Rape, Incest, Revenge and Murder: The Aftermath Continues

Chapter 13 is a twisted tale. It's dark, depressing, and tragis. An image of a dead tree on a lifeless hill on a cloudy day comes to mind. David's son, Amnon, falls in love with his half-sister, Tamar, daughter of Absalom. Amnon tricks her to try and sleep with her. She refuses. He rapes her and sends her away in shame. Absalom hears of his sister's rape and seeks revenge against his brother. Two years later, Absalom invites all of David's sons to a party. He gets Amnon drunk and murders him. Word gets back to David that all his sons were killed. But later David is told that only Amnon is dead. Not only is David's son murdered, it is at the hands of another of David's sons. David's heart is broken for Amnon and later for Absalom. IN effect, David loses Amnon to death, and Absalom to his crime.

What a sordid mess?! I've heard of some messed up families, but this is rediculous! God's word through Nathan was coming to pass. As a result of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, calamity would come to David from his own household. (2 Samuel 12:11) Amnon's actions of deception and lust sound familiar, huh? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Sin is so destructive. We must run from it! The wages of sin is DEATH! Sin is the seed of death. When we sow sinful seeds, death erupts from the soil and extinguishes everything around it! Families die, marriages die, friendships die, joy dies, love dies, peace dies, trust dies, and on and on.

This part of 2 Samuel vividly depicts the wages of David's sin. Yes, David was forgiven. Yes, God gave him a new start. But the consequences of sin, its ripple effects still exist as a stark reminder that sin is nothing to play with.

But thank God He took a dead tree, on a lifeless hill, on a cloudy day and gave us life through Jesus Christ!

Oh Father, help me to run from sin! Anything apart from you is sin. Let me draw closer to You and stay in Your Word that I might not sin against You!

The Humility of Joab or the Sharpie? (2 Samuel 12:26-31)

The end of chapter 12 abruptly transitions to a quick account of the humility of Joab. Joab is David's right hand man. He's the 4-star general of the Israeli armies. He's been extremely successful in his military campaigns. And it would be easy for Joab to let that go to his head. It wouldn't be the first time a military general started a coup against the king or president. The temptation could be overwhelming considering David's recent struggles. We don't know much about Joab's relationship to God, but if it is any way reflective of how he deals with King David, I'd say he was in good shape.

Joab and his army went up against the city of Rammah of the Ammonites, an enemy and thorn in the side of Israel. (remember how the Israelites failed to completely wipe out certain peoples in Canaan when they first entered the Promise Land?) Joab was successful in capturing the guards of the water supply to the city and besieged it. Without water and no way to go to and from their city, the Ammonites were eventually going to be weakened and overtaken. While the armies of Israel waited for the fighting men within the city walls to weaken from hunger and thirst, Joab sends a messenger to David. The messenger tells David the good news and extends Joab's offer for David to come out to battle to get the credit and glory of victory.

It would have been easy for Joab to finish the job and ride home the conqueror receiving the praises of his people. The credit for such a victory would only solidify his own power base and diminish David's. Of course, we know if Joab had tried a coup he would have been squashed because God would not allow David to lose His throne. But the point is Joab resisted the temptation to "take the glory lap" and allowed David to get the credit.

In today's society of me, myself, and I, it's refreshing to read this short account of Joab. How often do we see football players when they score a touchdown pound their chest or perform some dramatic gesture that serves to bring attention upon that player instead of the team? I mean, grabbing a sharpie pen and autographing a football after a touchdown in the end zone? C'mon! Or what about the way we act at work? Do we insist on credit and praise as our primary objective? Can we find some satisfaction in letting someone else get the spotlight for a change, even if behind the curtain, it was you doing the work? It's hard to do. But it builds humility and tears down pride. I need to try it sometime. Actually, I need to practice it.

The Eraser - 2 Samuel 12:24-25

This chapter is RICH in showing the truth concerning sin, revelation, repentance, forgiveness, and restitution. That is why I am moving so slowly almost verse to verse. Some chapters can be covered in one post. But this one, this chapter is amazing!

Verses 24-25 reveal a profound truth about God's forgiveness after true repentance. Although David and Bathsheba began their relationship in detestable sin, they are seen in God's eyes as husband and wife with a new beginning. It is as if the past had never happened! "Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. And the Lord LOVED him." (Verse 24) The Lord loved him??? Wait a minute, did anyone just read about the affair and murder? Did not God punish David by causing his first child with Bathsheba to die? So why does God love Solomon? Why does the bible speak so easily about Bathsheba being David's wife? The answer: God forgives COMPLETELY! Not only does He forgive, He refuses to remember our past sins!! "For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34. Yes, there is consequences for our sin. Chastisement will happen and praise God for it. But, God doesn't hold our sin against us for the rest of our lives. We can move on from where our sinful choices have brought us. God will make all things, including our sin, work for our good.

Divorce is sin. God hates it. And it is so prevelent in our society. I myself have experienced it as so many other have. It's painful, destructive and a rebellion against God's plan. BUT, for those who remarry and are unsure of whether God honors their second, third or even fourth marriage, look at David and Bathsheba. They started in an extramarital affair! David murdered her husband for goodness sake! Yet, becuase David was truly repentent, when David takes Bathsheba to be his wife, God honored their union and loves and blesses their son Solomon. I believe God chose to bless Solomon to show us how complete His forgiveness truly is. God sees David, Bathsheba, and Solomon as if the past never happened. It's been erased, to be remembered no more!

This may be hard for some of us to swallow. Maybe it's because we have yet to learn what it is to truly forgive someone else. Maybe it's because we cannot find a way to forgive ourselves. Whatever sin you have committed in your past, no matter how shameful and evil it may have been, God forgives COMPLETELY. Just look at David. Look at Paul the Apostle. Paul called himself the chief among sinners, yet God completely forgave HIM. But it doesn't stop there. Not only does He forgive, He sees you as if your sin never happened!!! Do you know how freeing that concept is?? Do you see the freedom God's grace can bring?

Repent, turn away from your sin, ask for forgiveness, and you WILL be COMPLETELY forgiven! But expect a spanking. That's a good thing. Then watch as God can use you as if the past had never happened!! Praise God!

Have a wonderful day!! Walk in His forgiveness today, ok?

God's Peace for David - 2 Samuel 12:15-23

Bathsheba's child fathered by David is struck with a deadly illness by God as punishment for David and Bathsheba's sin. While the child is still alive, David lays in the dirt fasting and praying for God to heal his child. But even though David's repentence and God's forgiveness was complete, the wages of sin must be paid. While all his servants watch David agonize with God, David never gives up hope that God may heal his child. And when the dreaded day arrives when David is informed that his child is indeed dead, David's reaction shocks those around him. David arises from the dirt, cleaned himself up, and went directly to the house of the Lord to worship! And then he went home and had a huge meal. Where was the mourning? Why did he seem at such peace?

David simply trusted in God and accepted God's judgment. And God gave him a peace that surpasseth all understanding! (Phil. 4:7) Wow! It's amazing how God's peace exhibited in our lives can be such that it would confound those around us!

Another interesting doctrinal verse I see here is verse 23. David says, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me." This is in response to the question of why he was acting so strangely peaceful. This verse seems to support the doctrinal belief that unborn babies and infants that die before they are accountable to discern between right and wrong go to Heaven. David makes this statement confident in the fact that he will "dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23) So, his statement does suggest that he will go to be with the child in the house of the Lord. Another view may suggest that David is simply referring to death here. But I believe the strong use of the verb "go to" suggests more than a poetic reference to death. And I know all the scriptures that refer to being sinful from birth. But I believe those scriptures refer to our sinful nature, not committing accountable sins as an infant when that infant does not know right from wrong. Adam and Eve were not held accountable until they knew what God expected of them. They were specifically commanded not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They had to first understand what God commanded. That is a basic precept of Justice. Justice that is a basic characteristic of God. Would a just God send an aborted baby to hell? What possible sin could an unborn baby commit? Regardless, it's something to study further and see what other commentators say about this passage. And I suggest others do the same. Always know what you believe and be able to support it with scripture. (i.e. Jesus said unless you become like one of these (a child) you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven) Doctrine is vital to your walk with Christ. We will not always agree on some things. And that is ok. But at least have a stance.

Oh, one other thought. If you believe that babies go to hell simply because they were born into sin and are not saved. Answer this: Can a baby believe in Christ? Can they recognze their own sin and repent? Of course not! So, in effect, it's a race to the age when a child can understand their sinfullness and be saved! If they die before that time, they go to hell! That's almost a rediculous position doctrinally to take. God never operates like that in scripture.

