Lust Over Loyalty: A Deadly Choice

2 Samuel 11:1-27

David had just shown great loyalty to his late friend, Jonathan, by taking in his crippled son, Mephibosheth, as part of his family. Perhaps that went so well that he wanted to do it again, this time toward the recently deceased King Nahash of the Ammonites. So, David sent ambassadors to his son, now King Hanun, to express his sympathy. King Hanun, however, was not quite as consenting as Mephibosheth. His commanders convinced him that it was a ploy to conquer his city, so he seized David's ambassadors and ridiculed them - shaving half their beards and cutting off their robes just below the buttocks.

Of course with that, the Ammonites inadvertently declared war and David was too happy to oblige. The Ammonites enlisted the help pf the Arameans, but still, it was not enough. The Israelite army soundly defeated the combined forces, and the Arameans learned their lesson - they shied away from helping the Ammonites anymore. So, now David had one good experience with showing loyalty and one not so good. That may have had something to do with what happened next, or maybe not.

In the spring of the year when it was actually 'time' for war, David stayed home, but sent his men out (already the wrong path). So, he was just back at the house, chillin' on the roof, looking out over the city when he just happened to notice a beautiful woman bathing in her house. So he immediately looked away in embarrassment...NOT; that's just what he should have done. Instead, he took it all in, going so far as to send someone to get the scoop on her (misstep number two).

He found out that her name was Bathsheba and that she was the daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah, the Hittite. He knew that Uriah was out at war, so he had no problem sending for her, having sex with her, and sending her back home...and, he was the king after all. It even worked out that she just happened to have just finished her purification from menstruation, so she was fresh. But, God don't like ugly, no matter who you think you are.

Bathsheba popped up pregnant! She sent a note to David stating as much, and then the real drama began. Of course David couldn't let that slip out, so he tried to cover it up. He sent for Uriah to come home under the guise of checking on how the war was going. Then he told him to go home and relax, you know, since he had been fighting so hard. In David's mind, Uriah would go home, sleep with his wife, and no one would suspect that the child wasn't theirs. But, it would have been disloyal to the rest of the troops, and to David, for him to do that; so he didn't.

When David caught wind of that, he started to panic. He tried again to convince Uriah to sleep with his wife, but he was too loyal(and he didn't even know the half of it). Finally, when David saw that this way wouldn't work, he arranged to have Uriah killed; in battle, of course, so that it seemed normal. Once he was dead, David allowed Bathsheba time to mourn, then took her as one of his wives. She gave birth to a son, but God was displeased with him.

My, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. There were so many things wrong in this story, from which we can learn. Don't indulge sinful lusts, don't abuse the power God has given you, don't commit adultery, don't lie, admit your faults and ask forgiveness. The list goes on and on. It all comes down to loyalty, though. David was a man after God's own heart and, understandably, respected. But at the end of the day, his loyalty to God was shaken and, ironically, he had a man killed because of his loyalty to him.

Lord, help us to remember where our loyalty lies. Keep us faithful to you in all things. Remind us of your will and commandments when we are tempted to stray. Let us be ever mindful of the path that you have set before us, and choose the steps that you have ordered. When we do fall, help us to accept our shortcomings, learn from them, and receive the restoration that only you can provide. We love you, Lord. Allow us to show you everyday of our lives. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Blessed To Be A Blessing

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Now that David has become ruler over all of Israel and conquered the Philistines, he wants to move the Ark of the Covenant to Zion. The initial attempt was done irreverently and one of the escorts, Uzzah, was killed because of it. So it was temporarily moved to the home of Obed-edom. Well, God blessed him and his family while it was there because they knew how to care for it.

When David saw that, he proceeded to take the Ark to the City of David the right way. He was so excited, that he made a spectacle of himself, dancing before the Lord along the way. His wife, Michal, was embarrassed by that and became angry with David. But, David defended his behavior and Michal became barren and remained childless.

Once the Ark arrived in the city, David realized that there was no permanent home for it, like his own cedar palace. So, he decided to have one built, with the blessing of the prophet, Nathan. But God spoke to Nathan and told him that David was not the one to do it. He told him to tell David to leave that up to the royal descendants he was going to raise up as a dynasty that would never end. David was overjoyed and he prayed and thanked God for his promise.

So, David continued to rule Israel, defeating all his enemies and doing what was just and right in the sight of the Lord. Things were going so well for him, he felt it was time to fulfill a promise made to his good friend Jonathan and bless his family. There was one living descendant, Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. So, David sent for him and had one of Saul's former servants, Ziba, bring him from Lo-debar.

