QT 4/28/2023 2 Sam 22:44-51, Finish well, give everything your best effort

2 Samuel 22:44–51 (ESV) —

44 “You delivered me from strife with my people;

you kept me as the head of the nations;

people whom I had not known served me.

45 Foreigners came cringing to me;

as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me.

46 Foreigners lost heart

and came trembling out of their fortresses.

47 “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,

and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,

48 the God who gave me vengeance

and brought down peoples under me,

49 who brought me out from my enemies;

you exalted me above those who rose against me;

you delivered me from men of violence.

50 “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,

and sing praises to your name.

51 Great salvation he brings to his king,

and shows steadfast love to his anointed,

to David and his offspring forever.”

 

NOTE: For all that David went through and suffered, some from evil men and some because of his own failures, in the end, he was blessed. It doesn't matter the title or the position at the end of your life. What matters is to hear God say "well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful in many things." As I get close to my final days, I can know how each of the seasons of life have gone. And no matter how things have turned out so far, the most important season is the one you are in now. If life ended today, I believe I have been faithful. But I have another season beginning soon, and I must be just as vigilant to live for God in the next season as I have in the last. I'm itching to get started. But, I must also finish this last one correctly. I have two more months. I pray for grace to finish strong.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I giving the things that God has put before me my best effort -- my job, my family, my walk with God, my ministry?

 

PRAYER: Lord, I do need to give my best. I don't want to ruin my witness in the final days of my job. Have mercy on me I pray.

QT 4/27/2023 2 Sam 22:32-43, Everything in life requires we see God in it

2 Samuel 22:32–43 (ESV) —

32 “For who is God, but the Lord?

And who is a rock, except our God?

33 This God is my strong refuge

and has made my way blameless.

34 He made my feet like the feet of a deer

and set me secure on the heights.

35 He trains my hands for war,

so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

36 You have given me the shield of your salvation,

and your gentleness made me great.

37 You gave a wide place for my steps under me,

and my feet did not slip;

38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them,

and did not turn back until they were consumed.

39 I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise;

they fell under my feet.

40 For you equipped me with strength for the battle;

you made those who rise against me sink under me.

41 You made my enemies turn their backs to me,

those who hated me, and I destroyed them.

42 They looked, but there was none to save;

they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.

43 I beat them fine as the dust of the earth;

I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.

 

NOTE: God is the focus and the source of David's success. David did not sit back and just wait. He trusted and trained and went into battle. And he believed God and gave God the glory for his success. Even in his prudence -- his training and planning -- he trusted God.

 

My days in the corporate world are coming to a close. I feel as if my battle has run into a wall that cannot be brought down. It is the foolishness of this age that God has given this nation over to. As John laments, "how long, O lord?" so I too lament. I have done my due diligence and now I must be equally diligent about my new "job." I will pour myself and time into discipleship and honing my speaking and writing skills. I will continue to learn and grow, even in my past math/science skills. I will work, but not for a corrupt system, but for God, whether it be discipleship, gardening, woodworking, or projects around the house. I will do all for the glory of God. I will continue to train myself on how to share the gospel in innovative ways. I'm not quitting, I am changing jobs -- my retirement is my new job.

 

PONDER:

1. I need to develop a plan of action for my days. While I have freedom to change, I need to prudently develop a plan that I can give to God.

 

PRAYER: Father, lead me and guide me in these last two months. As I respond to my current bosses, I pray I would not be flippant, but respectful. I have a good witness, I do not want to lose it because of some frustration. Lead me, guide me, have mercy on me, and be gracious to me, I ask.

QT 4/26/2023 2 Sam 22:26-31, Real faith is evidence by works, but not necessarily the other way around

2 Samuel 22:25 (ESV) —

25 And the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,

according to my cleanness in his sight.

 

2 Samuel 22:26–31 (ESV) —

26 “With the merciful you show yourself merciful;

with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;

27 with the purified you deal purely,

and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.

28 You save a humble people,

but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

29 For you are my lamp, O Lord,

and my God lightens my darkness.

30 For by you I can run against a troop,

and by my God I can leap over a wall.

