuel anointed David as king when he was just a young boy. David lived with God’s power in the years that followed but had to fight to earn the place of authority necessary to rule the people of Israel. G.K. Chesterton, an English author and theologian, once said, "If a rhinoceros were to enter this restaurant now, there is no denying he would have great power here. But I should be the first to rise and assure him that he had no authority whatsoever." Power can be imposed on people, but authority is given. David had been a king for many years before the entire nation of Israel unified and gave him the authority to rule over them. From that point on, Israel grew to become a world power under David’s leadership.

1. David was a person that God chose to bless and empower as a king and as a leader. How does his story relate to God’s leaders today? How can you apply his story to your own life?