Archives for April 2012

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 7-8

 

OVERVIEW:

Building Solomon’s house; the temple is furnished; the dedication of the temple.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The temple was an unbelievably magnificent structure.  The details that God provides in chapters 5-7 help us understand how incredible it must have been. (According to architects of today, it would take 86 billion dollars to build the temple to the exact specifications)  However, there is another crack in the character of Solomon revealed in 7:1.  Notice how God grabs our attention with the very first word – “But”.  While Solomon did oversee an awesome work for God, and he loves the Lord, he also built himself quite a nice place.  In fact, it took almost twice as long to build his own house as God’s house!  We think, “Why would Solomon do such a thing?” don’t we?  We must remember we offer our service to God, and even want to do great things for Him, yet in the midst of it all, we still make sure to take care of ourselves. May the Lord help us examine ourselves daily – especially when things are going well.

 

Chapter 8 is one of the most glorious chapters in the Bible.  It is hard for us to imagine the spectacle of that day.  The nation is at peace, their king is sought by world leaders because of his wisdom, and now the house of the Lord is finished.  Then to witness the glory of the Lord filling the temple so that even the priests could not minister – it would have been awe inspiring.  As we read Solomon’s prayer to the Lord we can understand Jesus’ passion in Matthew 21:12-13.  Here were His people under the control of a foreign power, and instead of being broken and seeking God in the temple, as I Kings 8:33-34 states they should, they are using the temple for personal gain.  The question we should ask ourselves living inLaodiceais, “Are we broken before God, or do we have a form of godliness with no power from God?”  The good news is, God does respond to a broken and contrite heart, and just as He filled Solomon’s temple, He can fill our lives on a daily basis.  The choice is ours.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE GLORY OF GOD filling His temple. – I Kings8:10-11 (John1:14; Isa. 40:5; Matt.16:27-7:2)

 

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 4-6

 

OVERVIEW:

Solomon’s key men; the kings of the earth come to hear Solomon; the preparation for building theTemple; the specifics in building theTemple.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Solomon is reigning over allIsraeland chapter 4 and verse 25 lets us know it is a time of peace.  God confirms His granting of wisdom and understanding to Solomon, and by the end of chapter four, the kings of the earth are coming to listen to Solomon.  This is a great picture of the millennial reign of Christ as He sits on the throne of David inJerusalemduring a time of great peace as the kings of the earth come and worship before Him.  However, we also see a crack in Solomon’s character as king.  Chapter 4 and verse 26 states the vast number of horses Solomon has acquired.  It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, does it?  The key is found in Deut. 17:16 where God specifically tells the future kings ofIsraelnot to multiply horses to themselves.  Horses represent power and strength in an army, something to trust other than God (Psalm 20:7). In good times, we, too, must watch for the small things that begin to bring us down.

 

Solomon does understand the opportunity before him.  Because of the victories by his father (David), he has the opportunity to live in peace and build thetempleofGod.  We, too, have an opportunity before us because of the victory won by our Father.  I Cor.6:19tells us that each one of us as a believer in Christ is thetempleofGod.  The question is, how are we doing building God’s temple?  Do we prepare with the same passion Solomon did, or do we simply take it for granted?  Will we be remembered for the temple (our lives) we built unto the Lord?

 

At times it can seem monotonous reading through the specific details of the temple.  Always remember, God had a plan for that building.  It wasn’t Solomon’s responsibility to figure it all out, but rather to simply follow God’s plan.  The same is true in our lives.  I Corinthians 3 tells us the kind of materials God wants us to use to build the temple of our lives and work. 

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through SOLOMON as the kings during the millennial kingdom of the earth come before Him to seek His wisdom.  – I Kings 4:34 (Phil. 2:9-11 – Christ will one day rule the world as Israel’s king in His millennial reign, and every knee will bow before Him.)

