2 Samuel 10 Be Strong for Our People

 

 

 

In this battle against the Ammonites and the Syrians, Joab, (David’s nephew and powerful captain of the army) chose the best soldiers of the Israelite army and made a plan.  Vs. 9-12-  He chose some of Israel’s best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. The rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai, his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon.  Then he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you.  Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God.  And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”

 

Who have we chosen to walk along beside us in this journey through life?  Are we surrounded by godly people who will hold us up in prayer and support?  Do we reach out to them in time of need to seek their help, wisdom and prayer?  We are not to go through this life alone.  I don’t know what I would do without our sweet Christian friends and the wonderful support we have from our church.  Having a church family is priceless.  I can’t imagine going through life or raising our children without that mighty support and encouragement.  I can just imagine that it would be a very lonely and sad life. 

Just like Joab, we are to be there for others in their “battles” and then reach out for them when we face our own. 

Let us also be strong and of good courage for the sake of our families, and our nation.  Let us be strong and wise enough to choose the right battle plans as we face those very difficult times in our lives.  Let us be reminded to not fight the battles alone but to call out to God and to those mighty warriors that He has placed alongside us.  Just as Joab stated: “May the Lord do what is good in His sight,” we can pray that prayer that Jesus Himself left for us, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

2 Samuel 9 Three Men

 

David recalled his promise to Jonathan, Saul’s son: of friendship and protection not only for Jonathan but also his children.  Ziba (a former servant of Saul) was called before David and asked if he knew of anyone still living of the house of Saul.  He was told of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, who was crippled when fleeing after they heard of the death of Saul and Jonathan.  Mephibosheh was taken in and ate at David’s table for the rest of his life and also given all the land that was Saul’s.   David assigned Ziba (and his 15 sons and 20 servants) to work the land for Mephibosheth. 

 

What we can learn from these three men:

David: 

Do we keep our promises?  Do we show kindness to the less fortunate?  Do we find ways to meet the needs of others? 

Ziba:

Do we respond like Ziba, (Vs. 2, “At your service”) when asked to do something?  Do we have a servant’s heart?  He surrendered the rest of his life and the lives his family and servants to serve this crippled man simply because the king asked.  Can we do no less for our King, but to serve as He has requested even though it costs us much or our service may be to one who does not seem deserving?

Mephibosheth:  

This man was blessed, not because of anything he did but simply because he was the son of Jonathan.  That is such a picture of us:  We belong to Him because of His promises.

John 1:12 “But as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God.”

Nothing we can do of ourselves can give us eternal life.  It is His gift to us when we receive Him as our Savior. 

Have you received that gift? If so, let us bask together in this magnificent gift together!!!

2 Samuel 8 Full Potential

 

 

David continues with successful conquests.  In verses 6 and 14, we read, “So the Lord preserved David wherever he went.”

Vs. 13 “And David made himself a name when he returned……”

Vs. 15 “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered judgment and justice to all his people.”

 

What are we known for?  What kind of reputation do we have?  Are we successfully conquering the sin in our lives and homes?  Can God justify preserving us by the way we live our lives?

God had given each of us responsibilities and areas in which to reign. It may be: to organize our home; train our children; reach out with the gift of hospitality; be a trusted employee or employer; be that helpmeet to our husband that strives in every way to make him a success. Just as David, we too, are to administer to those around us, wise judgment, be fair and without partiality.

In verses 16-18 we learn that each person was assigned a specific duty: captains, recorders, priests, scribe and chief ministers.

God wants to use each one of us, no matter how small or large our assignment may appear to be. 

What are your God given gifts, talents and tasks?  Are you reaching the full potential that He wants for your life?   

 

2 Samuel 6 The Bitter Wife

 

 

David took 30,000 men with him to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem.  Then David danced before the Lord, dressed in a linen ephod (short, sleeveless garment usually worn by priests.  David wore it that day to honor God).  When Michal (Saul’s, daughter and  David’s wife) looked  out her window and saw him whirling and leaping before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. (Vs. 16)  When David returned home, she greeted him with mocking. 

David replies to her, (Vs. 21-22)  “Therefore I will play music  before the Lord and I will  be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.”