31 This God—his way is perfect;

the word of the Lord proves true;

he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

 

NOTE: I think David's argument "my cleanness" is a variation of James' argument in the New Testament. You need both. Works can show that faith is at work in you. If there are no works, was there ever any faith?

 

James 2:14–20 (ESV) — 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

 

As a result of David's faith, he could do great works. He could run against a troop or leap over a wall. God his refuge but not because of works. The works confirm his faith. Works are not faith. And neither is faith, works. If we are not seeing a continual change in our life, year over year, then we are not being sanctified by Christ. If we are not being sanctified -- works within (changed life) and works without (impact on others) -- were we ever justified? And if we were not justified by faith, we have no hope in glorification.

 

It starts with faith but faith is confirmed by works.

 

PONDER:

1. Can I point to changes in my life that confirm I have faith?
2. Can I point to changes around me that confirm I have faith?

 

PRAYER: Father, I fear that too many in the church are dead logs, sitting in the pews on Sunday, but no different from anyone else on Monday. They are not changing and becoming like Jesus. They have no idea what it means to "taste and see that the Lord is good." They are religious and destined to hell. Open their eyes and help them to see their sin so that they can repent, turn to you, believe, and receive the Holy Spirit within them.

QT 4/25/2023 2 Sam 22:8-25, God will answer all those prayers for justice some day

2 Samuel 22:8–9 (ESV) —

8 “Then the earth reeled and rocked;

the foundations of the heavens trembled

and quaked, because he was angry.

9 Smoke went up from his nostrils,

and devouring fire from his mouth;

glowing coals flamed forth from him.

…

2 Samuel 22:17–20 (ESV) —

17 “He sent from on high, he took me;

he drew me out of many waters.

18 He rescued me from my strong enemy,

from those who hated me,

for they were too mighty for me.

19 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

but the Lord was my support.

20 He brought me out into a broad place;

he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

2 Samuel 22:21–22 (ESV) —

21 “The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness;

according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.

22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord

and have not wickedly departed from my God.

…

 

NOTE: The next three sections could be entitled, God's entrance, God's rescue, and God's reason. The entrance is long and frightening. In everyday life, we seldom see that entrance. But there is a time of justice coming, and it will look exactly like that. It will be as close as one can come to dying by fear -- overwhelming fear will come upon his enemies. And we see the rescue in the second section. In the end times, this will precede the coming of the day of the Lord in order to spare us the wrath and fear. The third section is God's reason. David says that it is his righteousness, but it is not based upon works but rather upon his faith. True, his works do reveal his faith, but David is not saving himself as the passage tomorrow will show. David's righteousness is by faith, just as Abraham's was, and just as ours is.

 

PONDER:

1. That day is coming and the best part is that we will be snatched before the great and awesome day of the Lord. Reflect on how fortunate we are to be saved from that terrifying day.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for salvation. I am undeserving of your mercy. My faith has given me the righteousness of God. I am clean. I am not guilty. I am no longer deserving of punishment -- it all has been paid.

QT 4/24/2023 2 Sam 22:2-7, Living by faith

2 Samuel 22:2–7 (ESV) — 2 He said,

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold and my refuge,

my savior; you save me from violence.

4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

and I am saved from my enemies.

5 “For the waves of death encompassed me,

the torrents of destruction assailed me;

6 the cords of Sheol entangled me;

the snares of death confronted me.

7 “In my distress I called upon the Lord;

to my God I called.

From his temple he heard my voice,

and my cry came to his ears.

 

NOTE: This is a Psalm outside of the psalms that encompasses many other songs of David. Early in the passage we see repeated images which give us insight into David's reliance upon God. David calls God a rock, a fortress or stronghold, and a deliver or savior. David could stand firm because he stood upon the rock. David always had a place to turn for protection. And David always had a savior who would come to his aide when he needed. In the next part, the imagery starts out as an ocean of waves that continually break against the shore. It never seems to end. David always felt that he was only a step from death. Something or somebody was always trying to trip him up. And the third part shows David's secret. God was always there, he could hear him. He did not need to be at the temple. He did not need to take the ark into battle. God was always one prayer away, and always aware.

