2 Samuel 10: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Have you heard this phrase before? No good deed goes unpunished. It’s an odd phrase if you think about it, but it’s oddly true. That’s what we find when we read 2 Samuel 10. Upon hearing of the death of the king of the Ammonites, King David sends a delegation to express sympathy to Hanun the king’s son concerning the loss of his father. David was showing kindness and what came back was anything but kind.

Hanun was wrongly advised by his men that David wasn’t really honoring his father after all. Instead they incited him with words of fear and impending danger, saying David hasn’t sent his men to honor your father. Instead, he’s sent them to check out the city and spy it out so he can overthrow it. The young son made a big mistake. His actions led to a devastating defeat of his army.

Have you ever misread something? Maybe it was a question on a test, or words said to you in passing. But have you ever made a judgment based on someone’s intentions and later realized, ‘Wow, I really missed that. I had no idea that’s what he/she really meant.” We can all relate to this at one time or another. In fact, I’m sure there’s times when we’ve been misread too. Which is more difficult to handle? When we’ve misread someone else or when someone else has misread us? Tough questions, don’t you think. What we believe, the people we surround ourselves with and listen to is so important. It’s so easy to be convinced of something without really stepping back from a situation and taking it all in before we respond too quickly.

Think about it – are we people who think the best of others or the worst? Do we tend to believe what others tell us about someone else without giving them the benefit of the doubt, without thinking through the situation ourselves? When we’re involved with others, which let’s just be honest is all the time, we should take the words of James 1:19-20 to heart – Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

While it’s true, everyone has people in their lives that are not necessarily looking out for our best interests, it’s our responsibility to choose the righteous life that God desires. Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves at all times!

Posted by Joe Stecz

2 Samuel 8: The Establishment of a Kingdom

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank you for being faithful to your promises both to David and to us. We know that because you have been faithful in the past that you will be faithful in the present and in the future. We confess that the current situation may be scary and uncertain so we ask that you help us to trust you in all things. We also know that there are others who are suffering more than us, show us ways to build your kingdom through loving and serving them in their time of need.

Reflection

Why might David’s triumphs be important? David is establishing his kingdom. The important point to note is that repeated statement that, “The Lord helped David wherever he went.” The Lord is with David as he promised in chapter 7. Part of the promise is an everlasting kingdom, but that kingdom must first be established. Thus David’s enemies are subjected. In response to God’s faithfulness in building the kingdom David dedicates the great wealth he gains from the conquests to Lord. But David’s kingdom is not only marked by military gains but he rules administering justice and righteousness for all of his people. David truly is a king after God’s own heart.

Questions

• Read Matthew 13:44-52 – What is the value of Christ’s kingdom? Who will receive this kingdom?
• Matthew 9:9-13 – Who did the Pharisee’s rejecting associating with? Who has Jesus come to call into his kingdom?
• If Jesus calls sinners into his kingdom, what does it mean for how we live our lives?

Posted by Aaron Miner

2 Samuel 7: Learning from a True Man of Prayer

Of the many things I could write about in this passage (David not being allowed to build the temple, God’s eternal covenant with David, the role of a Prophet, etc.), the one thing that struck me most in today’s reading was the fact that: David really knows how to PRAY.

Reading through David’s prayer in verses 18-29, we can easily see why he is called a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam 13:13, Acts 13:22). As the author of about half the Psalms, most of which were prayers, there are a multitude of examples of the deep, heartfelt prayer life of David. This passage is a wonderful example of how a true “prayer warrior” prays. As I read David’s prayer, I begin to contrast it with my own prayers, which seem petty, empty and hollow by comparison. Actually, to be totally truthful; I am a very poor prayer. There! I’ve admitted it, acknowledged it to the world. Give me a Bible and tell me to study and explain the Word, my eyes light up, and I could happily spend hours. But tell me I have to pray, and watch me struggle after 5 minutes. My prayers are short, concise and usually quite matter of fact. Oh sure, I know the ACTS acronym, (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication), but I can fly through them like a Lamborghini in 6th gear.

