Here’s a couple of future PGA touring Pros (Nate and Ryker) soaking in the Texas Hill Country view!!!

2 Samuel 3

At face value this chapter bears little spiritual food to chew on. But don’t leave yet! I said at first glance. Let’s look a little deeper. Chapter 3 and 4 chronicle the gradual increase of David’s control over all of Judah and Israel (the north and the south). You may recall that after Saul’s death, David assumed control over Judah and Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, assumed control over Israel. The other supporting actors in this story are Abner, the commander over Ish-bosheth’s kingdom and Joab, commander of David’s armies. This chapter tells of David’s skillful use of both military battles as well as political posturing to incrementally gain control of the entire nation. There is no mention of God or any real spiritual purposes. I’m really not even motivated to recount the story here except to say that David reveals brilliant political maneuvering to expand his power. I’m asking myself ‘why is God telling us this story?’ I’m forced to go back to the big picture which began in our study many months ago in 1 Samuel. Before Saul and David were introduced, Israel was in the pit of decline. A weak and pathetic country on the world stage, mired in sin and rebellion against God. God’s betrothed bride, Israel, had become a whore and rather than the nation being to God’s glory, it was to His shame. The story of David is the story of a king redeeming a nation from chaos and sin and leading them to power and glory. God told Abraham “I will make from your seed a great nation” and God would use David to lead this nation to greatness and prominence. He’s the redeemer king; a foreshadowing of our Messiah, Jesus. Now when I look at the scenario from that standpoint, it is kind of cool to consider God’s “big picture” plan. Somewhat romantic. 

He never checks out

But when I read chapter 3 and the details of varying circumstances of David’s maneuvering toward power, it’s not that exciting. Even though God is not mentioned, His sovereignty is nevertheless evident in the details leading to His purposes in David’s life and in the purposes of God’s nation. Now that sentence is worth some time of reflection. Today I am about to shower, shave and get ready for work. I’m going to commute 45 minutes to our corporate office and go through my work day of projects, meetings, phone calls and email correspondence. At the end of the day, I’m not going to send you a summary of my day because, quite frankly, it’s just not going to be that interesting. Nevertheless, God is going to be with me every single boring moment of my day. Every moment. I may not give much conscious thought to His Sovereign work in my life today (even though I should) but that is not going stop Him from moving me ever so slowly (or quickly in some cases) toward His purpose in my life. And what is His purpose for me and you? Paul gives us insight in Colossians 1:9-11, “for this reason also…we have not ceased to pray for you and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of a God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.” Be conscious today of God’s work within you. Amen!