 

The struggle, is that the statements are true but don't seem true. God does not answer when we call, or at least it seems that way. God does not hear or at least does not seem to hear. We are not delivered or at least not when we want to be delivered. But that is there where faith is most important, because the "seem to" is the real illusion. The statements are true even when the appearance is not to our liking. He does hear; he does answer; he does deliver. Below are my three favorite verses which say exactly the same thing.

 

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) — 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have faith? Or am I just trying to control God for my good?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am entering a new phase in life. I have planned prudently, but it is meaningless if I do not trust you. This last phase of life has to be live for you just as the preceding phases. There is no time off. I am here for your purpose, help me to see it, do it, and fulfill it.

QT 4/21/2023 2 Sam 21:15-17, Sometimes prudence is a better choice

2 Samuel 21:15–17 (ESV) —

15 There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. 16 And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”

 

NOTE: The theme of this section seems to be God's protection of David during his reign. Since the Jews organized things thematically, these four stories are difficult to place in the timeline, and at least one of the stories seems to contradict an earlier version (there are a number of reasonable explanations including copyist errors to explain the differences). All four stories probably occur much earlier than the Bathsheba-Uriah incident. In this passage, the Philistines have a chance to kill David and came at him forcibly to the point where he was completely exhausted, at which point Abishai rescues him. Afterwards, the troops would not let David fight with him -- not because he couldn't fight, but because it gave the enemies such an important target. Throughout the book of 2 Samuel, we see the troops holding David back.

 

Certainly God could and did protect David, often miraculously. But prudence is why God gives us minds to think. A counter example is Jehoiakim, a godly king who went to war against Egypt and died in battle. The book of Romans says that God's works all things for good to those who love him. God is in control, in the sense that he works within the actions of men and women to achieve his plan. It is a balance, but nothing happens that God cannot bring good or bring into alignment into his plan. He is not surprised by our stupidity, our faith, or our prudence. The application is: trust God and use the mind God gave you.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I acting in faith or testing God in actions where prudence might dictate a different response? Am I sure God is leading?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me grace to do the right thing, to trust you when I need to and to be prudent when I need to. Help me to differentiate. Lead me and guide me, I ask.

QT 4/20/2023 2 Sam 21:5-9, The Justice of God was satisfied by Jesus

2 Samuel 21:5–9 (ESV) —

5 They said to the king, “The man who consumed us and planned to destroy us, so that we should have no place in all the territory of Israel, 6 let seven of his sons be given to us, so that we may hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the Lord.” And the king said, “I will give them.”

7 But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Saul’s son Jonathan, because of the oath of the Lord that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 8 The king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite; 9 and he gave them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the mountain before the Lord, and the seven of them perished together. They were put to death in the first days of harvest, at the beginning of barley harvest.

 

NOTE: This story is ugly and repellent. But it is completely in line with OT law which specifies curses on the nation for disobeying the law and supported "eye-for-eye" punishments. This is the difference between the law and grace. In the New Covenant, Jesus has satisfied the need for justice between us and God. That was not so in the OT, and Israel experienced the Deuteronomy chapter 28:15-68 curses multiple times in its history because of its failure to obey. Justice is important to God. It is why the NT term, propitiation, is also critical in understanding what happened at the cross. Jesus satisfied the wrath of God on the cross (propitiation). People like to talk about God's love, but they fail to realize that the cross was not just about love, but it was about justice.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I appreciate how Jesus has satisfied the wrath of God against my sin?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the love that sent your Son into the world. And thank you that his death satisfied your wrath against me for my sin. I am undeserving of such grace.

QT 4/19/2023 2 Sam 20:15-22, Unchecked emotions

2 Samuel 20:15–22 (ESV) —

15 And all the men who were with Joab came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah. They cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart, and they were battering the wall to throw it down. 16 Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’ ” 17 And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” 18 Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. 19 I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?” 20 Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” 22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.