Ok, that was a little off the main topic, but not really. Maybe David's peace also came in his confidence in God's justice and salvation for that child. But bottom line: God gives us peace that surpasses all understanding when we trust in His goodness, mercy, and justice. Trust God. He is righteous, just, holy, and good!

Do We Hate God? - 2 Samuel 12: 1-13

The end of chapter 11 makes it clear the God was displeased with David. Yet, chapter 12 is a truly wonderful picture of God's love for him in the face of David's hatred towards God. God sends Nathan, His prophet, to confront the king. Nathan uses a parable about a rich man who takes the poor man's one treasured ewe lamb to feed a hungry traveler. David is filled with righteous indignation at this rich man! He cries out for justice! He's probably ready to send out his own guard to capture this man and bring him to justice when Nathan boldly says, "You are the rich man!" Through Nathan, God reminds David of all that He had given him and yet David was not satisfied. God says, "You DESPISED me". Wow! How could this be? David loved God! He fellowshipped with Him in the fields as a shepherd. He wrote songs of praises to the Lord. Yet, God says that David despised Him.

When I think of the word "despised", I equate it with "hatred". God tells David that his actions, his sin, showed hatred towards God. The converse is seen in John 14:15 when Jesus says, "If you love me you will obey what I command." When we disobey, we show hatred towards God. That is exactly what God tells David here in chapter 12. "But I don't hate God!", I protest. I'm a christian! I love Jesus! But the Holy Spirit whispers in response, "Oh, but there is a part of you called 'sinful nature' that does in fact hate Me." When I see it that way, I get angry! Good! I should stay angry at my flesh! As Paul teaches, we are in a constant battle with our flesh! I must crucify it daily for my sinful nature is the enemy of God. And when I give in to it, my actions or inactions show hatred of my loving Lord. Hard to accept, but true.

But look and see what happens when David sees himself as that rich man...exposed, naked in his sin. David says, "I have sinned against the Lord." He REPENTS! He doesn't make excuses. He stops trying to deceive. He simply acknowledges his sin "against" the Lord, his acts of rebellion and hatred of God. Then, LOOK, LOOK! What is God's response? "The Lord has taken away your sin." HALLELUJAH! God erased David's sin! David deserved both physical and spiritual death, BUT GOD promises he would not die. Immediate repentence brings immediate forgiveness! Praise the Lord! Oh how gracious is our God, how merciful He is towards us!

I also believe this is why God chose David and rejected Saul to be the eternal kingdom from which would come the messiah, Jesus Christ. Certainly, there is room for theological debate on this point. But there is undeniably a clear distinction between Saul and David. While they both sinned against the Lord and both were confronted by God concerning their sin, David repented immediately but Saul made excuses and tried to rationalize his actions (See 1 Samuel 13:13).

Nevertheless, how relieved must David have been to hear those words, "The Lord has taken away your sin." In spite of the hatred shown towards God, David is forgiven! The same goes for us today. Never forget. God...responds....to....repentence. He loves a repentent heart. His mercy searches for a repentent heart. Count it a blessing when our sin is exposed. Take ownership of it. And be at God's mercy. It never fails. It is constant and everflowing.

But with all sin, consequences do follow. Chastisement must occur for us to grow and learn. A spanking is not a bad thing. It's one of the greatest expressions of love. And over the next several chapters, we will see just how hard David gets spanked. It's not a pretty thing. But I can say with assurance, David would gladly take the consequences and chastisement to come ten fold over, than face eternal separation from God. A separation that we all deserve.

Father, expose every sin in my life. Let me clearly see my shortcomings and faults. I have sinned against you. And I am so sorry. Forgive me in the name of Jesus. Let me accept your loving discipline with understanding.

Blood on His Hands - 2 Samuel 11:14-27

We now see in the last part of this dark chapter in David's life the end result of compounded sin. In David's sinful, sick and twisted thinking, he orders his 4-star general Joab to send Uriah to the front lines. David further tells Joab to place Uriah in the most dangerous and vulnerable of positions and then abandon him so that he would be killed. As far as we know, Uriah never offended the king or broke any law. In fact, he was completely loyal to David and his fellow soldiers. This was nothing less than a cold-blooded first degree conspiracy to commit murder. And David was the orchestrator of it all - the same little sheperd boy who had faithfully slayed Goliath, the same young man who wrote and sang praises to God to try and calm Saul's evil spirit, the same man who had remembered his covenant with Jonathan and showed Christ-like kindness and mercy to Mephibosheth. His heart was so hard that when Joab sends word back that Uriah is dead and he explains why other men had to be unreasonably placed in harms way for this plot to work, David responds, "Don't let this upset you, the sword devours one as well as another." Are you kidding me? David shows no remorse even for the others who were caught in the crossfire of David's evil plan! In the same manner that an agressive cancer can quickly take a perfectly healthy person to the brink of death, so too can sin quickly infest the same heart that was once a mirror of God's!

I wish I had some happy spin to this part of David's story. No joke or clever quip comes to mind to make us laugh. But sin is no laughing matter. The destruction it brings is very real. David, Bathsheba, Joab, and Uriah are not just biblical characters we hear about in church. They were very real human beings. And the sin that so easily beset David, can rear its ugly head in our lives. Whether it be laziness, complacency, pride, arrogance, adultery, lust, deception, manipulation, or even murder, we are all susceptible to sin. And none of us are immune from it's concequences. David was God's anointed, the ancestor of Christ, a man after God's own heart. Yet, the coming chapters will clearly demonstrate to all believers that we are not immune from sin's deadly consequences just because we are saved. While our souls are eternally secure, sin can and will destroy our lives if we allow it to fester in our hearts.**

A dance with sin will only leave blood on your hands.

**(The last few statements implies that I believe David was saved during this dark time in his life - Hebrews 11 mentions David's faith, amojng others, which was accounted to them as righteousness. But that more deep theological discussion is reserved for another day)

As David's World Turns - 2 Samuel 11:6-12

David gives into his fleshly desires and gets Bathsheba pregnant. The darkest days of David's life would find their genesis in this one decision. But does he confess his sin and seek forgivess at this point? No. He devises a plan of manipulation and deception to cover up his sin. He heeps more sin on top of sin to try and "fix" his predicament.

But what I find odd about this part of David's story is why didn't he just tell Uriah the truth? David is king after all. What could Uriah do to him? What was David afraid of? I'm not sure I know the answer to this. It is something I will look into a little deeper at another time. For now, it's enough to know that David only compounds his problems by resorting to encouraging Uriah to go home and have sex with Bathsheba so Uriah will think the baby is his. This sounds like some stupid soap opera, huh?

But it gets better! (or worse if you're David) Here's Uriah. He's assuredly fatigued from battle. I'm sure there is a part of him who would love to spend even one night in his own bed with his beautiful wife. He would love to be able to eat a home cooked meal, watch some football, and take a nice long bath. And the king has excused him from his military duties to do just that! David even sends a gift home with Uriah probably consisting of all sorts of wine, smelly candles, chocolate and maybe even a four piece jazz ensemble to get them in the mood. But what does Uriah do? He demonstrates his loyalty to his fellow comrades in the field and his king. He refuses to go home to pamper himself while his brothers fight. He would rather sleep at the entrace to the palace with the smelly servants than endulge in his own pleasure. Oh, the coals that Uriah unknowingly heeped on David's heart!

So who appears to have the heart of God at this point? How sad for David. How far he has strayed from his first love. He now looks on Uriah with hatred because Uriah is showing him the man David used to be! But instead of bringing David to his knees, Uriah's loyalty and selflessness only enrages David the more.

How often do we find ourselves blind to our own sin or unwilling to face the truth of our trespasses? So many times one flake of sin becomes an avalanche. With David, his seemingly insignificant disobedience in staying home from batttle leads to murder. Why? Because he forgot to Whom he belonged. He stupidly rationalized that somehow he could cover up his original sin. I can remember being told as a child by my mother and grandfather, "Tim, be sure your sins will find you out." - Numbers 32:23. And how that truth has been evident in my life! Luke 8:17 says, what you do in secret will come to light. There is nothing hidden from our God. So don't try and hide it! We all sin! When it happens, fess up, don't cover up. Because while the world may seem to successfully avoid disclosure, we as believers cannot escape it. We should not WANT to escape it! Praise God that He exposes us! Praise God He chastises us! That means He loves us!