 

 

 

TODAY’S READING: I KINGS 1-3

 

OVERVIEW:

The end of David’s reign; Adonijah’s attempt to take the throne; Solomon anointed and announced as king; David’s final charge to Solomon; Solomon executes judgment; Solomon asks for and receives wisdom.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The Book of I Kings begins with David as a very aged king.  Interestingly, it is the brother of Absalom, Adonijah, who tries to take advantage of this and exalt himself as king.  It also appears that David knew Adonijah was “up to something,” but never bothered to deal with the situation (1:5-6).  Adonijah is able to garner the support of Joab and Abiathar.  Here are two key men from David’s reign, a leader of the army and one of the leading priests, backing Adonijah’s claim to the throne.  However, that doesn’t make it right.  Too many times we look to the human personalities involved and follow whichever one we prefer rather than looking to God’s truth and following it.  Notice the “debate” is ended when the word of the king (David) is sought and obeyed.

 

David’s final words to Solomon emphasize the need to walk in God’s way.  However, it also deals with three people that need to be dealt with:  Joab, the sons of Barzillai, and Shimei.  Of the three, the ones to receive mercy are the ones that responded to the king (David) when he didn’t look like the king.  The other two represent two different types of people.  Shimei is the one who cursed David, but tried to look good to Solomon (1:8).  There are billions of people who curse Christ and reject Him now, but one day will bow before Him and proclaim Him Lord (Philippians 2:11).  Sadly, it will be too late.  Joab is a different type.  On the outside it looks like they are with the king, but their heart never trusts him.  They think their bad deeds are offset by their good deeds, and in their flesh they “serve” the king.  Their heart is ultimately revealed when the Son of David reigns on the throne inJerusalem.  This will happen again as told by Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23.  Notice also Adonijah’s downfall; a man who tried to be the king, but then realizes there is only one true king.  He has an outward form of submission in chapter one, but is still looking out for himself in chapter two.  He believes the way to get the king’s blessing is through the king’s mom, Bathsheba.  His plan results in his death.  There are still a billion people on earth today trying to get the favor of Christ (the Son of David) by going through His “mom”, Mary.  Tragically their result will be the same as Adonijah’s – death.

 

In chapter three, notice the statements made about Solomon – he loves God and walks in statutes of David.  In fact, the only negative is there is still worship of the Lord being done in “high places”.  This is because there is no temple yet (3:2).  Solomon will remedy this problem during his reign.  Also, the Lord allows Solomon to ask for anything, and Solomon asks for understanding to “judge thy people”.  Solomon’s wisdom is put to the test and the judgment Solomon pronounces is to use the sword to reveal the truth. The sword revealed the intents of the heart in these two women.  We, too, have the wisdom of God, and it is in a sword that is able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews4:12).

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through SOLOMON as the Son of David sitting on the throne of David with his kingdom established.   – I Kings2:12(Luke1:32; Mark11:10).

 

   

TODAY’S READING: II SAMUEL 21-24

 

OVERVIEW:

God punishes Israel with a three year famine because of Saul’s ill- treatment of the Gibeonites; seven members of Saul’s family are put to death as retribution; victories over the Philistine giants; the last words of David; the last recorded sin of David; David builds an altar; David’s sacrifice; the three day plague.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Today’s reading covers six events, which are not necessarily in chronological order, that form what might be considered an appendix to the main context of the Book of II Samuel:

1. A major famine sent as God’s judgment for Saul’s treatment of the Gibeonites.
2. A series of wars with the Philistines.
3. A psalm of deliverance and praise.
4. A list of David’s mighty men of valour.
5. A sinful census.
6. The severe punishment that followed.

 

The events of chapter 24 provide many practical principles and applications.  It is difficult to say with complete assurance what motivated David to call for this census since the Scripture doesn’t specifically say, but it appears that once the nation ofIsraelhad been re-established following the whole Absalom debacle that David’s heart was lifted up with pride, desiring to bask in the glory of his success.  The parallel account in I Chron. 21:1 says, “And Satan stood up againstIsrael, and provoked David to numberIsrael.”

