From the category archives:
There is nothing wrong with looking for the best deal. We are to be good stewards of the finances God has entrusted to us and go after the finest quality at the most affordable price. But when it comes to that which we are called to sacrifice unto the Lord, [...]
In spite of David’s self-inflicted disaster, the king found a way to reach into the reservoir of Divine grace and wisdom available to every believer and humbly submit himself to the merciful hand of God as he journeyed through this sin-harvest season. And as David did, he found just what he needed, especially at a time like this: Even more of God’s great grace.
David’s story of sexual sin reminds us that failure doesn’t have to define your future nor does it have to be the fatal blow to God’s plans for you. Sin doesn’t have be the final word in your story; an insurmountable barrier to moving on to a satisfying, successful and even a deeply spiritual life. What David discovered was that as enormous as his sin was, it was wildly outdone by God’s grace. That is not to minimize his sin: he was an adulterer and a murderer—and there would be excruciatingly painful consequences throughout the rest of his life—but David’s sin—and your sin for that matter—will always be miniscule compared to God’s salvation from it.
King David’s kindness to Mephobsheth is a type of the kindness that God has display for us in Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for “kindness” in this verse is very interesting—its “chesed”. It is a complex word that is narrowly translated as “love”. It describes a love that is more than just an idea or a feeling or the spontaneous emotion of the moment. Rather, it refers to a sustained action. You might say that “chesed” is kindness with hands and feet. It is undeserved, unconditional, un-repayable, unrelenting kindness that is offered without regard to shifting circumstance, personal convenience or one’s emotional state du jour. “Chesed” is God’s love—the way God loves you and me.
We can learn a great deal from David’s approach to promotion in the opening chapters of II Samuel that would serve us well in our own journey toward advancement in life. For one thing, David shows us that God’s promotions come in God’s time and in God’s way—and we don’t need to help God out by trying to hurry them along. Furthermore, we learn from David that it is never wise to build ourselves up by putting others down—to showcase our strengths by exposing the weaknesses of others is not God’s way. And finally, when God destines you to be a leader, be a patient and genuine follower under present leadership—even if it is flawed.
But after he had taken the census, David’s conscience began to bother him. And he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt, Lord, for doing this foolish thing.” (II Samuel 23:12) Food For Thought: Have you ever wondered why King David [...]
“When the Israelite army fled, Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.” (II Samuel 23:12) Food For Thought: Everybody wants a testimony—not too many are willing to pay the price to get it! Shammah, [...]
Ray Noah
Lead Pastor of Portland Christian Center
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