Ok, so I'm getting a little ahead of myself here. But I could't help it. Bottom line for today, I need to nip my sin in the bud when I fail. Manipulation and deception is no response to our sin. Let me not be so stupid as to think I can hide anything from God or His people.

Father, remove all rationalization for sin in my life. Expose my sin so that I can confess and repent, not manipulate and deceive myself and others I love. And thank You for loving me enough to spank me. It may hurt and I won't like it. But when I mature, I will look back and see Your love all over me!

David's Wandering - 2 Samuel 11: 1-5

In the life of David, we arrive at arguably the most pivital moment. The infamous account of David and Bathsheba. Even those who know little about the bible have likely heard some reference to this story. The first word that comes to mind when these two names are said together is usually adultery, the next, murder. Only 2 chapters earlier, we marveled at David's forgiveness and integrity when it came to Mephibosheth. We were filled with wonder at how God revealed His plan of salvation through David's actions toward Mephibosheth. If I had only heard of David for the first time, I would actually have been rather shocked to see what he does in this chapter. He shirks from his duties as king, he lusts after a married woman, he commits adultery, he tries to use deceipt to cover up his sin, and finally he resorts to murder. Where did the man after God's own heart go? I chose to break this chapter down into smaller parts due to the importance of understanding David's failure.

What do we see in the first five verses? One, David decides to ignore his God-given responsibilities as king of Israel and stays home from battle. I am not sure if his decision was based on just plain laziness, self-preservation, complacency, or pride (thinking he was too good to go to battle). But whatever the motivation, he stopped doing what God had anointed him to do - be the leader of His people. When we stop doing what God has called us to do, we similarly set ourselves up for temptation and failure. It's like playing football. If a player during the course of a game gets tired and decides to "take a few plays off" as coaches like to say, it's during those plays that the player is more likely to become injured. He lets his guard down, he's not paying attention to the threats around him, and when he falls, he usually doesn't see it coming.

Secondly, David's mind becomes restless and begins to stray towards fleshly things. We see him pacing his rooftop in the middle of the night. He can't sleep. He's probably bored out of his mind now that he no longer is active. What better time for Satan to entice the eyes? (He's good at that...remember the Garden?) Bathsheba was very beautiful and she was naked. Maybe David looked away at first. But his spiritual weakness was no match for his restless mind and powerful fleshly desires. His own sinful practice of polygamy showed he did not properly respect the sanctity of marriage. And a sense of entitelment may have crept into his soul with the power that comes with being king. He has Bathsheba brought to him with full knowledge that she is a married woman. He has sex with her and she becomes pregnant. David what have you done?

Unfortunately, David's sin with Bathsheba is a common cycle. We stop being productive in the things of God (stop going to church, praying, reading our bibles, sharing the gospel, meeting others needs, showing love to our spouces, ignoring our children, etc.), we get comfortable and lazy, our minds start to wander to fulfilling the flesh, we get restless, sin becomes so attractive, and we give in.

So how do we avoid self-destruction? Proverbs 3:6 says in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths. To me, the converse of this verse is if I'm doing something, no matter what it is, and I cannot acknowledge God in it, I should not be doing it. And that means EVERYTHING we do. If I go to a sporting event or movie, if I can't say "thank you God for allowing me to have some fun at this game or movie", I shouldn't be there. It's when I do things that I would rather hide from my Father, that I get into trouble.

Be careful that you don't fall into the trap of compartmentalizing God in your life. He's not just there for church stuff. He's there for ALL your daily activities, regardless of how mundane, unchurchy or trivial they may be. When we include Him in all things, the intimacy with Jesus grows even stronger. He DOES sweat the small stuff! Let Him be a part of every stupid detail of your life! When that happends, you leave no room for Satan to operate!

Beware of Wormtongue! - 2 Samuel 10

I am amazed that this is my 29th post on this blog and only my first Lord of the Rings reference. I love the trilogy and the biblical allusions within the Tolkien story. But I digress.

As I read chapter 10, I see what can happen when a leader is given bad advice. I think back to the Lord of the Rings - Return of the King. Remember poor Theoden, the King of Gondor? His advisor, Wormtongue, had King Theoden under his spell. Wormtongue constantly whispered harmful words and advice to the King. He had the ear of Theoden. And as a result, Gondor was growing weak and encapable of fighting the forces of Mordor. Wormtongue's bad advice was destroying Gondor.

In chapter 10, we find Nahash, King of Ammnon, has passed away. David apparently had good diplomatic relations with King Nahash. And in a gesture to Nahash's son, Hanun, David sends a delegation to offer his condolences. But just as King Theoden unwisely listened to Wormtongue, King Hanun heeds the bad advice of his noblemen. King Hanun is told that David is really sending spies to find the city's weaknesses to destroy it. Apparently, King Hanun had surrounded himself with the wrong people. I'm sure there were older men who had served his father that could confirm King David's strong relationship with the late King Nahash. But instead, young King Hanun chooses to listen to the wrong crowd. This bad advice leads King Hanun to humiliate David's delegation and sparks an unnnessary war.

Moral of the story? Be careful to whom you listen for words of advice. This is even more important when you are in a place of leadership - whether that be in the home, at work, at church, in government, or in your community. Let's face it. We all need words of advice at certain times of decision. But the wrong word of advice is just as dangerous as seeking no advice. Always test the advisor. Who is that person? Is he or she someone with integrity? What is their motivation? Do they have a dog in the fight? Is there an axe to grind? Does the advice line up with the Word of God? These are just some of the questions we must ask ourselves when someone (even a close friend) offers us "words of wisdom".

Be on the lookout for Wormtongue! He's a liar. He whispers in your ear words that may seem appealing to you at the time. Wormtongue is not just a movie character. He's very real. He's the father of lies. He comes in many different forms and persons. And he seeks to destroy everything that is of God.

Father, give me wisdom to discern when Satan comes to lie to me. Help me to recognize good counsel. And let me not be prideful when good counsel conflicts with my own desires and presumptions.

David's Grace - Reflection of Christ - 2 Samuel 9

This chapter is one of my favorites so far as I'm reading through the bible. Yesterday, I see David on top of his game. God is giving him victory everywhere he goes. If chapter 8 is a picture of David's material blessings, chapter 9 is an awesome image of David's spiritual growth. But what's more, chapter 9 is an incredible foreshadowing of God's amazing grace through the promise of a messiah and savior, Jesus Christ! David demonstrates the very heart of God in salvation! Look at the similarities.

First, David remembers his covenant with Jonathan and seeks out any surviving sons of Jonathan to whom he may show kindness and mercy. God similarly remembers His blood covenant with mankind through Jesus' blood on Calvary. Because of Christ's sacrifice for the world, God calls for any who will believe on Jesus name that He may also show kindness and mercy. David says, "Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?" (verse 1) And I can hear God asking a similar question, "Is there anyone left who believes in my Son that I may show him kindness and mercy for Jesus' sake?" Gives me chills just thinking about this!

Second, David finds one crippled, broken son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who was fearful and deserving of the wrath of David. He was lame and could not come on his own. It took Ziba, a servant, to bring him to David. Mephibosheth probably thought he was headed for his execution. Afterall, it was his grandfather who was David's arch enemy. Mephibosheth had nothing to offer David and no defense to stand before the king of Isreal. Was not each and every one of us in Mephibosheth's shoes in our position with God before we were saved? We were crippled, pathetic, broken, and an enemy of God because of our sinful nature. We were lame in both legs unable to come to God on our own. But the Holy Spirit called us out of sin and brought us to the Cross. God had every reason to wipe us off the face of the earth absent Christ.

But what does David do with Mephibosheth? He calms his fear. He says, "Fear not. I will show you kindness because of your father Jonathan, I will restore you to the land of Saul, and you will eat at my table ALWAYS!!" (verse 7) David forgives, restores, and provides. A position at the king's table in David's day was one of great honor and prestige. It is an incredible showing of God's grace to us!! Not only does He forgive us, He restores us to our position before the fall of Adam! And for those who believe on Jesus, God invites us to eat from His banquet table forever!

There is no better account of David's life that demonstrates why God calls David a "man after My own heart". You see how the gospel of Jesus Christ is evident even in David's time? Do you see how God is proclaiming His gospel long before Jesus appears in human flesh? Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

Thank you Jesus for dying and saving a crippled, broken, refugee like me!! I deserved Your wrath but You reserved a place for me at Your table. And while my crutches remain leaning against my seat, I will one day run through your royal court and dance before Your throne!

Have a glorius day!!

