humpty dumpty

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138842 Samuel 20

Another rebellion, this time led by Sheba from the northern tribes, highlights the instability of David’s kingdom after his sin.  Also, Joab’s murder of Amasa shows his unwillingness to submit to David’s choice of commander.  The whole event shows that although David had succeeded against Absalom’s rebellion, there is still a sickness in his dominion. 

Leadership demands integrity.  Getting one’s authority back after lapses of integrity is like trying to put a broken egg back together.

LORD, protect us from failing you.

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the ravages of time

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138852 Samuel 19

The fighting is over,the rebellion put down, and David is restored as king over Judah and Israel.  But there is still conflict.  There are still disagreements, ill feelings, tensions that would later disrupt into a divided kingdom after Solomon’s death.  The best that we can hope for in this life is doing some good while we have the chance.  We do not know if the seeds we sew will bear lasting fruit, or be destroyed by the ravages of time.  Each victory does not mean we have progressed to a higher level.  The decisive victory will be won by the LORD himself when Jesus returns. 

LORD, we trust in you.  We wait for you.

Posted in commitment, David, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment

a costly deliverance

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138862 Samuel 17:24-18:33

The good news which these runners brought to David that day was bittersweet.  He had been delivered from the rebellion that had temporarily cost him his throne.  But his deliverance came at the cost of the death of his only son.

The good news that Christians proclaim is also news of a costly deliverance.  Believers have been set free from the penalty of their own sin: death and hell.  Yet that freedom was bought by the death of God’s own Son on the cross.

LORD, may we never forget the price you paid for our eliverance.

Posted in atonement, David, gospel, Jesus Christ | Tagged , | 2 Comments

two counselors

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

SDC138882 Samuel 16:15-17:23

Absalom called upon the wisdom of two counselors. Ahithophel gave him counsel that would have succeeded in finding and killing David.  Hushai (who was acting secretly for David) advised another tactic.  The LORD sovereignly directed the people to accept Hushai’s advice.  The result was that David was spared.  When Ahithophel discovered that the people did not listen to him, he committed suicide.

In times like this, when it seems that there are no right solutions, we can pray and trust God to move the hearts of the people.  He can turn events so that even in our rebellion, his will is done. 

LORD, thank you for not relinquishing control over our destiny.

Posted in David, deliverance, sovereignty of God | Tagged , | 1 Comment

transition

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 15:13-16:14

SDC13889Due to the rebellion of his son Absalom, David finds himself in transition after years of ruling Israel.  He must flee Jerusalem, some friends going with him, and others staying behind to communicate to him later.  This transition brings out the best and the worst in people.  The loyal Gittites are a contrast to cursing Shimei.  David’s attitude is that the LORD has allowed these events to happen, and so the LORD may return him.  In the mean time, David must make the best of these trying times.

LORD, when we face times of transition, give us the courage to accept what is, and the faith to hope for what might be.

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seeing the devil

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 14:25-15:12

David so much wants to believe that the worst is over for him.  He does not choose to see that Absalom is planning a conspiracy against him.  It is difficult to keep a positive faith while not falling for every con job and getting the wool pulled over our eyes.  We need to be harmless as doves, but wise as serpents.  This world will not treat us right.  We need to come into relationships expecting God to work, but also realizing the potential for the devil to work.

LORD, give us discernment.

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changing the course of things

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 14:1-24

Did Joab’s trick work?  yes, and no.  He succeeded in getting David to allow Absalom back into Jerusalem from which he had been banished.  He did not succeed in reconciling the two.  It was a partial fix which would result in more heartache and shame later.  Such is the fate of our attempts to do God’s work in our own way. 

What we see in a number of the stories from this period is the use of deception to gain one’s objective.  The unnamed author of these stories seems to be highlighting this trend, to show the ultimate consequences of the deception.  Great houses fall when we seek to use our lies to obtain our objectives, whether good or bad.

LORD, inspire us to be honest.

Posted in David, truth | Tagged | 1 Comment

a spiraling world

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 13

The consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba continue to play out in the lives of his children.  Had David been able to see all that would happen as a result of his indiscretion perhaps it would have given him pause.  As it turns out, David seems helpless to stop the world he created from spiraling into despair.   In spite of the fact that he had been forgiven, his choices brought great harm to his family, and great shame to himself, his nation, and his God.  Oh, Christian, run from sin.

LORD, give us insight into the consequences of our choices.

Posted in David, discernment | Tagged | 1 Comment

mercy and judgment

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 12

David’s confession before Nathan was a sign of true repentance, so the LORD chose to forgive his sins.  But because his actions had brought dishonor to God, the consequences remained.  Bathsheba’s child would die.  God’s mercy is great, but his justice is also severe.  No one should presume upon God’s mercy.  Not even David was immune to his judgment.

We respect you LORD.  Forgive us our sins, and may our lives hallow your name.

Posted in David, judgment, mercy, sin | Tagged | 1 Comment

forgive us

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 11

This passage stands as a warning for all of us who consider ourselves faithful to the LORD.  When we sin, it displeases him – it makes no difference how loyal we have been in other matters.  He sees.  He knows.  His holiness is repulsed by our acts of unrighteousness.  Even if no one else knows, he knows. 

LORD, we beg your forgiveness.  We fail you often, and usually no one else knows.  You know.  Forgive us.

Posted in David, forgiveness, sin | Tagged | 1 Comment