When Mephibosheth arrived, David told him he was giving him all of his father's property and inviting him to eat at his table for the rest of his life. He even made Ziba and his family Mephibosheth's servants. Well, obviously, he was overcome with excitement and thanked David profusely for his kindness. So, instead of being killed, as he initially feared when David sent for him, he was abundantly blessed, and he and his young son, Mica, lived prosperously in Jerusalem and ate at the king's table for the rest of their lives.

When we make a promise to anyone, for any reason, we are expected to keep it; regardless of how things change or how much time passes. Also, when God gives us blessings, they are intended to be used for the building of his kingdom. We are not to just sit on them and hoard them for ourselves. David's act of kindness toward Mephibosheth and his family was the perfect execution of both of these principles. Jonathan, the one he promised, was now dead. He could have easily shirked his obligation, but he didn't. He did what he said he would do, and did so cheerfully and in great measure.

Lord, thank you for continually blessing us and keeping us upright before you. Thank you for providing for us and allowing us to be able to bless others. Please give us kinder, more generous, spirits so that we can continue to bless those around us; making room in our hearts to receive even more from you. Let us be cheerful in our giving, quick in our forgiveness and diligent in our obedience to you. We love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Walking Into Your Destiny

2 Samuel 5:1-12

Previously, we left Saul recovering from the shock of facing his destiny. Meanwhile, the Philistines were putting David and his men out of their ranks as they prepared for battle. After all, it's hard to trust a guy who is known for winning overwhelming victories for your enemy. Unfortunately, by the time David's crew got back to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had raided and destroyed it. They took everything living there captive and burned the place down!

David was upset, but his men were livid; there were rumors of stoning David. He had led them away, leaving their loved ones and belongings vulnerable. So, David consulted God, who told him to pursue the Amalekites and he would recover everything. And that is what David did. He started with 600 men and ended up with 400 by the time they caught up with the raiders. They attacked and killed all but 400, who fled, and took back everything that had been taken from them.

At the same time, the Philistines were engaging the rest of the Israelites in battle. Just as the Lord had said, Saul was killed along with three of his sons - including Jonathan. Saul actually killed himself to avoid being killed by the Philistines (and since his servant was too afraid to do it for him). That, however, is not the story that got back to David. An Amalekite (of all people) brought David the news of Saul's and Jonathan's death, but took credit for putting Saul out of his misery. Little did he know, that little white lie would cost him his life.

David mourned Saul's death, composing a song in his honor. Then, he consulted God about what to do next. God instructed him to go back to Hebron in Judah where he would be anointed king. But, Saul's commander, Abner, proclaimed Saul's son Ishbosheth king in Israel. Like any siblings would do, the two groups fought - in their own, Biblical, to the death way. Eventually, Abner switched sides and joined David, David got Michal back, Joab (one of David's men) killed Abner and David cursed Joab for killing Abner.

David's mourning for Abner won over the rest of Israel and Ishbosheth lost his courage. Two men killed him while he was sleeping and went to David bragging about it. So, David had them killed. Now, despite the twisted and unfortunate way it came about, David was able to take his throne over all of Israel. He was 37 years old. He led his army to Jerusalem to reclaim it, and he reigned from a fortress at Zion. He renamed it the City of David and King Hiram of Tyre had a palace built for him there.

In these passages of Scripture, Saul and David both realized their destiny. For one, it was death and defeat; for the other it was victory and kingdom life. The difference was their relationship with God. Both knew God and had served him early on. Saul, however, became disobedient and defiant, doing what he thought was best rather than what God told him to do. As a result, all he had built up under God's grace was taken from him and given to David - a more faithful servant. David was humble and obedient; always consulting God first, before making any big moves. God rewarded his faithfulness by making him king over all of Israel. It took 37 years and three anointings to get there, but he persevered and received his reward.

How do our life stories compare to these? Are we more like Saul, enjoying all that God gives us, but never feeling satisfied and going our own way? Or, are we like David, taking the good with the bad and remaining faithful to God and, patiently, doing his will? I know I struggle with that in some areas of my life. I get caught up in the comforts of this world and hesitate or resist when God tells me to move.