On Top of the World! - 2 Samuel 8

A few posts back I wrote about the rollercoaster ride that was David's life. In 2 Samuel 8, I think it's safe to say we see David on a major high on his rollercoaster ride. He is clearly on a mountain top. King of his world. The key verse of this passage jumps out to me : "The Lord gave David victory wherever he went." (verses 6 and 14) David's kingdom was united and powerful. He is seen subduing his enemies from the Edomites to the Moabites. And from these conquests, the spoils of war in the form of gold and silver are dedicated to the Lord. God is clearly with David in everything he endeavors to do. If only this chapter in David's life could just repeat over and over again. What an amazing time it must have been. What a rush!

But I can't help but think about the rest of his story. Chapter 8 is only a season in David's life. It wouldn't last. He will get comfortable and will make horrible choices as we will see soon. He will face great tribulation as a consequence for his sin. The rollercoaster will take a nasty turn soon.

Sounds a bit depressing, huh? But I think for me it's a wake up call. This part of David's life that we are about to explore teaches a very important lesson. We must guard our hearts and minds in times of great spiritual victory and material blessing. At the moment we experience God working in our life or He blesses us in some incredible way, Satan is lurking around the corner. He waits for us to get complacent in our victories. He waits for our pride to seep into our thinking. He waits for us to get comfortable in our spiritual and material success. And then he pounces.

I pray that as God continues to bless me in both spiritual and material matters, I will never lose sight of David's example. In the moment in our lives when God is giving us victory everywhere we go, we must guard against complacency and pride. Always dedicate every victory in our lives to the Lord. And lastly, hang on! Life will be filled with wild twists and turns, ups and downs. But Jesus is our firm foundation, our rock, and our fortress.

Don't allow the high altitude of the mountain top get to your head.

Have a blessed day! God wants that for you!

Pray God's Promises - Encourage Yourself! - 2 Samuel 7: 18-29

God's amazing, isn't He? I took a break from my blog to go on vacation. I came back a week ago and I am finally back to journaling my walk through the bible. I felt a little guilty not immediately returning to my blog last week. And then I read my latest post and the scripture for today!

God doesn't need us. We need Him.

Somewhere, deep inside my psyche filled with guilt, I presumed to think that God needed me to get back to my blog. How silly is that? My own blog reminds me that I am the one who needed to be back to journaling. Lesson learned.

Today, our scripture reveals David's prayer in response to God's promise to make David's kingdom eternal (through the reign of Jesus Christ). While David does initially asks the question "what is my house that You have brought me thus far," he confidently prays that God's promise be fulfilled in his life.

How often do we pray God's promises over our lives? Do you remind yourself of God's promises during your quiet time with Him? It is vital that we do this to encourage ourselves and strengthen our faith on a daily basis - especially when times are tough. Many of us spend too much time beating ourselves up and feeling discouraged because of our shortcomings and failures. Look at the Psalms and see how David coped with his failures. They are filled with examples of how David encouraged himself and constantly remembered God's promises and His characteristics. Do the same! Take your eyes off of yourself and keep them fixed on Jesus.

David's responsive prayer in this chapter is a model for us. Follow it. Never forget God's promises.

On Vacation Until Sept 21..God Bless and See Ya Soon!

"I AM is bigger than you" - God (2 Samuel 7:1-17)

I actually started today's blog coming at this scripture from my natural legal mind. I was going to study the Davidic Covenant (verses 1-17) in the context of contract law as I have learned it. But I quickly hit "delete" and started over. Human contract law falls short when looking at this promise/covenant that God makes to David. For our contract laws require agreed terms bargained between two relatively equal parties. But clearly God and David are not equally positioned!! So there went that half hour of writing. But that's ok. That's how we learn.

So, I took a new look at this scripture. First, we find David fat and happy. His kingdom is at peace. His enemies have been restrained. He now lives in a palace built of cedar wood. And one day he's chillin' with Nathan and he apparently is oversome with guilt because he lives in this beautiful crib while the ark of the covenant (God's literal presence) still sits in a tent. So David proclaims to Nathan of his desire to build God a house. David must be feeling pretty good about himself. It almost seems as though he is taking pity on God - dare I say. If you think about it, it's almost comical. Here's David, a mere mortal, believing that he lives better than Jehovah Himself! Pretty funny, huh? Then, Nathan's knee jerk response is "Go ahead...God is with you." Nathan saw David's misguided, but probably good intentions and endorsed them without consulting God. How do we know this? Because the next night, the Word of the Lord came to Nathan and basically said "Have I asked for a house? I haven't needed a house up to this point!"

Then God does an amazing thing. He shifts to what HE will do for David, NOT what David could do for God. God then proclaims the Davidic Covenant promising to establish David's kingdom and his house forever. His kingdom and house could only be eternal if Christ would come from David's line. This was a key point in God's plan of redemption for mankind! This was another incredible step in the Gospel story!! It's important to note that God places no conditions on this covenant as He sometimes did throughout scripture. God said it...and that was it!

Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in what we can,or what we will do for God. It can discourage us or make us prideful even - depending on where our walk is with God. But the amazing truth of this passage is that it's not about US! God shifts the whole paradigm to show David that it's David that needs God, not the other way around. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to this earth to die on a cross and provide eternal salvation of HIS OWN WILL AND DOING. He did it because He loves us dearly and knows WE need HIM.

So next time you feel discouraged, inadequate, or maybe even puffed up, never forget that it is GOD who intiates! He is unchanging! He will never let us down! He keeps us until the day of His coming! We need Him. He doesn't need us.

Get Off Your High Horse! (2 Samuel 6)

When I read about Michal's disdain for David's actions in this chapter, I can't help but think about the first few times I attended a little African-American Pentacostal church in San Antonio with my best friend's family. The worship in this church was completely foreign to me. People of all different ages, shapes, and sizes would dance without abandon as they sang and played instruments. With little air conditioning, it wouldn't take long for sweat to start dripping from the dancers' foreheads, dampening their colorful Sunday best. After my initial fear subsided, my next emotion was one of skepticism. I questioned the authenticity of this wild outward showing of emotion. This white boy had come from a strict GARBC Baptist background. I could not understand this method of worship.

It wasn't after being a long-time member of one of these churches in the Houston area that I became convicted of my attitude towards people who worship differently from myself. I was always taught God was to be worshipped with dignity. But to do so required some restraint. Afterall, when you truly experience God, one of the first inclinations you should have is one of humility and an absence of self. And to abandon self and be totally immersed in the presence of God means we should not care what others think of us. I now saw these fellow worshippers in a different light. I was envious of their joy that they expressed, their total abandoment in praise to their Father! I wanted that freedom to strip off the burden of self-awereness and dance in God's presence. Just as a child will shout across a quiet auditorium when they see their parent with no care of those around them, we should have that same reaction when we come into the presence of God.

Michal saw David dancing with all abandon as he led the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem and she immediately reacted with disdain. David lacked dignity in her opinion. He had disrobed his royal garments and was dressed as any common man. David was acting as though he didn't care what people thought about him. How dare he?!! He was the king of Israel for goodness sake!!

But I love David's response to Michal after she rebukes him. He stresses it is "before the Lord" that he dances and plays music! And he goes on to say that he will become MORE undignified than this!! David is unashamed of debasing himself to worship his God!

Now this doesn't mean that this Sunday I plan on running the aisles at church or cutting the rug during praise and worship. But it does mean that if someone is moved to do so in worship, how dare I criticize it? That's not to say that some will use dancing and shouting to gain attention. But frankly, if I was truly focused and absorbed in God's presence during church, would I have the time to be looking at others? Would such praise bother me? I can tell you that through the years I have come to love and appreciate the style of worship that scared me to death in that little pentacostal church. And I respectfully suggest you do too. Because I have a feeling you'll see a lot of it in heaven when we dance and sing before the throne of God throughout eternity. Grab those dancin' shoes! It's gonna be a party!

Will Be Back on Monday

Going for a long weekend to Las Vegas to celebrate my wife's birthday with family! See you Monday!

Always Read the Instructions - 2 Samuel 6 (1-11)

Does this sound familar? Your wife comes home from the store with a huge box filled with seemingly hundreds of pieces of processed wood and hardware. The picture on the front of the box shows this beautiful entertainment center standing majestically in a pristine living room. And you know your wife expects hers to look equally majestic. After you fight off the urge to procrastinate and continue watching the football game, you rip open the box and dump its contents on the floor. Your manhood has now been challenged. You want to please your wife, to show her that her husband is capable, smart, and good with his hands. The last thing to fall out of the box is a thick instruction book written in eighteen different languages. Your supreme pride and arrogance quickly leads you to discard the needless manual written only for dummies who can't put a cap back on a bic pen. In a matter of 30 minutes, your project starts to take shape. You're feeling pretty good about yourself at this point. You're going to make your wife happy and stroke your ego all in one sitting. Yeah baby! But wait, something's not right, the dowel holes for the shelves don't seem to line up. What the? You soon realize that you had failed to face all of the unfinished sides of the different wooden pieces in the same direction!! AHHHH! A few curse words leave your lips and in walks your wife. "What's wrong?," she asks. The question alone stings your pride. And you can already anticipate the next dreaded question...."Did you read the....?" See, I can't even finish typing it!! I've been there, done that!