However, as I read this Prayer, the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks and made me reflect on a place in my walk where I really need to grow. Here are a few of my personal observations.

1. David truly acknowledges God’s Majesty – Seven times, David refers to God as “O Sovereign LORD” (Adonai YHWH). Essentially this phrase recognizes YHWH as Lord, King and Master of everything. Quite a statement coming from the king. But these weren’t mere words to David. The entire context of the prayer praises God for who he truly is and what he has done for both David and the nation of Israel. In contrast, my prayers focus far more on myself. Oh sure, I can open up my prayer with a few flowery phrases, but usually I move quickly to the “meat” of my prayers - what I want. Now that I think about it, about three quarters of the Lord’s Prayer is focused on God, while only about one fourth on the person praying.
2. David humbly acknowledges his unworthiness – No less than 10 times, David refers to himself as “your servant”. Everything he prays exudes an attitude of humility, and meekness. By comparison, my prayers probably resemble an 8 year old reeling off a Christmas list of things that I want from God. In reality, He already knows what I want, but I couldn’t really say the reverse is true. Maybe I should spend more of my prayer time humbly asking God what he wants from me, rather than the other way around.
3. David prays God’s promises - David earnestly prays for God to follow through on his word. “Do what you have promised" v. 25, "Hear Your promise" v. 27, “You alone are able to fulfill Your promise" v. 28-29. In my own life, I find that I need to rely more on God’s promises. Sure, I know them, I study them, I tell others about them, but do I really live as if they were completely 100% TRUE. Sadly, there are vast areas for improvement. Maybe, just maybe if I start praying differently, reminding God, and reminding myself of those promises, then I will be changed in a way far beyond my imagination.

There is much more we could glean from this prayer, but I think I have enough to work on and keep me humble. One final note, he prays this immediately after God just told David “no” to something building the temple. Oh that I could pray such a prayer, both in joy and disappointment.

Posted by Michael Adkins

2 Samuel 4: The Proper Perspective

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. We can do nothing without you, yet we so often try to achieve our goals in our own ways. Forgive us for serving our own ends above seeking after you. Help us to keep the proper perspective. Teach us to conduct our lives in ways that are worthy of you.

Reflection
The death of Abner proved fatal to Saul’s son, Ish-Bosheth. Without the powerful military leader providing stability for Ish-Bosheth’s army, some of the commanders turned against Ish-Bosheth. These were not foreigners that were brought in for mercenary work. They were from the tribe of Benjamin therefore they were fellow Israelites. When they go to David for a reward, they claim that God approved for their deed. But David calls them wicked men and murders and has them executed for killing an innocent man. David will not accept any help to gain the throne except from the Lord himself, and murdering a fellow Israelite is unacceptable even if it helps him gain what the Lord promised him.

Questions:

• Do the ends justify the means?
• Read Matthew 6:19-24 – Can we take being “practical” or “realistic” too far so that we cease to serve God and serve the goal instead?
• Paul experienced great trials in preaching the gospel (2 Corinthians 6:3-10), but he still lived in such a way that others would not stumble over his actions. How might this fact change how we think about achieving our goals?
• Why is it so easy to desire the goal above God?

Posted by Aaron Miner

2 Samuel 3: Letting Your Guard Down

Even been in a fight? The first rule of fighting, aside from trying not to get hit of course, is never let your guard down. Unfortunately for Abner that’s exactly what he did. Abner was the commander of Saul’s army; a man who by all appearances was well-respected. But he had his enemies. First, there was Ish-Bosheth. He’s Saul’s son who falsely accuses Abner of a wrong relationship (v. 7). Then there’s his old nemesis Joab. Joab if you recall was after Abner since the day his brother was killed in battle by Abner (2 Sam. 2:23). Abner didn’t want to harm Asahel but the young man wouldn’t stop in his pursuit to kill Abner, so Abner defending himself ends Asahels pursuit.