Vs. 23  “Therefore Micah the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.”

 

For some reason, Michal had become a very bitter woman.  She chose a much different attitude than her godly brother, Jonathan, who remained faithful to David until the day he died.  Perhaps it was for various reasons that her heart had hardened:  the death of her father and brothers, the loss of her husband, Palti or the fact that she had to compete with other wives. 

Bitterness is a fast spreading disease.  It can turn our hearts to stone. 

Let us not be guilty of trying to rob others of joy in their lives.  If bitterness has begun to spring up in our hearts for any reason, let turn that hurt over to the healer of hearts, God. Let us choose the path of constant forgiveness.  Look how often He forgives us of so much.  Can we do anything less that this?  Let us be like David, ready to remain humble before our God no matter what others around us do or say to us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Samuel 5 The Sound of Marching

Vs. 2  You shall shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over Israel. 

God wants us to be a faithful shepherd to those we encounter.  He wants us to lead them to Him.  What kind of example and leader are we to others?

 

Vs. 10  So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. 

Vs 12  So David  knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that he had exalted him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

Are we going on for Him?  Are we confident that we are fueled by His power, His leading?  Do we live our lives in a way that exalts His kingdom for the sake of His people?

 

Vs. 24 And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching (the marching of His angelic army) in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly.  For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines. 

Oh to always “hear” the sound of marching, to know that we are living and serving with His hosts supporting us, knowing we are not alone, and that He is our victor.  What a difference that can make in our hearts and minds as we journey and battle through this short life on earth. 

“Only one life will soon be passed.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.” 

 

 

 

2 Samuel 4 Remain True

 Here again we see David refusing to rejoice over the downfall of his opponent, Ishbosheth. He remains true to his godly character. He even makes an example of the men who killed this ruler. This action is to let the people know that he had no part in it and he clearly expressed his feelings about the wickedness of their deed.

 What do your children or those around you hear you say about: one who has wronged you, cut you off in traffic, an elected official that you do not like? Do your words please the ears of God? Are they forming character in others and teaching them to love your enemy and pray for them?

Mt 5:44 – But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

Does this describe your heart? This verse may bring to mind your enemy. That enemy could even be your husband, child, family member or neighbor. Have we wronged them by our words, actions or cold treatment? If we have not fulfilled the words of this verse in Matthew, we most certainly have amends to make to that enemy or to ones who have heard us slander them. Offences are so easy to pick up by an offended one and so much damage can be done by taking up the offences of another. This is not the path God intended for us. Like David, let us be one who remains true to Him and His Word. May those around us see a heart of forgiveness and hear words of prayer over the enemies in our lives.

2 Samuel 3 Pride

 

Here we read of the downfall of Abner, a man who made many wrong choices and fell because of his own pride.  In verse six we read, “Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul.”  Even though Ishbosheth, Saul’s son was the leader, Abner, captain of the army, and acting as a prime minister, wanted more than that, he felt he had power over his king. Then we see that he makes a serious mistake of taking a concubine from the royal harem, (an action which hints of claiming the throne) which angers Ishbosheth. In his rage as Ishbosheth reproaches him about this, Abner immediately decides to switch allegiances to David’s kingdom. 

In verse 12, Abner pridefully states to David, in the negotiations to join forces with him, “Whose land is this?”  He foolishly claims the land as his own. 

In the end he is murdered by Joab because Abner had previously killed Joab’s brother in a past battle.

 

Power and pride had ruined Abner.  He became a man of anger, breaking the rules, demanding his own way and claiming what was not really his.

 

 

Pr. 16:18 – Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pr. 29:23 – A man’s pride shall bring him low; but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 

Do we find ourselves demanding our rights?  Are we guilty of anger or acting irrationally in the heat of some episode?  Do we pridefully take credit for something we do?  Do we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting on God?  If so, we can only expect, very soon, to fall and to be brought low.