 

It is interesting to compare this great sin in David’s life with his sin with Bathsheba. II Cor. 7:1 commands us to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the FLESH and SPIRIT.”  Whereas David’s sin with Bathsheba was a sin of the FLESH, David’s numbering of the people was a sin of the SPIRIT.  Whereas his sin with Bathsheba was a sin of PASSION, done in haste; this was a sin of PRIDE, done very calculatedly.  Joab even appeals to David’s conscience about doing such a defiant thing against God, and still he persisted.  Whereas the result of David’s sin with Bathsheba caused great sorrow to David and the death of a handful of family members, his sin in numbering the people resulted in the death of 70,000 men!  From a human perspective, pride and rebellion do not seem quite as terrible as adultery and murder, and yet in David’s life, they produced greater sorrow and tragedy than his sin of adultery.  We must always be on guard not only concerning sins of the FLESH, but for the sins of the SPIRIT!  Do recognize, however, that the consequences of sin affect not only ourselves, but those we lead (i.e. family, disciples, church members, etc.)

 

So what does II Samuel 24 teach us?

 

1. We never “out-grow” temptation.  David is not a strapping youth in II Samuel 24.  He’s way up in years, and one would think he would know better.  Again, don’t forget, “You’re never out of the woods!”
2. God always gives us space to repent.  In this case, He gave David over nine months to “cleanse himself of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.”  Have you cleansed yourself of ALL filthiness of the FLESH and SPIRIT?
3. We must recognize that sins of the SPIRIT are as horrific as sins of the FLESH. It is interesting that Jesus was more “accommodating” to those involved in sins of passion (i.e. the woman caught in adultery), than He was those persistently involved in sins of pride (i.e. the scribes and Pharisees).  Certainly, we must guard against both.
4. Our sin always involves others.  In David’s case, whether it was family members or the entire nation, it screams to us that others are always affected by our sin.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the ONE WE CALL UPON FOR SALVATION – II Samuel 22:4 (Acts4:12; Rom. 10:9, 13).

 

TODAY’S READING: II SAMUEL 17-20

 

OVERVIEW:

Absalom chooses to follow Hushai’s counsel over Ahithophel; Ahithophel commits suicide; David’s army battle Absalom and his followers; Joab kills Absalom; David grieves bitterly; Joab rebukes David; the revolt of Sheba; David replaces Joab with Amasa as captain of his army; Amasa is replaced with Abishai; Joab is reinstated as captain of David’s army; Sheba is killed.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we pick up in today’s reading, Absalom’s rebellion against his father and his wicked plot to overthrow him is at an all-time high.  Though God has permitted this rebellion as a part of the consequences for David’s sin in connection with Bathsheba and her faithful and loyal husband Uriah, he also used it to purge David’s kingdom and separate the loyal from the disloyal.  But now the time of judgment against Absalom had finally arrived.

 

Many times it takes a crisis to reveal who our real friends are.  Ahithophel, David’s counselor (and presumed “friend”), was invited by Absalom to be a part of his conspiracy.  It is interesting and quite revealing to note the repeated usage of the personal pronouns “I” and “me” in his response:

 

Let “ME” choose out of 12,000 men, and “I” will arise and pursue after David this night: and “I” will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid… and “I” will smite the king only: And “I” will bring back all the people unto thee.” (17:1-3).

 

It sounded to Absalom as if he was the object of Ahithophel’s loyalty, but Ahithophel’s speech betrays him.  “He” was the object of his own affection, and evidently was seeking to be sure “he” had a place of prominence in what appeared to be the inevitability of a new regime.

 

In the meantime, David had sent his true friend, Hushai, to join Absalom.  This really psyched Absalom up, because now it appeared that he had been successful in gaining his father’s top two advisors.  Absalom seeks the counsel of these two men for the best way to actually formalize the overthrow of his father’s kingship, and put an end to David once and for all.  Ahithophel’s plan was obviously the best of the two, but in answer to David’s prayer back in chapter 15 and verse 31, “O, Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness,”  God saw to it that Absalom rejected his counsel.  Hushai’s plan appealed to Absalom’s vanity, so since that is what had been driving him for the past seven years, it was the counsel Absalom followed.  Absalom’s vanity is what actually led to his death!  And when the vanity of Ahithophel had been crushed by Absalom’s refusal to heed “his” counsel, he went out (like Judas), and took his own life.  It is amazing what people will do when they don’t get their own way! This story is a picture of Christ (David) the rejected King of Israel, weeping as he and his faithful followers ascend up Mt. Olive (1^st mention in the Bible) to be betrayed by his friend Judas (Ahithophel). We have studied this story in the sermon series “Footsteps to the Cross”

 

Though David had given clear instruction not to kill Absalom in the midst of the battle (18:5), Joab saw the “pretty boy” hanging by the locks of his hair in a tree and immediately “shish-kabobbed” him.  Joab sent Cushi to inform the king of Absalom’s “condition,” to which David was plummeted into deep depression and overwhelming grief.  His grief, however, for one that was the source of such turmoil and revolt, almost cost David his kingdom (19:1-7)!