After Saul’s death, helping establish Saul’s son as king and being falsely accused, he leaves to serve David. He’s fully committed to the Lord’s promise to David. You see, the Lord promised David the kingdom. But the one thing Abner neglected to keep in mind was his enemies. Joab was still looking to avenge his brother’s death. And Abner was so concerned about David’s business that he completely let’s his guard down and it costs him his life.

Have you noticed that others don’t always have your best interests in mind? It’s amazing how unresolved issues create all kinds of trouble. Abner’s cost him his life at the hands of Joab. Now I seriously doubt we’re going to find ourselves in a situation even remotely close to the one Abner found himself in. However, we can still learn from his murder. When we’re doing God’s work (Abner was helping establish David as the next King over Israel based on God’s promise) we need to be aware not everyone is with us in carrying out and committing to God’s plan. We’re going to face obstacles and we’re going to face people who want to impose their own will and not God’s will in our lives.

Our responsibility is to be innocent as a dove and as wise as the serpent, so be alert. Paul says it well in Colossians 3:2 that we’re to set our minds on the things above and not on earthly things. Yet at the same time we must realize, man’s ways are not God’s ways. We’re going to face opposition. Let’s learn from Abner that even while we’re doing a good thing, following God’s plan, bad things can come our way. Remember to always be on guard when you’re on a mission for God.

Posted by Joe Stecz

2 Samuel 2: Anxiety

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are good, you are powerful, and you are faithful. Help us to fully trust you in every circumstance. Forgive us for our stubbornness and need for control. Help us to surrender all things to you. We confess that our anxiety is real and comfort us through these difficult times.

Reflection
Periods of transition can be very fearful times, so when you experience them where do you turn? Israel had no king, Saul was dead, but Samuel anointed David to be King over Israel. David does not make a business or strategic plan, he simply inquires of the Lord. Over the next few years, God directs David into becoming king of all of Israel. The first step was natural, he went to his own tribe and he became their king. But the rest of Israel had other plans; they made Saul’s son Ish-bosheth king. Just as you cannot have two cooks in a kitchen, so you cannot have two kings, thus a battle between them ensues. But God was with David, thus David prevails.

Questions

• Have you ever experienced a time of great uncertainty about the present or future?
• Read Matthew 6:25-34 – What does Jesus say about anxiety and trust? How does this change our perspective on times of uncertainty?
• Romans 8:31-39 – If God gives us these promises, what is there to truly fear?
• What makes it so difficult to fully trust God?

Posted by Aaron Miner

2 Samuel 1: Love Your Enemies

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are truly gracious and loving. You have shown us great love by loving us by sending your Son Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still your enemies. But the richness of your love does not end there; you love all of your enemies. Yet it is so difficult for us to release our pride and our wounds to you. Give us the strength to forgive, because we know that you have forgiven us.

Reflection
How would you respond to the death of one of your enemies? Saul has been David’s enemy for years, but David takes no satisfaction from this news. David laments. He weeps and tears his clothes. David is not feigning grief, rather grief has overtaken him. This is not a typical reaction upon hearing the fate of your enemy. So why does David react in this way? On one level, David’s beloved friend Jonathan was killed along with Saul (v. 25-27) which brought David great anguish. But David had multiple times when he spared Saul’s life because Saul was anointed by God as King of Israel. Saul’s office as the Lord’s anointed was to be honored above everything else. As David viewed it; to strike Lord’s anointed is to strike the Lord himself.

Questions

• Have you ever watched the demise or suffering of your “enemy” or someone who made life very difficult for you? What was your reaction?
• Read Matthew 5:38-48: What does Jesus say about loving your enemies? How did Jesus exemplify this in Luke 23:34?
• What makes forgiving our enemies so difficult?
• How can you show Christ’s love to an enemy?

Posted by Aaron Miner