What do you suppose the greatest king in the history of Israel said when he was at the culmination of his glorious reign? King David said, “Blessed are You, O Lord! Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and on earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all. Now we thank You, O God, and praise Your glorious name!” (I Chronicles 29:10-13)

David gave the glory to God. He knew that all that he had accomplished came only by God’s empowerment. He also knew that he was deeply flawed, and that he was utterly dependent on God’s grace. The apparent greatness of his own earthly kingdom was nothing in comparison to the kingdom of God.

David is a good example for rulers today, and for each one of us! It is easy for human beings to get caught up in self-glorification; but David embodies a principle that would later be expressed as one of the central themes of the Protestant Reformation – soli deo gloria: to God alone be the glory.

When people seek their own glory, they are caught up in foolishness, and often bring harm to others. But when we give the glory to God, we become a part of God’s purposes – which are truly great, and which alone bring meaning and goodness to life. So we are encouraged in the Scriptures, “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10:31)

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
I Chronicles 29:10–18
Philippians 2:3–9
I Corinthians 10:31

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.