 

NOTE: The solution is elegant, clean, and distasteful. I really can't blame the wise woman or Joab, Sheba is the cause. He is a hot head who let his anger overcome him. He would be the person committing road rage if he lived today. So, in one sense, we feel for Sheba, they seem destined to destroy themselves. Was it their family, their upbringing, some crisis that brought Sheba to the point of uncontrolled anger? It is important to have relief valves for our emotions, not just anger but all emotions. And the best relief valve is prayer. The second best is a friend who can challenge the excesses. If not, it is only time before a catastrophe will occur. Today, this world has much anger and no relief valves. Crimes are being committed and people are dying because they lack hope and the most excellent of relief valves, a relationship with God. That is why we must pray so much, so that people can see that our lives are not consumed by anger but by the gentle peace that comes only from God.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have a daily habit of prayer?
2. Are my prayers rote or relational?
3. Do I truly know God or do I just say it without knowing what it means?

 

PRAYER: Father, this world needs your true sons and daughters to live in a manner that is amazingly different. We can't do it without time with you. Continue to speak to my heart. Root out the garbage. Give me the peace that surpasses all understanding.

QT 4/18/2023 2 Sam 20:4-10, Being prayerful, not just prudent

2 Samuel 20:4–10 (ESV) —

4 Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.” 5 So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him. 6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” 7 And there went out after him Joab’s men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men. They went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When they were at the great stone that is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was wearing a soldier’s garment, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened on his thigh, and as he went forward it fell out. 9 And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died.

Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.

 

NOTE: Amasa had commanded Absalom's forces in the treasonous rebellion against David. And, for some reason, he was delayed in his return. A positive take on the passage (from Joab's point of view) is that Amasa was not fully on-board and wanted to see Sheba's rebellion succeed. Since Absalom's failure was not going after David immediately, David did not want to repeat that mistake, hence the need for speed but Amasa is for some reason delayed. Ultimately Joab kills him for being a traitor or still being a traitor. The negative take is that while Joab may have thought Amasa a traitor, he was more interested in retrieving his position as commander of the armies of Israel. He likely was demoted for disobeying the King's orders to spare the "boy." And so Joab's motives were most likely wrong, even though his previous actions (killing Absalom) were probably better. But commanders are not allowed to question a direct order of the commander-in-chief. He can make independent decisions on the battlefield, but Joab's decision to kill Absalom would not pass the "sniff" test (it doesn't smell right). In some ways, we could say that David is succeeding in spite of himself. His decision to appoint Amasa in order to appease certain elements within his own tribe, does not appear to be a good one.

 

I think in most situations in life, things don't go as planned. There are too many variables, there is too much sin, and we have an enemy who does do as we think, but opposes us. Plans are good, but ultimately we must depend upon God for the result. We need to be prudent, but even more important than prudent is prayerful.

 

PONDER:

1. I have laid out many plans, but have I laid out many prayers?

 

PRAYER: Father, I look forward to this new venture in my life, this new phase. Lead me and guide me in how I am to use my time. I want to serve you, not myself. Help me to be attuned to your will and your Spirit's leading.

QT 4/17/2023 2 Sam 19:31-37, The gift of giving

2 Samuel 19:31–37 (ESV) —

31 Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim, and he went on with the king to the Jordan, to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. He had provided the king with food while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” 34 But Barzillai said to the king, “How many years have I still to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day eighty years old. Can I discern what is pleasant and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or what he drinks? Can I still listen to the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you.”

 

NOTE: I suppose as I approach retirement, passages of "old men" appeal to me. Barzillai was 80, aged, and of immense service to David in his time of need. He was a wealthy man and funded David's staff and army while David was over the Jordan. There is no single rule when it comes to wealth. Barzillai's wealth allowed him to be useful in God's plan, but I don't believe God would have used him if he was just collecting funds and not already giving. Those people are rarely generous. The truly generous are those who have made a lifetime of giving to others.

 

Most of the verses in the new testament when they deal with rich men are negative. Riches are a great danger. And true riches are found in eternal things, not temporal. One of the few positive verses is found in one of Paul's last letter written to his spiritual son, Timothy.

 

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

 

There is a lot in this passage. There are principles for wealth in this and the story of Barzillai.