 

It was a time of great unrest and confusion in the kingdom.  David begins his trip back to Jerusalem, and promises to appoint his nephew, Amasa, who had recently been Absalom’s general, as the captain of his army in the place of Joab, if he was successful in turning the hearts of the people of Judah (who had been extremely upset with him), to support his return to power.  It certainly must have appeared to all that David punished loyalty, and rewarded rebellion.  Not quite the signal he wanted to send in such a time of political unrest and instability.  These moves did, however, “bow the hearts of the men ofJudah” (19:14) to David’s side.

 

As chapter 20 begins, there is yet another rebellion.  This time, it is a satanically influenced rebel by the name ofSheba, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was also successful in rallying a group of people against David.  By this time, David certainly had to wonder “When will all of this nonsense be over?” 

 

In the process of dealing with the rebellion ofSheba, David replaces Abishai in Amasa’s place as captain of the army, Amasa is killed by Joab, Joab is reinstated by David as his general, and ultimatelyShebais beheaded.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through MAHANAIM, a city of refuge where David went when he was fleeing from Absalom – II Sam. 17:27 (Heb. 6:18-20 – “We… have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us… even Jesus.”)

 

TODAY’S READING: II SAMUEL 13-16

 

OVERVIEW:

Amnon rapes Tamar; Absalom, Tamar’s brother, plots Amnon’s murder in revenge; Absalom flees to Geshur; Joab plots to have Absalom returned toJerusalem; David restores Absalom; Absalom leads a revolt, seeking to overthrow his father; David flees in fear of his son.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In today’s reading we find the continuation of the consequences of David’s sin that the Lord promised in chapter 12, verse 11, “Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house.”

 

A parent can experience no greater pain than to see his own sin repeated in the lives of his children.  In chapter 13, David’s son, Amnon, commits sexual sin against his own half-sister Tamar.  When David learned of Amnon’s sin he was extremely upset and angry (13:21).  He did not, however, punish Amnon, (Lev.20:17says that Amnon’s punishment for raping Tamar should have been death!), probably because his own sin was so fresh in everyone’s mind, not the least of which, his own!  Tamar’s full-brother, Absalom, was also “ticked,” and his anger was only intensified as he observed that his father refused to do anything about Amnon’s sin even “after two full years” (13:22-23).  He plotted Amnon’s death, and had him killed at a family gathering.  Absalom went into hiding for the next three years (13:38), and after overcoming the grief of Amnon’s death, David longed to see Absalom, his exasperated son.

 

Joab recognized that David longed to have Absalom back in Jerusalem, but David’s hands were tied because all of the people knew that Absalom was guilty of murder and should have been executed, but David realized that to bring him back without retribution wouldn’t be good for his “approval rating” in Israel.  Joab devised a clever plot (much like God did through Nathan – II Sam. 12:1-7), to get David to act on the situation with his own son, by sending a woman to ask the king’s counsel on a situation similar to the one David faced.  In offering her counsel, David is caught in the web of his own moral wisdom.  He has been backed into a corner, and now must restore, with protection, the banished, fearful, and exasperated Absalom.

 

David gives orders to Joab (as weak as they were), to bring Absalom back toJerusalem, even though Absalom remained unrepentant.  It is a decision through which the consequences of David’s sin will bear even more fruit, and once again, just as God said, would reap evil out of his own house.

