Tag Archives: the book of 2 Samuel

May 16
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“During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord.”  (2 Samuel 21: 1, NIV)

The are times in life when events confound us, as the three successive years of famine confounded King David.  In our lives, we may be confounded by the rise of our rivals; or the dogged persistence of evil; or the patent unfairness of life; or a dozen other issues or situations.

At such times, we can consult our friends and confer with our mentors, guides, and sponsors.  Or, we can — as David did — seek first the face of the Lord.

The faithful disciple of Jesus has no other refuge.  Our heavenly Father is always our first resource for making sense of life.  – Luther

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May 10
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“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army.  They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah.  But David remained in Jerusalem.”  (2 Samuel 11:1, NIV)

In athletics, being in the right position is a key ingredient to success.  In spiritual matters, being in the right position requires obedience and faithfulness.

To this day, scholars debate the reasons why David chose to stay in Jerusalem “at the time when kings go off to war.”  One idea is that David stayed behind because he had able leadership in Joab, and he thought his presence at the battle front was not needed.

However, in those days kings led their men to war — and King David set up himself for a great series of sins, crimes, hurts and humiliations because he was out of position through his disobedience.

We need to consider the possibility that our presence in a situation may be more for our own benefit than for the benefit of others.  They may not need us as much as we need them!

Endeavor to remain “in position” relative to God’s will for you in Christ Jesus by seeking His face through prayer, worship, meditation, Bible reading and study, and fellowship with other disciples.  Attention to these spiritual disciplines will allow you to succeed where David failed.  – Luther

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May 9
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“’Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan.  I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’”  (2 Samuel 9:7, NIV)

Conventional wisdom tells us that we ought to invest only in our children and our grandchildren, that they may one day save themselves.  However, God’s wisdom teaches that the good we do for others may, one day, be the salvation of our children and grandchildren.

Such was the case in today’s scripture, where Mephibosheth, the lame-footed son of Jonathan, was rescued by David because of what Jonathan had done for David years before.

Long after you and I have departed this earth, if we have invested our time in the lives of others, blessings will return to our children and grandchildren as surely as the seeds of an apple planted today will bless future generations with shade (shelter) and fruit (food).

Make haste to show kindness also to those who are not in your own household!  – Luther

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