Finally King - Bobbi Salkeld

In the fifth sermon in our Becoming King series David finally becomes king! Bobbi takes us through the beginning of David’s kingship and the questions that surround his ascension.

Becoming King: David is anointed by the elders of Israel and finally made king. He’s got everything a king could want, power, riches, and God on his side. However, Bobbi shows us that David’s meteoric rise to power brings with it questions like, what will the future hold for someone who seemingly has it all? What insecurities will come about for someone who has secured everything? And, what has been left behind in the process of David’s success?

Priest Things: David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His first attempt ended in the death of a man named Uzzah. During his second attempt, David takes on a more priestly role by following instructions outlined in the law, wearing a garment of a priest, and by offering sacrifices along the way to Jerusalem. These are the tools that Bobbi named that equip us to be priests for ourselves and the world: eucharist and baptism, liturgical seasons and community life, scripture and prayer.

Everything You Ever Wanted: Once the Ark is settled in a tent in Jerusalem David finally rests in his palace, free from his enemies. He Inquires of Nathan the prophet about building a House for God. God instructs Nathan to tell David otherwise. The House of God will not be built during David’s reign, but instead, it will be built during his son Solomon’s reign. What God wants David to remember is that it was God who brought him to this point, and it will be God who will builds the House of David, establishing David’s family as part of God’s everlasting kingdom—planting a seed of messianic hope.

David Prays: David is reminded of how God’s presence had been woven throughout his life. David reflects on Nathan’s words with a prayer, reminding us to take account of our lives and where we are headed. Bobbi encourages us to reckon with our current situation and pay attention to God’s involvement. Like David, we are meant to commune with God more. Even when you have it all - there’s more to have - there’s always a deeper meaning to find.