God, please help me to be more like David when it comes to serving you. Help me to serve you completely and consistently. Give me the faith and courage to move outside of my comfort zone as your will demands it. Help me to be obedient, even beyond the constraints of sacrifice. Remind me to seek your will first in all that I do, so I can know that I am on the right path. Thank you, Lord, for your patience and forgiveness thus far. Please continue to love and bless me as I strive to love and bless you with my whole life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

God's Will Shall Be Done

1 Samuel 28:1-25

 So, remember when David confronted Saul about his mortal pursuit and proved that he had no ill will toward him by sparing his life when given the chance to take it? Do you remember how Saul was so remorseful and repentant and blessed David for his kindness and asked him for mercy when he took the throne? Well, that didn't last too long. All it took was for those meddlesome men of Ziph to stir the pot a little and Saul was right back at it.

He went after David, setting up camp outside his hiding place, and then he waited. But, while he waited, he and the 3,000 troops he took with him slept; including his armor bearer, Abner. And while they slept, David and one of his men, Abishai, went into their camp taking his spear and water jug, instead of his life. Once they were a safe distance away, David shouted out to them, awakening them and proving his point yet again. Again, Saul was ashamed and blessed David for his kindness and they went their separate ways.

This time, though, David was through. He said to himself, the only way to truly keep Saul from chasing me is to hide among his greater enemy, the Philistines. So he did just that. It took a little convincing of King Achish, but he talked his way into some land. Of course, the king's hesitation was justified when David and his men secretly raided the Philistine towns, killing everyone in them. But, no witnesses meant no proof, so King Achish was never any the wiser.

And that brings us to the current Scripture. Now, the Philistines are ready to attack Israel again and since David and his men are living in their territory, King Achish feels like he has the upper hand and demands that David fight for him. Well, David's no fool, so he agreed and even boasted about how he would prove himself to the king. Meanwhile, Saul is busy trying to consult with God in preparation for the attack. But, remember, Samuel has died and God is not talking to Saul. So, what is he going to do now?

The "next best thing". Even though he had banned them after Samuel's death, Saul went to consult a medium for help. He dressed up in a disguise and went to Endor, where she was. Even with that, she was reluctant to help because the penalty was death, but Saul assured her she would not be harmed. He asked her to summons Samuel so he could get a word from the Lord. When he appeared, Saul's identity was revealed and she panicked. Saul calmed her down and asked her to proceed.

Well, Samuel gave it to him straight. He asked Saul why he bothered calling him back and Saul explained his predicament. But, Samuel told him that it was useless since he made God his enemy way back in the day when he disobeyed him after defeating the Amalekites. Not only did Samuel drop that bomb, he made it worse when he reminded Saul that his kingdom would be handed over to David and, in fact, he would be defeated by the Philistines the next day.

And...done. Saul fell out on the ground paralyzed with fear. It also didn't help that he had not eaten all that day or night. The medium saw his distress and offered to feed him, but he refused. With a little more convincing from his men, he finally agreed and the woman fed them and sent them on their way.

Sometimes in life, we get in our own way. We do things contrary to what God has told us to do, thinking our way is better. We go after things we have no business pursuing, looking for a greater blessing. We say things we really don't mean, to get what we want or because it's the right thing to say, but our actions betray us. What we really need to do is trust God; really trust him. Not just in word, or even deed, but in our hearts and minds. Otherwise, we continue to set ourselves up for failure, forsaking the very thing we think we are working toward.

Lord, please help us to obey your Word, even before sacrifice. Help us to trust that your will shall be done and it is best for us. Please keep us out of your way, as well as our own. God, I pray for peace in the midst of our trials, and faith despite opposition. Give us a heart like yours, to do what you would have us to do, just as David did. We love you, Lord; help us to show you through our lives. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Talk Ain't That Cheap

1 Samuel 25:1-42

 At this point, David has more than proven his faithfulness to God; and not a moment too soon because Samuel now dies and is buried at his home in Ramah. So, David moved to the wilderness of Maon (or Paran) near a place called Carmel. The time came to celebrate the sheep shearing, and David and his men wanted to participate. That being the case, they asked their neighbor to hook them up.

Now this wasn't just any neighbor; this was Nabal, a wealthy man with many goats and sheep and fields and servants. Not only that, but David's men had protected his sheep and shepherds while they were grazing through their area. So, surely this neighbor could return the kindness with this small request. But, the Bible tells us that Nabal means fool, so here's how it really went down.

David sent ten of his men to make the request in his name. Once he heard their request, Nabal replied by screaming all sorts of insults at them. He called them runaways, liars, freeloaders and probably all sorts of other  socially unacceptable terms, for the time. So, David's servants returned to him empty handed and told him what happened.

