the human tragedy of warfare

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 10

Hanun’s war was a major mistake.  The tragedy is that people still die in wars like that.  Sometimes good people die because of human stupidity.  Someday the Lord will come back and put an end to those kinds of things.  Until then, the best we can do is try to find honor in the human tragedy of warfare.  We must remember that true justice will only be found at the judgment seat of Christ.  It will not be gained on the battlefield.

LORD, hasten the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall return. Even so, it is well with my soul.

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the kindness of God

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 9

Jonathan was dead and gone, but his kindness to David was still alive, as David sought to repay him by showing good will to Mephibosheth and Ziba.  That is how the kindness of God works.  Your acts of love result in gratitude, which produces other acts of love, which result in gratitude, etc.  It may be something as simple as a pleasant conversation, or looking out for someone’s interest.  We will never know how deep the ripple of an act of kindness may go.

LORD, may we never forget to be thoughtful of others. Show us ways to demonstrate your kindness.

Posted in David, kindness, love | Tagged | 1 Comment

good government

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 8

After succeeding in gaining control over the nation, David wins battles which cause his enemies to fear him, and the wise nations to respect him.  He then sets his heart to administer justice and equity to all his people (15).  He believed his people were endowed by their creator with unalienable rights, and that his government was instituted among men to secure these rights. 

LORD, instill in us a commitment to govern well, and to respect those who do.

Posted in David, leadership | Tagged | 1 Comment

building a house

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 7

David had determined to build a house (temple) for God.  God said no.  Instead, the LORD responded to David’s intention by promising to build David a house (dynasty).  David’s dynasty lives on to this day in the kingdom of his son, and God’s Son – Jesus Christ.  The LORD does not need us to do anything for him.  But he responds favorably to our desire to honor him in what we do.  

Thank you, LORD, for the house you built David.  Thank you that we can be part of that house.

Posted in church, David, kingdom of God, sovereignty of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

correcting the holy

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 6

This chapter records two mistakes with dire consequences.  First, Uzzah sees the oxen stumble, and reaches out his hands to stabilize the ark of the covenant.  He is struck dead because he presumed to correct something that God had not called him to correct.  Michal sees her husband dancing about in a linen ephod and is incensed that he chose not to wear his royal robes. She is embarrassed at David’s choice of worship.  Her sarcastic remarks to David had consequences as well.  When we presume to criticize that which is holy, we run the risk of similar fates.

LORD, may our love for you keep us from seeking to correct others in their worship.  That is between them and you.

Posted in David, discernment, fellowship, holiness, worship | Tagged | 1 Comment

almost right

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 5

David reigned in Hebron over Judah for 7 1/2 years before he was finally accepted as king over all Israel.  It took time for the people to accept David as king because they had been loyal to Saul, and both they and the Philistines had been convinced that David had attached himself to them.  Only after David took Jerusalem did the Philistines finally realize that he had been loyal to Israel all along.  David had patience to put up with “almost right” for a long time.

LORD, give us patience to endure a life of “almost right” until you can work out your perfect will. 

Posted in David, patience, perseverance | Tagged | 1 Comment

the treachery continues

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 4

You would think that Rechab and Baanah would know better than to try and impress David by killing Ishbosheth.  But, no, they march confidently into his presence, the severed head of their former king prominently displayed.  God’s men do not appreciate treachery, even if done ostensibly for their benefit.

LORD, if we cannot be successful, we will settle for having been faithful.

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damage control

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 3

David saw in Abner not only a great warrior, but also a means by which the long war between David’s men and Saul’s could have been shortened.  Joab’s vengeance ruined those hopes.  It also put David’s reputation in Danger.  David was wise to spend extra time and effort proving that Abner’s death was not at David’s command.  If he had not, the gains made by Abner before his death would have been complete losses.

LORD, give us wisdom to protect our reputations, so that your name is not blasphemed.

Posted in David, wisdom | Tagged | 1 Comment

self-destruct mode

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 2

Saul’s death brought about the first political division of the people of Israel.  While the men of Judah accepted David as their king, General Abner made Saul’s son Ish-bosheth king instead.  The result was that men who knew each other and had fought together were now enemies and were pursuing each other.  This is dramatically portrayed by the telling of the incident where Abner is forced to kill Asahel.  At a time when the nation needed healing and leadership, it was turning on itself.

LORD, forgive us for our tendency to self-destruct.  Lead us to peace and mutual love.

Posted in consideration of others, cooperation, David, love, peace | Tagged | 1 Comment

respecting authority

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

2 Samuel 1

The looter who came into David’s camp with news of Saul’s death thought that he would get a reward.  He thought his reward would be greater if he took the credit for Saul’s suicide.   But all David saw was the anointed of the LORD, killed by an Amalekite.  Even though Saul had done much to tarnish his reputation and bring disrespect to his person, David still honored his position.

LORD, may our respect for you result in respect and honor of those whom you have placed in authority.

Posted in David, servanthood | Tagged | 1 Comment