And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. – 2 Samuel 8:14b
How would you define success? Of course, you might try to answer that question any number of ways. For example, you might say that your marriage is successful or that your family has health, happiness, and security. Some may look at the wall in their office displaying numerous credentials, certificates, and awards, all pointing to enormous achievement in their careers.
All of the above would probably meet the world’s standard of success. But what about God’s eternal standard?
In 2 Samuel 8, David’s life was very much on an upward trajectory. The Lord granted him victory in every geographical direction; he had defeated the Philistines in the west, the Moabites in the east, the Arameans of Damascus in the north, and the Edomites in the south.
A thousand years earlier, the Lord made Abraham this promise: “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land you see I will give to you and your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:14-15). Ultimately, David’s success was God’s promise to Abraham finally being realized. But his success wasn’t just about military conquest. It was even more about God’s faithfulness to His word. The Lord gave David victory, not because David was perfect, but because God was fulfilling His promise to Abraham.
Even so, David’s victories would prove to be only temporary. The kingdom he established would fracture later on. Sin and failure would creep into his own life, showing that human success isn’t without limits. For all of David’s triumphs, he could not bring the ultimate victory humanity needed – one that would restore God’s kingdom and reconcile mankind to Him. That would take an even greater King, One who would achieve total victory for all mankind.
Jesus Christ, the Son of David, came not to conquer earthly nations but to defeat the greatest enemies – sin and death. His victory was won at the cross and confirmed in His resurrection. Unlike David’s temporary rule, Christ’s kingdom is eternal. Through Him, we have victory that never fades.
So, how do you define success? True success isn’t measured by worldly achievements, but by faithfulness to the Lord and the victory He gives through Jesus Christ. Are you striving for success that fades, or are you resting in the eternal victory of Christ?
Former Blackout Artist 