 

Though Absalom is brought back toJerusalem, he is not permitted to come into his father’s presence, and another “two full years” had passed (14:28).  It has now been seven years since Amnon raped Tamar, and five years since Absalom has seen his father. But during Absalom’s two years back inJerusalem, while his animosity toward his father continued to grow, the hearts of the people ofIsraelwere beginning to be turned toward Absalom.  When David and Absalom were reunited, Absalom took the favor his father had extended to him, and used it as the platform to launch a national rebellion.  David had spared his son’s life, but Absalom schemed his father’s death.  Not enough can be said about the incredible danger of “provoking your children to wrath” (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).  Be careful parents!

 

In chapters 15 and 16, Absalom blatantly seeks to extend his following, openly criticizing his father’s leadership, and plotting to turn the affection of the people toward himself.  It is interesting to note that while David was reigning in the height of his power, his enemies within his own kingdom (that were there all along) would not dare to oppose him.  Absalom’s revolt, however, gave them what they thought was the opportunity to resist the king’s leadership and get away with it.  What Absalom’s rebellion actually did for the kingdom was sift the true from the false.  God says that the same thing happens in churches: “…When ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.  For there MUST be heresies (the same word that was just translated “divisions” in the previous sentence) among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you” (I Cor.11:18-19).  Remember, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9).

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through DAVID’S RESTORATION OF HIS ESTRANGED SON – II Samuel14:22(II Cor.5:19)

 

Through DAVID as he REBUKED HIS FOLLOWERS WHEN THEY WANTED TO EXECUTE HIS ENEMIES – II Samuel16:10-11 (Luke9:54-56)

 

TODAY’S READING: II SAMUEL 9-12

 

OVERVIEW:

David’s kindness to Mephibosheth; the defeat of the Ammonites and Syrians; David’s sin with Bathsheba; Nathan’s parable and David’s repentance; the death of David and Bathsheba’s baby; the birth of Solomon.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In chapter 9, God gives us an incredible picture of salvation through the account of David’s blessing upon Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son.

 

Mephibosheth beautifully portrays all of us in our lost condition. Note the similarities:

 

1. He was born into a rejected family (Saul’s – I Sam.15:23, 26) due to sin. We, too, were born into a rejected family (Adam’s – Rom15:12) due to sin. Note that his location when David sought him was Machir, which means “sold.” When God sought us, Rom.7:14says we were “sold under sin.”
2. He was unable to walk due to a fall (II Sam. 4:4). We, too, were unable to walk due to the Fall that crippled us spiritually. We were unable to walk and to please God.
3. He lived in a land called Lodebar (9:3).  The significance is that Lodebar means “no pasture.” In our lost condition, we, too, lived in a faminous land of barrenness (i.e. the world), which provided “no pasture.” (i.e. Nothing to satisfy the hunger of our souls.)

 

Next, note David who beautifully portrays the Lord Jesus Christ in providing our salvation:

 

1. David made the first move (9:1). Just as Mephibosheth was unable to make the first “step” toward David because of his lameness, we, too, were unable to make the first step in seeking the Lord (Rom. 3:10-12).
2. David extended this grace to Mephibosheth because of a covenant he had made with Jonathan (I Sam.20:14-17). We, too, have been extended the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ because of what Hebrews 13:20-21 calls “the everlasting covenant.”
3. It was an act of David’s kindness (I Sam.20:15). In fact, in II Samuel 9:3, David calls it “the kindness of God.” Titus 3:4-6 says, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”
4. David made him a part of his own family. Like all of us when we came to the Lord for salvation, Mephibosheth simply sought to be David’s servant, but he made him a son! Hallelujah! “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God”! (I John 3:1)
5. David provided for Mephibosheth’s every need and exceeded his needs (9:9-10). David took Mephibosheth from the place of “no pasture,” to feeding him at the table of the very king himself! Likewise, the Lord Jesus Christ took us out of the barrenness of our life, to meeting our every need (Phil.4:19), and exceeding our every need (II Cor. 9:8, 11).

 

As we move into chapter 11, we move into the darkest chapter of David’s life. God’s epitaph of David is found in I Kings 15:5 – “David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” Chapter 11 of II Samuel is all about that “matter.” The “matter of Uriah the Hittite” was simply this: David first took his WIFE; then, David took his LIFE!

 

There is something interesting to note about how “the man after God’s own heart” got himself in this unbelievably sinful mess. David said in Psalm 27:4 – “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.”