1. Proper handling of wealth requires a lifetime of generosity (inferred from Barzillai)
2. Wealth can lead to haughtiness and pride. The wealthy need to take active steps to remain humble, to see themselves as no more deserving than anyone else
3. Wealth can cause us to put our hope in our riches and not in God. The wealthy need to pray, more than anyone, because it is not their riches which gives them confidence, but God
4. Wealth can cause us to live for ourselves. The wealthy need always be thinking on new ways to use their wealth for good works
5. The desire for riches can cause us to be selfish. The wealthy need to be generous and always ready to share. This takes a lifetime of practice, and is not just money, but time
6. The wealthy need to store up treasure in heaven. Every use of the funds God has given stores up an even greater treasure in heaven

 

Today, I would have to admit, that I am wealthy. But will I be wealthy tomorrow? If I am, then I must never forget the principles that have brought me where I am today.

 

PONDER:

1. Which of the six principles is a weakness in my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, I do enjoy giving; but my retirement will seemingly reduce my giving. I know that if you provide more, that is just more to give. And if you don't, there is still much that I can give. I would love to be a Barzillai who refreshes the saints. And I will be, as much as I can be.

QT 4/14/2023 2 Sam 19:19-27, The dangers of sin

2 Samuel 19:19–27 (ESV) —

19 and (Shimei) said to the king, “Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. Do not let the king take it to heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” 21 Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” 22 But David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that you should this day be as an adversary to me? Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?” 23 And the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king gave him his oath.

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety. 25 And when he came to Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for your servant said to him, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. 27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you.

 

NOTE: There are opportunists and liars and schmoozers in life. There always has been and always will be. Who can tell the truth? In one sense, does it really matter, since God will judge all men someday? But our sense of justice is aroused when we perceive someone getting away with a lie. We are like Abishai, demanding that our judgment be executed against those that lie. Even in celebration, Abishai found things to complain and be negative about. David, instead, chose to focus on the positive things. Once again, David was King of Israel. Liars will pay the price some day for their sin. God is not fooled. You can fool people, but you are only fooling yourself when you live in a lie. And all lies are sin, and the wages of sin is death. We die to real life every time we sin -- every time we lie, and every time we complain.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize the life-killing power of my sin? Do I take sin seriously?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from the evil one and his schemes. Help me to see danger ahead of time. Keep me from his traps. Lead me in the way you have planned for me.

QT 4/13/2023 2 Sam 19:9-15, Watch out for discontent

2 Samuel 19:9–15 (ESV) —

9 And all the people were arguing throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and saved us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled out of the land from Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?”

11 And King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house, when the word of all Israel has come to the king? 12 You are my brothers; you are my bone and my flesh. Why then should you be the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me and more also, if you are not commander of my army from now on in place of Joab.’ ” 14 And he swayed the heart of all the men of Judah as one man, so that they sent word to the king, “Return, both you and all your servants.” 15 So the king came back to the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring the king over the Jordan.

 

NOTE: This is not one of those situations, where "all is forgotten, let's return home." It was David's own tribe that supported Absalom in the revolt. Consequently, David remains across the Jordan, and takes steps to heal the wounds of the civil war. Most of those wounds were cause by an insider, a member of the family, who whispered sweet promises into the ears of all those who visited Jerusalem. As a result, Judah and Israel forgot that they had the King they really wanted, the King who delivered them from the hand of their enemies. Life was good and yet they revolted because they wanted something else.

 

Isn't that always the case, no matter how good life is or how much better it is than it had been in the past, at some point, we become discontented, and we want something more. David was a great King, but Absalom's words allowed them to be discontented and want something more. They left Saul, after he died, to rally around David. Now when David has proved to be a great King, they want more. Absalom's empty words of how he would give them justice, wasn't about justice, but about giving people what their evil hearts wanted. In the end, he would never be able to deliver, even if the revolt had worked. That's why our hope in politics is always a failure. Our evil hearts are never satisfied. People whisper words of empty promises and we are discontented. Even the millennial kingdom will not provide people what they want since people will revolt again after a thousand years when Satan is released. We need changed hearts and a new body. Sin is always at the door seeking to devour us by telling us what we think we are missing.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I fallen into the "discontent" trap?
2. Have I ever been satisfied with life or am I always wanting something else?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive my discontent except in my desire to honor you with my life. Help me to see life differently. Help me see it from the perspective of what you are doing. Free me of my "kingdom plans" and help me focus on building your kingdom.