Now, the consequences of our failure to read the directions were more of an annoyance. It was a simple matter of disassembly and reassembly. It was my pride that was injured. No big deal. But 2 Samuel 6, is a whole different story.

David was establishing his new capital in Jerusalem. And one of the first things he decided to do was bring the ark of the covenant to the capital city. The ark had been staying at Abinadab's house for approximately 40 years where his sons were appointed to take care of it. It is interesting to point out that the ark was sent to Abinadab's house before Saul became king. (1 Samuel 7:1-2) Yet, Saul did not attempt to bring it to his capital. This shows the contrast between Saul and David's heart toward God. Unlike Saul, one of the first things David did when he became king over the united kingdom of Israel was to bring the very presence of God to Jerusalem. Certainly, David had good intentions with this decision.

However, David and his men failed to read or remember the instructions found in Numbers 4:1-10 regarding the proper handling of the ark. The ark was no entertainment center. The ark of the covenant was where the Lord literally dwelt! This was no common symbol or flag. This was the very habitation of God - the creator of all things!! The meticulous instructions on how to move the ark where set up by God to help the Israelites to appreciate the terror and power of God! They needed to understand that He was not to be taken lightly. That is why Numbers 4 instructs a certain clan of the Levites (sons of Kohath) to literally carry the ark. This was a great honor amongst the Levites. The transport of the ark would not be left to unpredictable animals. There would be no shortcuts to carrying the ark by hand.

Yet, what do we see happening in 2 Samuel 6? The ark is placed on a new cart pulled by oxen and driven by Abinidab's two sons, Uzzah and Ahio. What's wrong with this picture? Numbers 4 is being completely ignored. David's good intentions seem to be mixed with haste, arrogance, and irreverance. While David leads a marching band ahead of the cart, he ironically acts as though he does not understand the magnitude of the ark and God's literal presence. The ark was to be carefully and deliberately carried by Levites to its new home. This would have taken longer and required much more effort. But David, Uzzah, and Ahio took the shortcut. They didn't read or heed the specific instructions provided by God. His very presence was not fully comprehended. It became more about the event than God. It became more about ceremony and pomp and circumstance than Jehovah - The One true God of Israel. And the consequence of this irreverance and sloppiness with the ark cost the life of Uzzah. At first reading, this punishment may seem harsh. But this was a complete mishandling of the very presence of God! God was in their midst and they treated Him no better than a cargo of crops headed to market!

Two points I should take away from today's study: 1) Never allow good intentioned ministry to move ahead of God Himself and 2) God is to be revered and feared.

So often we can get involved in a minstry in our church and get caught up in the activity and make that activity a complete substitute for communing with God. The ministry may provide accolades, increased popularity, status, and personal gratification. And then God slowly fades into the background in our minds and hearts. Be careful not to be like David, Uzzah and Ahio and get caught up in the ceremony and good intentions and forget that God has specific instructions for your life that are found in His word. And when those "good" activities conflict with God's instruction manual, we need to stop, disassemble, and reassemble. Otherwise, the very "good" we think we are doing is all in vain.

The ultimate purpose for which we were created was to fellowship and worship God and God alone. He is to be feared (respected, to be in awe of) and reverenced. In our culture today, even in many churches, irreverence is in style. It's cool to give Jesus nicknames, use slang when speaking of God, and make worshipping God more like a rock concert or a means of showing off. But do not forget the example of Uzzah. While God is a God of love, patience, and forgiveness, He is a holy God, an omnipotent God, a God we cannot even look upon without Christ's blood covering our countless sins! A true understanding of God's presence will drop us to our knees with our face in the dirt and proclaim we are on Holy ground!

Prayer: May I never be so lazy, flippant, and arrogant to toss aside Your instruction manual for my life. May I learn to reverence You name and presence in my life as I continue to learn more and more about You and Your awesomeness! Forgive me for those times I have treated You like any other hero, celebrity, or idol. You require and deserve so much more!

A Tale of Two Cities (2 Samuel 5)

Jerusalem. The City of David. The center of God's eternal plan. This beautiful city is now the capital of David's kingdom. This is a momentous day in the history of Israel and mankind for that matter. From this day forward, Jerusalem would become a thriving economic center, a religious battleground, and a stumbling block to the rest of the world. Even today, in 2009, Jerusalem is a thorn in the side of world leaders as they try and manufacture peace. Today, Jerusalem awaits the return of the Prince of Peace on the mount of olives just outside its gates. It is a dream of mine to one day walk the streets of this ancient city. So much history is found within and without its walls. But I digress.

Chapter 5 is a pivotal moment in David's reign. The elders of Israel arrive in Hebron after the death of both Abner and Ish-bosheth. They proclaim David's rightful claim to the throne of Israel. I wonder when these men got a clue? Where was this speech for the last seven years?

Nevertheless, David's kingdom is now united. Israel is one nation again. But what strikes me about this chapter is more about David's dichotomy. On the one hand, we see David recognizing God's hand in all of this. (v.12) On the other, David takes in more wives in direct violation of God's law. (v. 13-16) (The taking of wives was borrowed from surrounding cultures where kings would use marriage to consolidate power within and without his government.) Then, we see David enquiring of the Lord before going to battle against the Philistines in verses 19 and 23. And also David obediently burns the images of the Philistines after God gives him the victory. One of those images may have been similar to the idol that had once been in his own house with Michal when we examined 1 Samuel 19-20. Another lesson learned maybe?

While David has made progress, he still harbors sin in his home. The multiple wives and concubines would be a sinful practice he would pass down to Solomon. And this very practice would serve as an instrument of Solomon's undoing.

While we may pat ourselves on the back from time to time because of the good works we may do, we must be careful not to be blinded by our own self-righteousness to sin that remains. Should we rejoice when God gives us victory? Yes. Should we strive to please God and obey His word? Absolutely. But in doing so, never lose sight of our tendency to fall back into sinful ways. We must constantly be on guard for breaches in the dam. For at the height of David's reign, in the midst of victory, at the moment of deliverance, David still disobeyed God. A better title may have been, "A Tale of Two David's". But like David, we are not really two different people. We are simply flawed people in need of a savior. And thank God we have a savior, Jesus Christ, who constantly argues on our behalf when we falter. Jesus' blood washes away our sin! Where sin abounds, grace does abound more! (Romans 5:20)

Have a great weekend! And never take the grace of God for granted!! Thank Him daily for it!!

Prayer: God, thank You for Your grace. Grace that is personified in Your Son Jesus Christ. Grace that abounds without limit. Grace so undeserving. Let me never take it for granted. May I abhor sin as do You!!

Oh Brothers, What Art Thou? (2 Samuel 4)

Violence rears its ugly, bloody head (pun intended) in this short chapter. When word gets out that Abner, the real power behind Ish-bosheth's throne is dead, Ish-bosheth knows his days are numbered. Two of his military captains who are brothers, Baanah and Rechab, devised a plot to kill Ish-bosheth in his bed.

It is a bloody scene where the two brothers walk straight into the kings room, stab him in the stomach, and cut off his head. They escape and run straight to David in hopes of finding favor with the king of Judah. These two evil men have the audacity to then claim before David that "The Lord has avenged my lord the king..." v. 8. How dare they represent themselves as agents of God? When their true motive was self-preservation now that they could see the writing on the wall. David would soon be king over all of Israel. And Saul's house, whom they served against David, would finally crumble.

David clearly saw this counterfeit claim for what it was....evil. The ends do not always justify the means. Certainly, it was clear that God had anointed David to be king over all of Israel. And one could argue that the killing of Ish-bosheth brought David one step closer to him unifying the kingdom. But David's handing down of a quick death sentence on these two brothers demonstrated once again that David would never condone such cavalier action. David was still confident God would deliver in His good time.

Is there a righteous cause you support? For example, all christians agree that abortion is sin. (Or they should) But should we go around bombing abortion clinics? Absolutely not! We deceive ourselves when we think that such violence is of God. We should recognize, as David did, that vengance is God's. He will repay.