Oh, really?! When David heard that, he told his men to get their swords, while he was getting his own. He was about to go do some damage; he felt slighted, after all. He and his men had protected this man's livelihood out of friendly courtesy, and now he doesn't even know who David is? In David's mind, now he had to pay. Meanwhile, one of Nabal's servants went to his wife, Abigail, and told her what happened, warning her that she needed to do something or things were going to get ugly for all of them.

Fortunately for Nabal, his wife understood the value of words and their relation to actions. She immediately whipped into action, gathering all the items David's men may have had in mind when they made their request; and in no small volume. She sent the items ahead with the servants, then made her way toward David's camp on a donkey.

As they approached each other in a mountain ravine, David was declaring his rage and vowing vengeance on Nabal, his family and all he owned. When Abigail saw him, she approached him very humbly and respectfully, bowing deeply at his feet. Then, she went into her spiel about how great David was and how he feared God and was merciful, even to men who hunted him. She appealed to his devotion to God and his uprightness and sealed the deal by reminding him that he didn't want to have Nabal's blood on his hands for getting his own revenge.

David was impressed and agreed to accept Abigail's gifts and speech in exchange for Nabal's and their lives. (It probably didn't hurt that Abigail was also a beautiful woman.) So, she went back home to find her husband throwing a huge party and getting very drunk. Since she had not told him that she had done all these things, she decided to wait until the next morning, when he was sober, to fill him in.

And when she did, boy did he take it hard. Indeed, he had a stroke and lay paralyzed in bed for a full week and a half when he heard that news. Then, God finally put him out of his misery (or gave him what he earned) and struck him dead. Well, that word got back to David and he threw his own little party. Of course, he had to invite Abigail to join him...permanently. She gladly accepted the invitation, and became one of David's wives along with Ahinoam of Jezreel. (I know, it seems pretty shady, but, hey, that's how they rolled back then.)

So, what's the moral of this story? Well, there could be many. The main things I took from it - this time - are that 1) it's not expedient to return evil for good, 2) wisdom and sincerity (and attractiveness) can go a long way to mend relationships and save lives, and 3) words mean something.

We can't just go around talking to and treating people any old way and think that's okay; especially not a child of God. So, since we don't always know who belongs to him - and even when we do, we have to treat people with respect, dignity and fairness. Not just to avoid God's wrath if we don't, but because it's the right thing to do. Then, any additional blessings God decides to give us for doing what he says are a bonus.

Lord, help us to always do what is pleasing in your sight. We know that everyone will not always treat us right or live for you the way we do. But, help us to remember that others' poor treatment of us is no excuse to treat them poorly in return. Give us grace and wisdom to deal with them in the way that you would have us to. Show us how to love those that hate us and bless those that curse us. Teach us to forgive and move forward in life; not hang on to hurts of the past. Thank you for forgiving us and being patient with us, even though we continue to make mistakes. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

When The Rubber Meets The Road

1 Samuel 24:1 – 22

David was on the run. Saul had been pursuing him, heatedly. He even enlisted the assistance of his entire army to find David so he could kill him; all because of his jealousy. David fled from town to town, and wilderness to wilderness, escaping Saul's pursuit. Even the people that David and his men rescued from their enemies could not be trusted to do the same for them when they were questioned. People were ratting him out left and right, and those who didn't were killed - their entire family and all they owned.

So, David found himself and his men holed up in a cave in the wilderness of En-gedi. Saul had delayed his hunt to fight off an attack by the Philistines, but as soon as that was handled, he was right back on his most wanted man. Now, clearly, he was not in his right mind. His jealousy had caused him to victimize himself, making David - his son-in-law and son's best friend - his aggressor. All this, when in actuality, David had never done anything against him. In fact, most of what David had done was to benefit Saul. And this was how he repaid him?

For most people, the tables would have turned a long time ago and David's flight would have turned to fight. But, that was not how David operated. Indeed, the fact that he was so intent on doing God's will is what got him in this predicament. So, what happened next? Well, David's mettle was tested.

Saul was now back on his trail, but he had to go potty. So, he went off into a cave for some privacy. Little did he know, the cave he chose was the very one where David and his men were hiding. David's men, of course, urged David to take Saul out, right then and there. I mean, surely this was God delivering him into his hands so, finally, he could have rest. So, David crept forward in the cave and cut off a piece of Saul's robe.

Then the guilt hit him. Yes, this man was trying to kill him for reasons beyond either of their control, but he was also God's anointed king (for now, anyway). And because David honored God, he refused to go through with it, lest he be judged. Instead, he let Saul finish up and leave the cave otherwise untouched. But, he did follow after him to prove his innocence.