QT 4/12/2023 2 Sam 19:7-8, Wait before responding to rebuke

2 Samuel 19:7–8 (ESV) —

7 Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and took his seat in the gate. And the people were all told, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” And all the people came before the king.

Now Israel had fled every man to his own home.

 

NOTE: The story of David contains many examples of rebuke. He is rebuked by Abigail. He is rebuked by Nathan. He is rebuked by Joab. In every case, he does not try to defend himself, but takes the rebuke without a word of defense. And in those cases, he is an excellent example to ourselves of how we should take rebuke. Our tendency is to lash out or to defend ourselves. Later on, when the emotions have cooled, we realize our fault and then ask forgiveness. But, it would be much better if we would learn to just listen to the rebuke, think, and pray about it. And then, much later, respond to it. I think we would be much better for it and our relationship with others would be much better as well.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I respond when I am rebuked by another for my actions? Do I have to say something or can I wait and bring it before the throne?

 

PRAYER: Father, you know me, and you know that I am too quick to respond. I need to take what is said, bring it to you, meditate upon it, and then respond in a godly way. Give me grace to control my emotions during those times.

QT 4/11/2023 2 Sam 18:28-33, Sin slowly kills things

Back on track …

 

2 Samuel 18:28–33 (ESV) —

28 Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and said, “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” 29 And the king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” 30 And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still.

31 And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” 33 And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

 

NOTE: I don't like this passage. I am disappointed at my hero's response. I was disappointed in David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, but for some reason even more disappointed in his leadership. His sin really should bother me more. But, I wonder if David's problem was really his sin. He knew that his sin had lifted God's hand of protection from his life, his family, and his nation. There were consequences to sin. And so, David blamed himself for Absalom's death, but Absalom died because Absalom sinned. The fact that his death was associated with events related to Nathan's prophecy does not remove Absalom's responsibility. David's inability to correct his children also contributed to the events (although that too may be related to David's recognition of his own sin and difficulty in disciplining those who did what he did). So, his despair in very likely a despair of sin, and the effects of sin. The new covenant is different. Our sins are gone. The consequences of sin do exist, but not in the same way. The blood washes away the guilt and leaves us clean. David's faith provided him with righteousness, but only the blood can cleanse our conscience. What a burden David must have carried.

 

PONDER:

1. A speaker recently highlighted the fact that the wages of sin is death. Each sin brings death closer. Am I serious about my sin?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my sins. I think I pray that every day. Help me to see my hidden sins -- the areas where I fool myself. I don't want to bring death upon myself. It will happen someday, but there is no need in hastening that day.

QT 4/8/2023 2 Sam 17:15-18:4, Playing our part

2 Samuel 17:15–16 (ESV) —

15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, “Thus and so did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel, and thus and so have I counseled. 16 Now therefore send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not stay tonight at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up.’ ”

2 Samuel 17:21b–23 (ESV) —

21 After they had gone, the men … went and told King David. They said to David, “Arise, and go quickly over the water, for thus and so has Ahithophel counseled against you.” 22 Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they crossed the Jordan. By daybreak not one was left who had not crossed the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.

2 Samuel 17:24 (ESV) —

24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.

2 Samuel 18:1–4 (ESV) —

1 Then David mustered the men who were with him and set over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 And David sent out the army, one third under the command of Joab, one third under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the men, “I myself will also go out with you.” 3 But the men said, “You shall not go out. For if we flee, they will not care about us. If half of us die, they will not care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore it is better that you send us help from the city.” 4 The king said to them, “Whatever seems best to you I will do.” So the king stood at the side of the gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands.