And while most of us aren't going around bombing abortion clinics, there are other righteous causes we may pursue. Personally, my righteoous cause is doctrinal accuracy in our churches. But sometimes, in trying to promote that goal, my pride and arrogance gets in the way. I justify my biting attacks on other christians because I'm just "trying to get them to see God's truth". Who am I to make that happen? Is God, through His Holy Spirit, not able to bring church leaders into the knowledge of truth? Of course He is! How ridiculous of me to use a sinful attitude to try and accomplish something that only God can do!! David had learned that lesson. And chapter 4 shows how we should respond as well - put to death all of our own devices. Stay out of God's way!

Always remember that sin is never justified, even for a righteous cause.

Prayer: Father, I keep coming back to the same problem. I do not trust You enough. I rely on my own sinful flesh so often. Forgive me. I put my trust in You and you alone.

"My Name is Abner, General Abner" (2 Samuel 3)

Reading chapter 3, I find myself rather perplexed in trying to figure out what to take from this portion of scripture. There is so much sin going on here I want to just gloss over this and get to the happy ending. But I won't take the easy road here.

I'll start by referencing James Bond. Really? Yep. The Bond character we all know and love has at his core a suave confidence and arrogance about him. It's what has the ladies flocking to him. He's a badass, a modern day cowboy. He needs no one and mostly works alone. But while arrogance may be attractive on the big screen, it's repugnant to God.

(BTW, Timothy Dalton was the worst Bond ever!)

In chapter 3, Israel is still divided between David's kingdom (Judah-Hebron) and Ish-bosheth's kingdom (Israel - all other tribes). Our main character is Abner. He's the general of Saul's army. (And for me, he's kinda like our James Bond of the bible.) Many commentators suggest that Ish-bosheth was a puppet king propped up by Abner, the true power in Israel. The chapter opens with Ish-bosheth accusing Abner of sleeping with Saul's concubine. I'm sure Abner 007 had his share of the women folk. Even after the king dies, apparently his wives and concubines were off limits. This may have been an attempt by Ish-bosheth to break free of Abner's influence and establish his own power as king. Abner is greatly offended by this accusation and decides to abandon Ish-bosheth and join forces with David.

Abner sends word to David that he will unify Israel under David's rule. By Abner's own words, he seems to recognize that David is the true anointed king. But what strikes me here is the apparent arrogance of Abner in thinking he will be the one to unify Israel. He gives no credit to God.

In the last few days, God has humbled me and showed me where arrogance has been festering in my heart. So maybe I'm a little over-sensitive to Abner's arrogance. But I do question Abner's real motives here since he seems to think quite highly of himself and his abilities. Had Abner told David, "I recognize you as king of all of Israel anointed by God. I know He will deliver Israel into your hands. If I may be of service to my Lord and my king, I submit to your rule," I would feel alot better about Abner. But I think God wanted to show David that He didn't need to use a prideful, arrogant man like Abner to restore David's kingdom. And granted, Abner certainly seemed to be the perfect man to help David accomplish unification. But Abner shows his heart is not right. Pride and arrogance plague him.

And what happens? Joab, David's current general, comes back from a battle and hears that Abner has just left Hebron after consulting with David. I'm sure Joab felt threatened by this. He probably feared that Abner was a double agent coming to deceive David. Or, if Abner was sincere, Abner would pose a threat to Joab's power in David's government. And for some icing on the cake, it was Abner who killed Joab's brother (Asahel) in the initial battle that started this civil war! (See chapter 2) One commentator pointed an interesting fact about Joab's plot to assasinate Abner. Joab lured Abner outside the gates of Hebron before killing him. Why? Probably because Hebron was a city of refuge where Abner had protection under the mosaic law for the killing of Joab's brother during battle. One could argue that Abner's previous act of killing Asahel was of self-defense since he was running from Asahel when he thrust the spear into him. So long as Abner remained within the walls of a city of refuge, the avenger could not touch him. But outside the walls, Abner was fair game. And so, Joab kills Abner. And unlike in the movies, the prideful, arrogant 007 meets his fate. As God would prove in due time that He does not need prideful, arrogant people to accomplish His purpose.

Through all of this, David is a passive observer. He laments the fact that Abner's blood was shed by his general. David is seen still patiently waiting for the Lord to put him in his proper place in the kingdom. In the meantime, what a mess is being made by sinful men.

The lesson I have learned is pride and arrogance have no place in God's kingdom. It is sin. And when I find such sin stirring up in my soul, may I repent and ask God to purge it.

Prayer: Forgive me Lord when pride and arrogance rear their ugly heads in my life. May I give no place in my heart for such attitudes. They are not from You. And they are sinful. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right Spirit within me.

I Want My Throne NOW, Daddy!!! Whaaaa!

Have you ever felt that your rights were infringed upon by someone? Did a co-worker get promoted, praised, rewarded for something that you were really responsible for? Did a fellow church member get credit for a ministry accomplishment that you spent more time working at? Or, have you ever felt that someone else simply stole your blessing? We often times react with righteous indignation or plain ol' anger and jealousy. We too often lose patience and feel as though God has forgotten our hard work or diligent effort. We start to question if God is really fighting for us. We resort to taking matters into our own hands. We many times act with an air of entitlement. Shame on us!

If anyone had reason to feel entitled it was David. In 2 Samuel 2, David finds himself still in Ziklag - his hometown in the Philistian territory. Saul is dead. God had chosen David as Saul's successor and Samuel confirmed this by anointing David when he was still a shepherd boy. The throne was David's to claim. And here, we find David once again consulting God for direction. He asks God if he should now return to his tribe of Judah. God says "Yes". He then asks to what town should he return. God responds, "Go to Hebron". David is maturing isn't he? I seem to remember that he failed to ask God if he should go to Ziklag when he was running from Saul. And look at the trouble it brought him. He did not want to make the same mistake again. David's showing his repentance by turning away from past mistakes. He won't move now without God's direction.

When David settles in Hebron, his tribe anoints him king of Judah. And as a gesture of good will, David sends word to Abner and the rest of Israel's leaders and blesses them. David tells them that Judah has anointed him king. But Abner, Saul's cousin and military leader did not want to relinquish control of Israel so easily. Abner props up a falsely claimed son of Saul, Ish-bosheth, as king over the rest of Israel. And Ish-bosheth reigns for two years without incident. But then, a contest of military skills between David's servants and Ish-bosheth's quickly escalates to a bloody battle that starts a civil war.

For the first two years of Ish-bosheth's reign in Israel and even through the initial stages of the civil war, David stayed remarkably controlled and patient. His mistakes running from Saul and taking matters into his own hands had matured him. He could have easily gathered his men and marched to Mahanaim where Ish-bosheth reigned as king and claimed the throne that was rightfully his. He was God's anointed afterall! How dare this illegitimate son of Saul sit on HIS throne?! It wasn't right! But I believe David knew God had other plans. David had faith that when the time was right, God would remove all obstacles to David reigning over a united kingdom. David was careful not to get ahead of God's timing and purpose. And most importantly, David realized he was not entitled to anything but for God!

One of the most difficult lessons for me to learn in my life is to wait on the Lord's timing. And whenever I start to feel a sense of entitlement about anything, I need to remind myself that I am nothing...but for God. I have nothing...but for God. I would not exist...but for God.

Prayer: Forgive me Father when I have the audacity to lash out at others when I do not get what I feel I am justly entitled to. Do not ever let me forget that it is only by and through You that I am or have anything. And thank You that you still so graciously pour out blessing after blessing on my life!

The Tragic End of God's Anointed (1 Samuel 31- 2 Samuel 1)

When I read about the tragic end of Saul and his sons, I can't help but think about the tragic fall of the well-known evangelist, Jimmy Swaggart. I don't know how many of you actually remember him. But throughout the late 70's and early 80's his ministry flourished. Thousands of souls received Christ under his preaching. He was a pioneer in the area of televangelism. My family was encouraged and challenged by the no-nonsense, fire-branding messages that Jimmy Swaggart was known to bring. Rev. Swaggart would sit at the piano and sing passionately for the Lord. And frankly, in my humble opinion, few I have heard preach hold a candle to the anointing that was on this man.

But tragically, Rev. Jimmy Swaggart's worldwide ministry came crashing down around him when he was caught soliciting a prostitute. Those who followed his ministry were crushed. And those skeptics who hated what he stood for in the first place found ample fodder to bury the man. Even people who called themselves christians decided to jump into the fray and pile on. Few people hear of Jimmy Swaggart on the national or world stage anymore. Although, he and his son still have a large church in Baton Rouge, LA. But Rev. Swaggart will forever be known, not for the countless lives he reached for the Gospel of Christ, but for the scandal of sex and prostitution.