 

Let us come to a place of full surrender of our rights: husband, children, home, possessions, money, time, future and reputation.  In surrendering those “rights”, and in exchange becoming His humble servant, He will, in Him time honor us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Samuel 3 Pride

Here we read of the downfall of Abner, a man who made many wrong choices and fell because of his own pride.  In verse six we read, “Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul.”  Even though Ishbosheth, Saul’s son was the leader, Abner, captain of the army, and acting as a prime minister, wanted more than that, he felt he had power over his king. Then we see that he makes a serious mistake of taking a concubine from the royal harem, (an action which hints of claiming the throne) which angers Ishbosheth. In his rage as Ishbosheth reproaches him about this, Abner immediately decides to switch allegiances to David’s kingdom. 

In verse 12, Abner pridefully states to David, in the negotiations to join forces with him, “Whose land is this?”  He foolishly claims the land as his own. 

In the end he is murdered by Joab because Abner had previously killed Joab’s brother in a past battle.

 

Power and pride had ruined Abner.  He became a man of anger, breaking the rules, demanding his own way and claiming what was not really his.

 

 

Pr. 16:18 – Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pr. 29:23 – A man’s pride shall bring him low; but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 

Do we find ourselves demanding our rights?  Are we guilty of anger or acting irrationally in the heat of some episode?  Do we pridefully take credit for something we do?  Do we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting on God?  If so, we can only expect, very soon, to fall and to be brought low.

 

Let us come to a place of full surrender of our rights: husband, children, home, possessions, money, time, future and reputation.  In surrendering those “rights”, and in exchange becoming His humble servant, He will, in Him time honor us. 

2 Samuel 2 Inquire of the Lord

March 24, 2009   2 Samuel 2     Inquire of the Lord

 

Vs. 1  It happened after this that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to any of he cities of Judah?”

 And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” 

David said, “Where shall I go up?”

And the Lord said, “To Hebron.”

It was a habit David had, to seek the will of God.  David prayed specifically because he wanted very clear answers.  He wanted to do exactly what God wanted him to do.

 

A couple very dear to me have taken a challenge from a godly counselor to pray for forty days for clear direction from God for their future.  It is clear that God had His hand on these two. They could instead follow their own course without inquiry of God.  They could choose a comfort zone of their own.  But what lies heavy on their hearts is a very deep desire to be in the center of His will.  They are like David, wanting specifics from God, not just, “Should we go but also, where should that direction be?”

I am confident that God will answer their faithful prayers because He said He would:

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

 

I am challenged by David and the example of this couple.  Let us be diligent to not just mindlessly charge forth into each day that we face but to seek very clear direction from God.  Taking the time each morning to seek His mind is so crucial for our lives.  The consequences of following our own leading can be very devastating to us and loved ones around us.  It could mean the difference of living a useless life or one that touches lives for all eternity. 

 

For you see, there’s no comparison to the difference:

Isaiah 55: 6, 8-9,12  Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than you thoughts.”  For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands. 

Compare that kind of absolute joy to anything we can conjure up by following our own paths.  There is no comparison!!!!!

 

2 Samuel 1 Treatment of Our Enemies

 

 

Thinking to promote himself and please David, a young soldier lies to him and claims that he is the one who killed Saul.  David has the soldier killed.  He begins to mourn for his king, his enemy, the very one who wanted him dead. 

How do we treat our enemies?  Are we secretly pleased when we hear they are in distress?  Do we gloat over their “deserving” fate?

 

Three times in this chapter we read, “How the mighty have fallen.” (Vs. 19, 25, 27)

 Saul fell and lost his kingdom because of his sin. He clung to the pursuit and destruction of his “enemy”, David.

 

Will we be a “mighty” one for God, one who starts out triumphantly and excitedly serving God, but one, who in the midst of the life, falls because of our pride, arrogance jealously of another or in finding pleasure in the pain of our enemy?

Let us instead, learn lessons from the example of David and how he treated Saul:  grieve over the pain of our enemies; forgive them and try to mend the relationship; have a servant’s heart towards them; retreat to the Savior when we feel the deep pain caused by our enemy; refuse to let them destroy us by giving in to a spirit of bitterness and thoughts of revenge and retaliation; let God fight the battles for us; trust and rest in Him completely.  Let us become a mighty one for Him who does not fall.