The Tale of Two Counselors
2 Samuel 17
We are in the section that describes the consequences of David's sins, (approximately 2 Samuel 13-21). Back in 12:11, God tells David, "I will raise up evil against you from your own household." This is not a fun place to have my devotions, but I remain committed to going through the Bible, chapter by chapter, believing that God has a message for me in every chapter. I just must take the time to reflect and pray. The act of reflecting and writing has been a game changer for me. I sense that I'm going deeper into the heart of God and exploring all of Who He is and His purposes. I'm not just choosing verses that I deem "devotional."Read more
The Kardashians
This Makes the Kardashians Look Normal
2 Samuel 15
We saw in chapter 14 that David's son Absalom was exiled from Jerusalem for many years after killing his half-brother Amnon for raping Absalom's sister, Tamar (who was also the half-sister of Amnon). Yikes, this would make a very interesting reality TV show. It makes the Kardashians look (almost) normal. Read more
Look Upward
Easter is all about the Resurrection of Jesus....and a few other baskets of gifts!
2 Samuel 14
We are in the section of 2 Samuel that gives the narrative of David's consequences for the sins related Bathsheba and Uriah. David's sins were forgiven but "Thus says the Lord, 'behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household...". There is no condemnation for his sins but there will be earthly consequences and they are directed toward his family.
Trouble
The trouble begins when David's beautiful and wise daughter, Tamar, is violated and raped by her half-brother and son of David, Amnon. Tamar's full brother, Absalom, discerned what happened and although he waited two years, he eventually sought revenge by having Amnon killed. Absalom fled into exile to avoid the consequences of his act which was judicially considered murder. So, David mourned the death of his one son Amnon and the exile of his other son, Absalom.
The wisdom of Joab
Joab, David's right-hand man, convinces David to welcome Absalom back to Jerusalem after several years in exile. David wanted him back but feared the criticism he'd receive for pardoning Absalom. Nevertheless, Joab convinced him and Absalom was welcomed back. So, things seem better for David, but it is short-lived.
Look up
Life is tough. Consequences are bitter. Family relationships and expectations are bitter/sweet. Lord, remind us that we are citizens of heaven. Our time on earth is a roller coaster; intense but actually very brief. Fix our eyes on things above with the view that our true citizenship is in heaven. Fix our eyes on You! Amen
Let the Consequences Begin
Leigh used our good friend John Carney (faithful follower of this blog) to stage this picture. Leigh's real goal was for me to snap the picture when George Strait was in view over their shoulder. Mr. Strait was sitting at the table behind us at dinner. Mission accomplished.
2 Samuel 13
Back in chapter 12 as part of the consequences of his sin, Nathan said to David, "Thus says the Lord, 'behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household...". Now for the next several chapters, we are going to read about the fulfillment of God's words directed toward the consequences of David's sin. This is not good devotional reading. I have read chapter 13 a couple of times now. It's the story of David's daughter Tamar, being raped by her half brother. It's an ugly story.Read more
Prayer of Contrition
I only played one year of soccer. Too much running!
2 Samuel 12 & Psalms 51
To review...David goes headlong into a series of wicked and sinful actions. The prophet Nathan confronts him and his heart melts in repentance and remorse. What is in David's heart after he is confronted by Nathan? Fortunately for us, it is revealed in the prayer of contrition in Psalms 51.Read more
The Heart of David
2 Samuel 12
David sinned a horrible sin. The consequences of his sin were given by the prophet Nathan in verses 7-14. They are summed up in this phrase, "Thus says the Lord, I will raise up evil against you from your own household." Incurring evil from One's enemies is bad enough. Incurring evil against you from your own family is doubly heart-wrenching. I'm going to be honest with you, as I hope I always am;Read more
The Flesh and the Spirit
Can you find me in this pic? :)
2 Samuel 12
Nathan has confronted David with his horrendous sins of sexual abuse of power, lying, deceit and cold-blooded murder of a noble, innocent warrior and servant of God. Through Nathan, God says to David, I made you king, I gave you all power and possessions of the kingdom AND I would have added to you many more things like these! The heart of God is to give. To give and give and give to those he loves and has called. So God basically says, I gave to you and you despised me in return. Makes no sense. V9 says, "Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight?"Read more
Nathan Confronts
Congratulations to Michael and Brittany. Brittany is the daughter of Frank and Darla Vargo, faithful servants of God and dear friends of ours for over 35 years!
2 Samuel 12
Interesting that throughout the narrative of David's egregious wickedness, the Lord is never mentioned, and we don't see Him as active in the scenario...until the very last phrase in chapter 11 and at the end of the story. "But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord." In the Bible, sometimes we see God intervene in the course of events and sometimes He doesn't. Read more
Unthinkable!
2 Samuel 11
David, David, David! What you did was unthinkable! You abused the powerful position that God gave you for your own personal lusts. You violated a subject in your kingdom whose father and husband were faithful servants and warriors for you. What were you thinking? You didn't stop there! Upon the word of Uriah's wife's pregnancy, you brought Uriah home from battle to lay with his wife to cover up your sin.Read more