 

NOTE: What is interesting about the passage is that Hushai did not know that Absalom had chosen his counsel over Ahithophel, neither did Ahithophel. It was not until David escaped over the Jordan did both of them realize that Ahithophel's plan was not chosen. One wonders if part of the influence of God here, was the protection of the two young men and their warning to David that got him over the Jordan quickly. It was at that point that Absalom may have realized that it was futile to march quickly. How God brings about his will is a wonder. It can have a multitude of aspects that ultimately add up to one response. And even if it is not chosen, the scriptures promise that God can bring good out of any event. We each have a part to play, and it works best when we play our part. But if we have lost connection to the head (not listening or talking to the savior), how can we know our part?

 

PONDER:

1. What is my part in God's plan?
2. Am I seeking his plan for my life each day?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray to remain receptive to your will for my life. Help to know the part I play as I transition from a full-time job to the work of a retired person.

QT 4/6/2023 2 Sam 16:5-17:14, How do I check the advice given?

Oops, I missed a whole two chapters, and need to go back ...

2 Samuel 16:5–12 (ESV) —

5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! 8 The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.”

9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ ” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.

 

2 Samuel 16:20–17:6 (ESV) —

20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel. What shall we do?” 21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.

1 Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. 2 I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, 3 and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.” 4 And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

5 Then Absalom said, “Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say.” 6 And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak.”

 

2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV) —

14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.

 

NOTE: It is certainly weary when you are down in the dumps to have another just heap more coals upon you. And no one would have faulted David for using the power of his position to silence Shime-i. But, it was David's original abuse of power that started the whole problem. The abuse was how he treated God, his position, and Uriah. Shime-I was wrong but he was not causing great harm. To have listened to Abishai (and silenced "the dog"), that would have been another abuse of authority.

 

Who are the voices we should listen to? Ahithophel told Absalom to rape ten women and act quickly to strike David. Hushai tells him to wait and gather forces because David is a dangerous warrior when cornered. Both pieces of advice seem good (well, not the rape part).

 

Absalom acted in evil. He had killed his brother Ammon. He had deceitfully stole the people's heart. Now he was going to kill his father for power. Absalom's abuse was even greater than David's abuse with Bathsheba and Uriah. And Absalom does not mention or seek God in any of it. So, yes, for the sake of Israel, God wanted to defeat the advice of Ahithophel and God intervened and made Hushai's advice seem better.

 

I believe God would have provided for David in either case. He would have intervened in the ensuing battle or done something miraculous. He had forgiven David, but he had not taken away the consequences of his actions.

 

Absalom had sinned and not repented of any of his sin. God intended to judge Absalom. Since Absalom appears to already have a hard heart, God hardens it against Ahithophel's advice.

 

PONDER:

1. David saw Shime-I's actions in a spiritual realm. He was in tune with God. Absalom did not once consult God in any action. He only listened to human voices and opinion. Who do I listen to?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would not look at things from only a materialistic view, but also (and always) from a spiritual view. Every decision really does have a spiritual aspect. My whole life needs to be lived with you always as a part of it. Help me to remember these things.

 

 

QT 4/6/2023 2 Sam 16:1-4, Be careful of evil opportunistic "friends"

Oops, I missed a whole two chapters, and need to go back ...

 

2 Samuel 16:1–4 (ESV) —

1 When David had passed a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of donkeys saddled, bearing two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred of summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who faint in the wilderness to drink.” 3 And the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem, for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will give me back the kingdom of my father.’ ” 4 Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba said, “I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king.”

 

NOTE: There are always those that try to take advantage of a situation. It is possible that what Ziba says is true, and his provision of food was certainly helpful. In 19:24-30, we hear the other side of the story from Mephibosheth. Which story is true, we don't know, although Mephibosheth's response is better than Ziba's. Ziba seems opportunistic and is quick to "throw Mephishobeth under the bus." But Mephishobeth's appearance in chapter 19 seems to suggest Ziba's story was never true.

 

So what is the lesson? Be on the lookout for the opportunistic, who do not really care about you, but are trying to take advantage of a situation.

 

PONDER:

1. As I make major changes in my life these next three months, I need to be careful of people who will try to take advantage of my new situation. And I need to keep my trust in God.

 

PRAYER: Father, Lead me and guide me in these days. I pray for your Holy Spirit to direct me in the right paths for your name's sake.