The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him ruler over His people, because you (Saul) have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” (1Sam13:14)

What more shall I say concerning faith? There is not time for me to give an account of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, or of David, Samuel and the prophets. These were men who through faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous and earned the promises (cf. Heb11:32, 33). I will though comment briefly on David, described as a man after God’s own heart. Was that statement in the context of “imputed righteousness” or the preparation of the Spirit? No, it was the boy David by nature as God perceived him. 

After his repeated episodes of disobedience, King Saul was informed by Prophet Samuel that his sovereignty was to come to an end and that Yahweh had discovered a man after God’s own heart who would replace him. It was not until his anointing as king that “the Spirit of Yahweh seized upon David from that day onwards” (1Sam16:13). In the context of earlier posts, the fact that David or any man or woman may be “after God’s own heart” (or indeed possess the mind of Christ) must mean they reflect His nature in terms of for example what qualities and actions God finds pleasing or distasteful.

This affirms once again that comprehending God’s NATURE is not beyond the grasp of human reason for it is reflected in measure within man when he is at his best. The extent and outworking of divine love and holiness may well surpass human imagining, but not its nature or essence. Love is love; Holiness is holiness: it is as Scripture and all true wisdom defines these qualities both FOR GOD AND MAN. I am bound to re-emphasize this as certain theologies that I for one have depended upon in the past contradict such a principle. Of course, having God’s own heart or the mind of Christ is one thing; living a life entirely free from sin is quite another which neither David nor any man but One has achieved.

The Little Book of Providence:

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Related post: Psalm 32: imputed righteousness