So what should our attitudes be when a fellow brother falls and suffers the consequences of his sin? (and please do not misunderstand my use of the term "fall" as meaning losing ones salvation. I do not believe this is what the bible teaches. But that is for another day.) The answer to this question is found in the reaction of David in 2 Samuel 1.

David receives word that Saul has been killed from one of Saul's men who had escaped from the battle. Considering David's history with Saul, his flesh would have rejoiced in this fact. Saul was dead! The king who was obsessed with killing him was gone! David was not only able to return to his homeland, he would return as king!! What glorious news this should be, right? But what does David say when he laments Saul and Jonathan's death?

"The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel." (2 Samuel 1: 19-24)

I copied this entire passage to fully demonstrate David's amazing response to Saul and Jonathan's death. If you knew nothing of Saul before this lamentation you would think he and David had the same close relationship that David had with Jonathan. I think it is plain to see that David never lost focus of the fact that no matter what Saul had done wrong, he was STILL God's anointed king. And as God's anointed king, Saul deserved to be mourned. It is NEVER a day to rejoice when one of God's anointed falls! I believe David could respond this way because he knew that he was equally capable of falling into sin. Also, David knew that word of Saul's demise would only empower and encourage God's enemies. And David would do anything he could to preserve Saul's honor and not bring open shame to God and His anointed.

We as christians need also be careful how we judge and react to those in authority in the christian church who fall into sin. We need to be more like David and cry out in sadness when one of God's anointed falls. For who are we to stand and point fingers? Any one of us can find ourselves in the same predicament needing forgiveness and mercy. Don't get me wrong. I am not suggesting that an anointed leader of God can be restored to a prominent ministry after putting God to an open shame. Their ministry is often a casualty of sin. But a fallen brother's personal relationship wth God is not for us to decide. We must lament his or her condition, be quick to forgive, and be as David and proclaim the beauty of Israel! Remember and rejoice in the wonderful things God has done through that person. And gladly pick up the standard and continue on as David did!

So You Wanna Be Part of the Crowd? (1 Samuel 29-30)

I can remember my high school days and the identity crisis that every teenager goes through. I decided that I wanted to be black. So all my energy went into trying to fit in with the brothas. I bought clothes from "Chess King". I spent countless hours in a beauty salon at the mall with small curlers in my hair to get just the right, tight Jheri Curl. I listened to nothing but soul music and learned how to "pop". I played basketball and nothing else. My speech pattern even changed to the point where you couldn't tell I was white when talking to me on the phone. I wanted nothing to do with white girls. It was all sista girls for me. Every ounce of my being was invested in fitting in. And I did a pretty good job of it if I say so myself.

Now there was nothing wrong with me doing those things. But looking back, it helps me understand David a little better. We find David completely assimilating with the Philistine culture. He has his own town to live in and he has won the complete trust of king Achish. He has so completely immersed himself to the point of being willing to go to battle against HIS OWN PEOPLE! However, his desire to fit in, cost him dearly.

And while David was making his share of mistakes, he had not forsaken God. David is sent back home after King Achish is pressured by the other princes of Philistia to prevent David from fighting with the Philistines. But when he arrives back to his hometown, he finds that it has been burned to the ground by the Amalekites. And all of the women and children, including his wives, have been taken. This is what can happen when we choose to disobey God and do our own thing. David was living with the enemy subject to the consequences of his disobedience.

But David shows he has not completely forsaken God. He calls for the priest and the ephod and asks God for direction. Yay David! And God answers! Even when we make mistakes and disobey, God is ready to answer our call when we call on Him. He is faithful to us! Even when David was making bad decisions, trusting in the protection of a foreign enemy, God shows His mercy when David calls on Him in distress.

Make no mistake, God will allow us to suffer the consequences of bad decisions. David is a prime example of this in these two chapters. His home, his possessions, and his family have been ripped out from under him. He learns a harsh lesson. The powerful Philistines cannot protect him. But when David calls on God for direction, what happens? God responds!

Be encouraged! No matter how deep a hole you dig for yourself, it's never too late to cry out to God for direction and help. Oftentimes, it will take us getting to our lowest point where all seems lost before we call out to Jesus for help. That's what it took for David. And praise God His mercy is so rich and ever present! He will respond!

1 Chronicles 28:9: ..."If you seek Him, He WILL be found by you (David). BUT IF you forsake Him, He will cast you out forever. (Saul)" (My parentheticals)

PRAYER: God, forgive me for my stupidity. Forgive me for taking steps in my life using my own "wisdom" which is nothing but foolishness. And I am so grateful that You promise to be there if I seek You!

Lessons from the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28)

Do you believe in seances, ouija boards, ghosts, and wizards? Well, believe it or not, these paranormal elements do exist. The Bible says so. And they are an abomination to God. (Lev. 20:6 for example). I can remember when the ouija board by Parker Brothers was the bomb! They were selling like hotcakes. The toy stores (yes, I did say toy stores) could not keep their shelves stocked long enough to satisfy the public's demand. Satan had found a way to bring a form of witchcraft into the mainstream. Ouija boards seemed like harmless fun. It was just another game to enhance the imagination. Whether you believe that the ouija board was truly witchcraft or not, the game was based on an ancient seance where the participants allowed the spirits to control the planchette (heart shaped piece of wood) in the middle of the board to point to letters and symbols to spell out messages. It was teaching the participants a form of witchcraft whether they knew it or not.

The Mosaic law clearly states that mediums, seers, and all forms of witchcraft are forbidden and considered an abomination to God. (Deut. 18:9-14) God commands us to flee from witchcraft. Witchcraft is very real! When someone goes to a fortune teller, palm reader, astrologist, or spiritualist to learn of their future or find answers to life's questions, it is an outward showing of their lack of trust and reliance on God. Satan is a crafty demon. He knows how to counterfeit the power of God. He can fool people into disobeying God's firm command to flee from all forms of witchcraft. And we must be always on our guard regarding such matters.

Saul, sought out a medium, a witch from Endor, for guidance and direction concerning the immenent threat of the Philistines. God would not answer his prayers. Saul was still an unrepentant king who only sought the counsel of God at a time when he was desparate. God was silent. What a horrible place for Saul to find himself. He had no line of communication to God anymore.

Also, I think Saul's desire to speak to Samuel's ghost (Samuel was now dead) shows his utter lack of understanding as to who Samuel was when he was alive. Saul wants to get answers from Samuel since God will not respond. But what Saul fails to realize is that Samuel was only an instrument through which God spoke. Samuel was nothing of himself. Saul thought Samuel had the answers apart from God. And when the witch of Endor successfully calls forth Samuel's spirit, Samuel rebukes Saul on this very point! Samuel says (paraphrased), "If God won't talk to you, what makes you think I can do anything for you!?"

Saul had placed the man ahead of God. Saul thought Samuel could still guide him even though God had long since departed from Saul. What he failed to understand is that apart from God, Samuel was of no use to him. This is a pathetic picture of God's anointed first king of Israel clearly disobeying the Mosaic laws and dabbling in witchcraft (that was very real) while seeking out guidance from a dead man with no hope of hearing from God.

To sum it up, there are two main things I take from this chapter: 1) witchcraft and spiritualism are very real; and 2) be careful not to elevate the man over the true God.

I have witnessed Christians elevating a pastor, bible teacher, bible professor, author, or historical Christian philosopher/preacher to a dangerously high status that makes me wonder many times if the fallible man is being confused with the One true God. When fallible men are quoted by Christians with greater frequency than the infallible Word of God, we run into the danger making man's opinion indistinguishable from God's Word.

Certainly, God has gifted many great biblical scholars with the ability to teach and divide the scriptures. But we must be careful to not eat from the crumbs of one man's table. Pick up God's Word. Read it. Study it. Make sure to question every commentary, every author, every teacher who professes to interpret the bible. Allow prayer and your own meditation on God's Word alone to feed you through the Holy Spirit. Whether you supplement your study with John Calvin or John Hagee, never confuse fallible men with the unfallible precious Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth. (John 16:13)

Prayer: Holy Spirit, it is through You and You alone that I find my answers. May I not seek after the things of this world or the supernatural world of witchcraft to find solutions or amusement. It is in God and God alone that I put my faith and trust!