 

Note, that “ONE THING” David was seeking after was expressed “THREE” ways.

1. “That I may DWELL in the HOUSE of the LORD.”
2. “To BEHOLD the BEAUTY of the LORD”
3. “To ENQUIRE in hisTEMPLE.”

 

Notice in II Samuel 11, that when David commits this terrible atrocity against the Lord and Uriah.

1. He was DWELLING in his OWN HOUSE (11:1-2)!
2. He was BEHOLDING the BEAUTY of BATHSHEBA (11:3)!
3. He ENQUIRED after the WOMAN (11:4)!

(We have this in sermon form in the sound booth on request)

 

It’s a great lesson about the priority of WORSHIP (the “one thing,” i.e. the “main thing,” and hence, the old adage, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!” Watch out for the depths the flesh can take you when we lose worship as the “one thing”!

 

Sadly, it takes “the man after God’s own heart” over a year to take ownership of his sin, and then, only when confronted by the prophet Nathan. Nathan assures David that his sin would be forgiven, but that the consequences of it would follow him the remainder of his life (12:10-14). God help us to count the incredible cost of sin, and the terrible atrocity of “giving great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme” (12:14).

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the prophet Nathan giving SOLOMON the name JEDIDIAH – II Samuel12:24-25 – Note: The name “Jedidiah” means “Beloved of the Lord.” (John 17:24; Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Eph. 1:6 – Jesus Christ is the “Beloved of the Lord.”)

 

 

TODAY’S READING: II SAMUEL 5-8

 

OVERVIEW:

David is anointed as the king over all ofIsrael; the stronghold of the Jebusites (Jerusalem) is captured by David; David brings the Ark of God intoJerusalem; the Davidic Covenant: David’s prayer of thanksgiving: David’s victories over the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians, and the Edomites.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

David had reigned over the tribe ofJudahfor 7½ years inHebron. In chapter 5, he is anointed king over the entire nation ofIsrael, and did so for 33 years, making his entire reign forty years.

With the extension of his kingdom, He now needed a more centralized location from which to rule, and choseJerusalemto be the capital city. The only problem was, the Jebusites dwelt inJerusalemandIsraelhad not yet found a way to capture this stronghold of the enemy (Josh. 15:63; Judges1:21). The Jebusties were so cocky about their ability to maintain their stronghold they defied them saying, “The lame and the blind could defeat you,” yet David and his men defeated the Jebusites, andJerusalemeven came to be called “the city ofDavid”!

 

Like David, our King, the Lord Jesus Christ, has been anointed (Messiah) of God to rule from the throne of our hearts over our entire life. We must allow Him to remove any and all “strongholds” that the enemy has established. II Cor.11:35says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”

 

But notice in II Samuel 5, that just as soon as the stronghold had been defeated and David had been established inJerusalem, the old enemy, the Philistines, show up! Recognize, that until we receive our glorified body, we’re never going to be “out of the woods,” and that one of the key times Satan will attack us, is when he thinks we have been “lulled by the blessing” of a recent victory.

 

Note also, that as the Philistines were in pursuit, David sought clear direction from the Word of the Lord and victory was granted. As the enemy (the Philistines) attacks a second time, David didn’t assume another victory, but once again sought clear direction from the Lord. (These are key principles to file in the forefront of our understanding concerning spiritual warfare!)

 

In chapter 6, David is about to do something monumental: Return the ark (representative of God’s presence among His people) to its rightful placed. The ark has been in the possession of the Philistines for 20 years, and sadly, no on seemed to miss it, or be impassioned to see it returned!

 

The return of the ark was an incredibly exciting and worshipful experience for all involved. The spiritual atmosphere was electric! A great lesson is to be learned, however. God is never interested in self styled worship, and good intentions and proper motivation mean nothing if there is not complete obedience to God’s Word. In David’s zeal to see the ark returned, the method of carrying it (on a new cart) was in violation of how God had clearly instructedIsraelto carry it. (See Num. 4:15; 7:9) When the oxen pulling the cart stumbled on Nachon’s threshingfloor and well-meaning Uzzah reached forth to keep the ark from falling off, just as God had warned, he was immediately zapped! Don’t ever forget, “God says what He means, and means what He says” (Num. 4:15). (That Ark was a picture of Christ himself, which is holy and pure. Uzzah made the mistake of thinking his hand was cleaner than the mud that the Ark was about to fall into. The whole incident caused David to “take the standing eight count” as to whether returning the ark was what he really wanted. He pawned it off on the Obededom, and it stayed there for three months, until David saw how the ark had brought such blessing to Obededom and his entire family.