David called out to Saul and showed him the fabric he had cut from his robe. He told him that it was proof that he had no ill intent toward him, otherwise he would be dead right now. He also reminded him that God is still in control and would be the judge of both of them. Saul had no response to that. In fact, he stood there and cried, acknowledged the truth of the situation and even blessed David for his kindness. He admitted, then, what he knew all along - that David would be king, so he went so far as to ask him to have mercy on his family when that time came. Really? But, David being the man of God that he was, agreed and took an oath of it. Then they both went back to their strongholds.

Now, I know that I am not yet where David was in his walk with God, but I do intend to get there sooner than later. Honestly, though, I still think bad things about people when they treat me unfairly or unkindly. I catch myself wishing they would get what they're dishing out and worse. But in those times, I have to pray because that's when the true test is passed or failed. God already knows our outcome. He just wants to see how we will trust him through the struggle. Trust him to judge his people and fight our battles, so we can claim the victory he has promised us.

Lord, give us a heart like yours, so when hard times come, we can see our enemies as they really are. Let us always yield to your will, despite our situation or selfish desires. Remind us that you are the sovereign God and final judge of all. Even in our turmoil, let us rest in you. We thank you for your favor, Lord; even when it is the cause of others' jealousy toward us. Help us to be able to love and forgive those who trespass against us, just as you do for us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Beware The Green-eyed Monster

1 Samuel 20:1-42

Saul is so super-jealous of David, his tormenting spirit is in full swing and he wants David dead. In fact, he was encouraging people, including his son, Jonathan, to help him do it. But, Jonathan loved David, like he loved himself - apparently even more than he loved his father. So, not only was he not willing to kill David, he felt he had to warn David of his father's plan.

So, he did just that. However, even after vowing not to kill David - at Jonathan's urging - Saul's tormenting spirit caused him to try, again, to kill David with his spear while he was playing his harp. Of course, David escaped, so Saul sent out a lynch mob for him. This time it was Michal, David's wife and Saul's daughter, who stepped in to save him. She helped him escape in the middle of the night when they came for him.

David ran to Ramah, where he met with Samuel (yep, he's still around!) and told him what Saul had done. So Samuel took him in, but Saul found out and sent men there to get him. But, God wouldn't let that happen; he had big plans for David. So, when the men got there, they got caught up in the Spirit and began prophesying with Samuel and the others. Saul decided to do it himself, but ended up with the same fate.

So now, David had to flee Ramah and find Jonathan. When he did, he asked him why his father was so set on killing him. But, Jonathan was in denial. He told David that his father had said nothing of the sort to him and he would definitely say something if he were. So they came up with a plan to learn the truth about Saul's intent toward David.

At the upcoming new moon festival, David would fail to attend. When Saul asked of his whereabouts, Jonathan would tell him that he went to Bethlehem to worship with his family. If Saul was okay with that, they would know David was safe. If he got angry, Jonathan would warn David and help him escape. To do that, David would hide in a field and wait for Jonathan's signal. The signal was Jonathan's arrow; after he shot his arrows toward David's hiding place, if he told his servant he passed the arrow, he was safe, but if he told him to go further, David was in danger.

So they put their plan in motion and, sure enough, Saul asked where David was on the second night of the festival. Jonathan told him that he went to Bethlehem to worship with his family, and Saul boiled over with rage. He cursed and argued back and forth with Jonathan about it for a while, then he threw a spear at him! At that point, Jonathan stormed out of the room.

The next morning, Jonathan went into phase two of their mission. He took his servant out to the field where David was hiding and told him to run out to pick up his arrows. As the boy ran, Jonathan called out to him to go further. So the boy gathered all the arrows and brought them back to Jonathan, who then sent him away. Once the boy was gone, David came out and saluted Jonathan. They hugged and wept together, remembered their pact of friendship and parted ways.

Sometimes in life, God has assignments for us that come from the failures of others. When that happens, those who failed their assignment can become bitter and angry and jealous. Jealousy is a dangerous sin: on its own because it distorts your thinking, but more so because it can lead to deadly actions if not checked. Even though we may have to move out of our comfort zone and away from those we love in order to escape the situation, only God can remedy the jealousy. So, when others are jealous of us, we have to pray for them and not just the situation or ourselves.

Lord, help us to recognize your hand in our relationships with others, especially when jealousy is in the mix. Help us not to be jealous of others, but know that you provide for us all we need and put on us no more than we can bear. Give us understanding and forgiveness when we have to stay, and wisdom to know when it's time to leave. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.