David's Motley Crue Band - World Tour (1 Samuel 27)

Yes. I'm showing my age with the "Motley Crue" reference today. But I think it fits pretty well. How rediculous do these guys look in that photo? I think the picture speaks for itself. And what we see in chapter 27 is pretty embarrasing for David and his crew as well. As we discussed yesterday, David is entering another dark, low time in his life. This period could be to what David was referring in Psalm 23 when he talks about the "valley of the shadow of death". David has relegated himself to leading a motley crew of fighting men. Men who are outcasts in their own towns and villages - mercenaries for hire. I am sure this band of men were a colorful, rough sort. They were probably similar to the gangs of pirates that pillaged the high seas in colonial times. They were dangerous since most were unafraid to die. And they were led by David, a man quickly falling into despair and losing faith in God.

David opens chapter 27 with a shocking statement showing his change of heart from chapter 26. David says in his heart, "Now I shall perish someday at the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to speedily escape to the land of the Philistines." How low was David's faith that he believes there is "nothing better" for him than to run into the arms of his enemies, the enemies of God, for safety and protection! Nothing better??? David! Have you forgotten who your God-Father is?? Have you forgotten what God has already done for you? Do you remember Goliath? Have you forgotten Ramah? Have you forgotten the two times God has placed Saul directly into your hands? Has not God shown you enough of His protective hand to convince you only HE can protect you??

Ok. I'm done lecturing David. Because I many times live my life in a way that shows I too forget what God can and will do in my life if I place my trust in Him. Think back for a moment over your life and just reflect on God's deliverance both in your life and the lives of people you know. Hasn't He already proven Himself over and over again? Then, why do we so quickly act as though there is nothing better for us than to dispair and feel sorry for ourselves? Why do we turn to the world and God's enemies for protection as David does here? It's because we are a stubborn people. We too often live in the flesh and not walk by the Spirit.

The end of Chapter 27 shows David and his motley crew resorting to raiding and pillaging towns and villages. I'm sure David rationalizes his actions by raiding only those people who were historical enemies of Israel. But clearly David is not consulting God. He is depending on the skill and tenacity of his rough band of mercenaries to provide sustenance. And to make matters worse, David lies to King Achish (remember him? this is the same king to whom David pretended he was crazy to avoid being killed) and tells him he raided Israeli towns. Obviously, David seeks king Achish's approval in hopes that he can find protection. By now, King Achish is convinced Saul is their common enemy and accepts David and even gives him an area in which to live.

David's sleeping with the enemy. (Hey, that also could have been a good title for this article.) Anyway, let us not be so weak in our faith to forget that only our God can deliver us. Running around aimlessly using the world's devices to find sustenance and protection will not be effective. Seeking approval from the world will not satisfy or protect us. Only God can provide and protect His children.

David was once a valiant leader of God's army. He was a killer of Giants. He was a conqueror of God's enemies. But through a lack of faith and growing despair, he became the aimless leader of a motley crew of pirates and pillagers. But the story isn't over! Keep reading! Isn't this fun?

Prayer: In my hour of despair I know You're still there. So may I keep my eyes stayed on You and never forget Your power and ability to deliver me when all seems lost!

Rollercoaster of (Life)....Say What! (Ooh, Ooh , Ooh)

"Rollercoaster of Love" by the Ohio Players, one of the funkiest fun songs to sing and dance to, kept going through my head as I thought about 1 Samuel 26. I could easily change the title to "Rollercoaster of Life" because that's what it is, baby - a rollercoaster. When I rode my first rollercoaster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio (incidently the rollercoaster capital of the world) there were moments of pure terror and fear followed by exhileration and joy. Just like riding the Blue Streak at Cedar Point, our earthly relationships with people we love and our more important walk with Christ is filled with ups and downs. And needless to say, the extreme dips, turns, loops, and lows that we experirence in our christian walk is many times attributable to when we allow the flesh to prevail. David is a perfect example of this truth.

1 Samuel 26 is an account of another encounter that David has with Saul while Saul sleeps unaware of David's presence. Once again, God puts David in a position of testing. David is probably even more exhausted from running. He is tired of leading his group of ex-cons, outcasts, and vagrants. He wants his old life back. He wants to be able to go to the tabernacle to worship his God. And here, once again, God has dropped Saul right in his lap for the taking. One good thrust of the spear and David's worries would all be over. This is the second time he's been put in this situtation...it MUST be God's will for him to kill Saul....right? Wrong. David resists the temptation of his own desires and proclaims that it is a sin against God to harm a hair on the head of God's anointed king. David honors Saul's position. Yay David! You passed the test!

You see, David was at the top of his rollercoaster ride in this chapter. He ignored misleading circumstantial evidence of God's will and trusted in God's Word. We too must be careful not to equate circumstances with God's will. In other words, that open door we talked about a couple of days ago may keep coming open when you walk by. That doesn't mean it's ok to go in! If that opportunity is contrary to God's word, run from it - no matter how many times it presents itself!

Over the course of the last few chapters we see David's rollercoaster ride. He's up during his first encounter with Saul sleeping. He's down when he wrongly reacts to Nabal's insults. He's up when we see him again in this chapter refusing to kill Saul. And he'll be down when we get to chapter 27. And David's rollercoaster will continue throughout his life. So be encouraged because even a man after God's own heart rode his own rollercoaster of life. And be assured, you will too. But if you are saved by grace, you are then sealed by the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:13) He's got you securely fastened in your seat. He will NEVER let you go! So sit back and enjoy the ride....it's gonna be a wild one!

Prayer: Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit that seals me for that great day when the rollercoaster ride will be over and we see you face to face! Until then, may I trust in You and obey your Word. When I'm down, may You remind me it's only for a season. When I'm up, may You remind me it's because of You alone. When I'm jolted by a sharp turn in life, may I rest secured knowing Your Holy Spirit holds me fast!

Who's Yo Godfather? - 1 Samuel 25

Don Vito Corleone sits at his table in the back of a darkly lit restaurant. A thick cloud of cigar smoke swirls around his head. In walks two of his goons with word from the street that a local businessman refuses to pay his tribute in exchange for protection. Imagine the Don's response when he's told that this businessman brashly responded, "Who was Vito Corleone to make him do anything?" I think we all know that at minimum, a horse's head would be sleeping with that guy the same night. This is the image I see when I read chapter 25.

On the heels of chapter 24, David is once again faced with an opportunity to claim his own justice by his own hand. Nabal, a rich, business man, insults David and his men after they protect Nabal's sheep and shepherds in the wilderness. Instead of providing David's men with payment in supplies and food, Nabal figuratively flips David the bird and sends David's men back to him empty handed. When David hears of this, he and his men grab their swords and heads out into the streets to show Nabal just how he feels about being humiliated.

We see a very different David in this chapter. Just a few verses earlier, David was showing great discipline and trust in God in sparing Saul's life. And now, David's going gangsta and letting his ego and anger get the best of him. He certainly is not acting on God's command. Because there is no mention of him enquiring of God before heading out to kill Nabal and his men.

Now, the parallel between David and Vito is not a perfect one. Don't get me wrong. David was not the criminal here. But his motivation for desiring to kill Nabal is similar to Vito's. David's been insulted. He's been challenged. His manhood is at stake. He must teach Nabal a lesson and preserve his reputation. Does David stop and pray before heading out? There's no mention of it here.

Thank God for Abigail's faith! It is her intervention that stays David's hand. When she meets him on his way to Nabal, she carries with her various gifts in hopes of making peace and sparing her family. In verses 23-31, Abagail gives a wonderful speech proclaiming who God is, what God has done, and what God will do! Read that passage over again. What a model for us when we start to act out rashly against our enemies! David blesses Abagail and recognizes that God sent her to stay his hand! Even though David seems to have learned that vengeance is God's in chapter 24, he relapses in chapter 25. We are also prone to relapse like David. When that happens, listen to Abagail and remind yourself of these three things: 1) Who God is; 2) What He has done for you and for others; and 3) What He will do for you!

David returns to his home. Nabal collapses from heart disease a few days later. God takes care of David's enemy. Another valuable lesson that God is driving home to David and us. Let Me fight your battles! When we let God fight for us, He keeps us from sinning. Because often times fighting for ourselves is motivated by revenge, pride, ego, and rage. These are not fruits of the Spirit. And when we allow ourselves to be controlled by these emotions, we sin.

Don't be a gangsta. Let the one true God-Father hand out the justice.

Prayer: Father, only You are worthy to hand out justice. When I am wronged, may I not react in anger, ego, revenge, or pride. Intercede on my behalf. God you are my deliverer!