In chapter 7, God established the Davidic covenant. This key unconditional covenant promised that David would have a child that was yet to be born who would succeed him and establish his kingdom.

 

This son (Solomon) would build the temple instead of David, and the throne of his kingdom would be well established forever, even in spite of the sins he may commit. It further promised that David’s house, his kingdom, and his throne would be established forever.

 

David was deeply moved by God’s covenant of grace, and humbly came into God’s presence and offered the prayer of thanksgiving recorded in7:18-29.

 

In chapter 8, David consolidates the kingdom by defeating in rapid succession the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians, and the Edomites. The key to theses conquests is found in verse 14, “And the Lord preserved David withersoever he went.”

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through DAVID, THE ANOINTED KING OVER ISRAEL – II Samuel 5:3 (Psalm 2:2; John1:41– Christ is the Lord’s Anointed. Note that “Christ” is the Greek word for the Hebrew word “Messiah,” which means “anointed one.”)

TODAY’S READING: II SAMUEL 1-4

 

OVERVIEW:

The death of Saul; David mourns the death of Saul and Jonahthan; David’s song of sorrow; David is crowned king ofJudah; Ishbosheth is made king ofIsrael; Abner deserts Ishbosheth to align with David; Joab murders Abner; Ishbosheth’s murder; David’s execution of Ishbosheth’s murderers.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we saw in yesterday’s reading, I Samuel ends with the death of Saul. II Samuel is, as the name of the Book implies, is a continuation of the narrative of I Samuel, so it likewise begins as I Samuel ends, with the death of Saul.

 

Saul’s death gives us an incredible glimpse into the heart of the only one Scripture ever specifically identifies as a “man after God’s own heart” (I Sam.13:14; Acts13:22). With all that Saul had done to David and had attempted to do, one would think that David would be elated at the news of his death.

 

That’s precisely what Saul’s killer thought! Uh, not so much! Amazingly, David genuinely grieved and lamented Saul’s death (1:11-12, 17), even composing a song as a beautiful and continuous memorial toIsrael’s first king (1:19-27). David slayed Saul’s slayer for the audacity of thinking it was within his right to put to death the one whom God had anointed. Be careful who you slay, realizing more people are slain with the four ounce slab of mucous membrane that rests behind our teeth, than all of the world’s swords and knives combined!

 

But withIsrael’s king now dead, the question was, who would be his successor? Back in I Samuel 16:13, David had been anointed by God by the prophet Samuel asIsrael’s next king. But that was a long time ago, and Abner, Saul’s cousin and the powerful commander of Saul’s army was determined to keep the kingship within the family, and perhaps better stated, within his own authority. He moves to persuade the elders ofIsraelto put Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, on the throne.

 

Once again, it is incredible to watch the “man after God’s own heart” operate. With the anointing David had received of Samuel, he most certainly could have justified himself in facing Abner in battle for his “right” as God’s chosen successor. Rather, David inquired of the Lord (2:1,4), placing his life and the entire situation completely in God’s hands. It is a great lesson for those of us to whom the Scripture identifies as “lovers of their own selves” (II Tim. 3:1-2), and those who are interested in their “rights” (Rev. 3:14 – “Laodicean” = “the rights of the people”), who are so prone toward self-promotion and personal advancement, rather than waiting upon God, seeking God, and trusting God.

 

What situation are you presently facing, that from a human perspective, you would have the “right” to vaunt yourself, and “make happen” what you know God has determined as His will? David teaches us how unnecessary it is to fight for our “rights,” and how God proves His faithfulness when “self” is off of the throne, and we patiently and confidently submit ourselves to Christ’s Lordship, allowing Him to carry out His will in our lives, in His way, and in His time. David realized that if Jehovah had indeed anointed him as king, then Jehovah would deal with his enemies, and bring him into the possession of the kingdom.

