Monthly Archives: February 2023

A parent’s unconditional love

2 Sam. 14 [The Message]

Even though Absalom had killed his brother, David still loved him and eventually forgqve him. Even after this son rose up in rebellion and tried to take the kingdom from David, still he loved him.

Often in movies on TV, the mother of a clearly rotten son will say, “He’s really a good boy.”

This is a way parents are wired. Thankfully, God our Father has made the blood of Christ to be a propitiation for our sins. He loves and accepts us regardless.

Immoral deception

2 Sam. 13 [The Message]

In the account of how Amnon, David’s oldest son, lured Tamar into his plot to rape her, we see how deceptive people can be when they are controlled by a spirit of lust. It begins by simple attraction but quickly progresses to scheming and pre-occupation in the mind of the offender. This is why the New Testament advises putting lustful thoughts to death with the Spirit’s help.

 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one.  But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death [James 1:13-15 AMP]

“I can go to him”

2 Sam. 12 [The Message]

Bathsheba did indeed conceive a child after David’s adultery with her. Sadly, God took the child as punishment to David which grieved him deeply. His grief and fasting could not bring the boy back. He declared, “I can go to him, but he can’t come to me.”

In 1993 my youngest brother Greg took his own life. It brought grief unimaginable to my parents. I’m sure it’s one of the reasons my Dad was so anxious to pass and go to Heaven. He wanted to be reunited with my mother and Greg.

At the family Thanksgiving dinner one year after Greg’s passing, my mother sat at the table and began crying. I said, “What’s wrong, Mom?” She said, “I just don’t want anyone to forget Greg.” She needed comfort.

Scripture says David comforted Bathsheba. When parents lose a child, they need comfort.

High crimes and misdemeanors

2 Sam. 11, [The Message]

Ever murder someone? Sadly, king David did when he arranged for Uriah’s death to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. This has got to be one of the saddest stories in the Bible. It’s a prime example of how easy it is to pile up offenses once you’ve crossed the line. It’s human nature to try to hide our sin, but in this case it ended up costing Uriah his life and David his integrity.

I guess there’s a part of me that’s glad David’s story was exposed because it gives us hope for a path out of our sorry condition. Yes, David paid a dear price. The child who was a product of his infidelity passed away, and Nathan said this misstep disrespected the Lord and gave His enemies a reason to curse Him. It was a sad day indeed.

There good well may be temporary consequences to suffer for sin, but PTL it doesn’t have to revoke our salvation.

“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” [1 John. 1:9]

The warfare of moral purity`

2 Sam. 10, 11 [The Message]

David should have been at war with his army, but he was safely at home. It was during this period of time he was tempted when observing Bathsheba as she bathed upon her roof. Regardless of her intentions, David’s guard was down and he yielded. The result was devastating.

My point would be this; instead of being at war against the allure of lust, he was giving place to a temptation that overpowered him. He should have been fighting instead of yielding.

Mortify (be a good warrior and kill it) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [Col. 3:5]

The kindness of leaders

2 Sam. 9 [The Message]

David wanted to honor the memory of his friend, Jonathan. He asked, “Are there any of Saul’s descendants close-by?” He discovered that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, lame in both feet, was resident. David proceeded to assign all of Saul’s land and inheritance to the man and asked him to eat at the king’s table evermore. These were certainly huge gestures of kindness, and spoke of David’s respect for Jonathan.

Jesus is the King of all Kings. He has invited His children to eat at His table in Heaven. The kindness of Christ can be on display through our lives on a daily basis. Remember the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 who has the “Law of Kindness” in her tongue. It’s a wonderful way to live.

Priests unto God

2 Sam. 8 [The Message]

Apology – my wonderful wife kindly points out typo errors I make in my posts. I reely uppreeshiate it.

David made his sons priests unto God. When a man has a close relationship with the Lord, it’s natural for him to desire that his children and grandchildren also enjoy a similar closeness to the Lord. In the Christian home, each man models priesthood behavior such as personal devotions, faithfulness to God’s House, and faithful stewardship (tithes and offerings).

Your children can perform priesthood functions … praise offerings, being separated unto God, teaching God’s Ways etc. … regardless of their profession. They show forth the Light of the Gospel wherever they are.

A family blessing

2 Sam. 7 [The Message]

Through the prophet Nathan, God told David of the blessings he would enjoy because of his relationship with God. To David was given the honor of being in the lineage of Christ. Jesus is prophesied in many of the Psalms, one of which is Ps. 23.

At the conclusion of Nathan’s pronouncement of blessing upon David, the King strongly requested that the blessing be upon his family.

This is the ultimate blessing, in my eyes. To have God protecting, directing, and supplying your family is priceless. Money can’t buy it, and the devil can’t take it away.