 

God led David toHebronwhere He was anointed king ofJudah, yetJudahwas only a small representation ofIsrael’s tribes. The other tribes ofIsraelrefused to recognize David’s kingship. But in due time, Abner and Ishbosheth had a major falling out, causing Abner to pledge his loyalty to David.

 

When Joab, the captain of David’s army returned from battle and heard that David had met with Abner, it sent Joab over the top! He immediately planned to kill Abner, and did so by stabbing him under the fifth rib (the perfect location to assure death). In response, David publicly condemned Abner’s murder in two ways: first, by cursing Joab and his house; and second, by proclaiming a time of mourning for Abner, while openly mourning for Abner himself.

 

With Abner out of the way, Ishbosheth’s position became weaker and weaker, while David’s grew stronger, and stronger. Baanah and Rechab realized that David’s rule overIsraelwas inevitable, and decided to impress David by killing Ishbosheth. David, however, was not impressed! David realized that God would never lead men to violate His Word in order to enthrone His king (i.e. It’s never right to do wrong, in order to do something right!) David knew that God was more than able to fulfill His promises to him without the assistance of murderers! David called for Baanah’s and Rechab’s execution, exposing their bodies to the humiliation of public display, while the head of Ishobosheth was respectfully and honorably buried in the tomb of Abner.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In DAVID’S SONG OF SORROW – II Sam.1:19-27 (Even though Saul had made David his enemy, David continuously loved Saul. Christ loved us, even though we had made ourselves His enemies – Rom. 5:8, 10a; Eph. 2:1, 4-5a)

In DAVID’S PARTIAL REIGN – II Sam. 2:4 (Though David had been anointed asIsrael’s king; he actually reigned over a very small percentage of those to whom he was entitled to rule. He patiently waited for God’s timing. In similar fashion, the Lord Jesus Christ has been anointed King over all the earth, yet awaits the Father’s timing to actually possess His kingdom. There are only a small percentage of the world’s population who recognize Christ as their Lord and King, but one day soon, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father – Phil. 2:10-11)

 

TODAY’S READING: I SAMUEL 26-31

 

OVERVIEW:

David spares Saul’s life again; David lives in the land of the Philistines and defeats many enemies; Saul consults with a witch regarding going to war; David recovers his family and the families of his soldiers who are kidnapped; Saul’s sons are killed in battle and Saul takes his own life.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

What a sad slide Saul has taken throughout the Book of I Samuel.  He has gone from prophesying, showing how God’s hand was upon his life, to consulting with a witch just to prove how desperate the life without God can become.  He has all the power of the entire universe on his side when he starts out as king, and finishes his life exerting the only power he has left; the power to take his own life.  He loses his fight with God, and with it, he loses the respect of those who love him.  He is dying to preserve his legacy and ends up doing just that.  His legacy is of a man who lives and dies as an example of how to blow it!

 

David on the other hand, emerges from obscurity because of the condition of his heart.  God tells Saul through Samuel that he “hath sought him a man after his own heart” (I Samuel13:14) “and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people.”  From the time David is chosen, until the day that Saul ends his life, God proves over and over that David will wait on the Lord, will not exalt himself, will deal with the adversity and the complicated mix of adversaries, and will not take anything except what God gives him.

 

So, the Book of Samuel is divided into two columns; one is titled “What NOT To Do,” and the other is titled “What TO Do.”  Eli and Saul occupy column one, while Samuel and David are in column two.  You and I choose the column in which our lives will be placed.  It was reasonable for Saul to do many of the things he did, but he was operating based upon his own vision, and this is precisely what got him in trouble and ultimately led to his demise.  David continually had apparent success at his fingertips, but he resisted the urge to rush in, but rather waited upon the Lord for his leading.  Because of his faith, God’s blessing was upon his life.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through the URIM, which was used to determine God’s will – I Sam. 28:6 (Heb. 11:1-2 – Today Christ speaks to us to reveal His will through His Spirit as we read His Word.  “God… hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.”)