1 Kings 2, 3 [The Message]

In his paraphrase of the Bible, Eugene Peterson describes wisdom as being a “God-listening heart.” I love that. A classic definition of wisdom is “Insight into the true nature of things.” This is what Solomon requested of the Lord when God asked him what He could grant him. Solomon’s request pleased the Lord, so with wisdom God also included EVERYTHING ELSE.

As I pray daily for my children and their children, this seems to be my most frequent request … “Give them wisdom.” If God can closely watch their every step and always be speaking to them, “THIS is the best way. Walk in it.” … then THAT’S what I truly want for them. In fact, parents would be wise to begin cultivating this method within their children – when they need answers to life’s questions, pause and pray WITH them and ask them what they hear God saying to them. This is priesthood training.

1 Kings 1 [The Message]

Scripture indicates that David DID NOT bring correction to his son Adonijah as he grew up. Here was a young man who felt he should be the one to succeed David as king. He promoted himself and arranged a pseudo-crowning while David was old and weak. Long story short, Nathan the Prophet and the king’s true inner-core pleaded with David to follow through on his promise that Solomon would be the new king. So it was … Solomon was anointed the true king.

Adonijah did not really know who he was. His self-esteem was skewed because of his upbringing. He didn’t know it was wrong to promote yourself, among many other indications of a man who felt entitled.

Wholesome chastisement is a blessing to children. When they cross the line, their loving parent is the one who restores a humble, accurate view of life.

2 Sam. 24 [The Message]

This is a profound phrase. It is in reference to David’s occasion of counting Israel so he could have a carnal estimate of their military power He had obviously forgotten his MO when he faced Goliath. (He trusted in the Lord’s Name rather than carnal weapons)

God doesn’t need our better ideas. He doesn’t need our abilities, or physical strength, or influence, or intelligence. He DOES need our trust.

Statistics are not inherently bad. When they become more important than trust, they displace God’s power and become an idol.

To pray is better than to count.

2 Sam. 20-24 [The Message]

As David composed his last Psalm, he reviewed his life; it’s challenges, it’s victories, it’s rewards. It seems that he could never get away from conflict and war of some kind. God faithfully protected and provided for him, but it seems he never completely rested from his problems.

Life is like that. We have growth and maturation, but there’s always a challenge ahead. We no sooner overcome one obstacle but that another one crops up, different in nature. It requires a life-long maintenance of seeking God’s strength and guidance. That’s one big reason why we need to be faithful to our devotions and our church.

“You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.” [Heb. 10:25 NCV]

2 Sam. 19 [The Message]

Sad to say, some people only kiss up to you when you are THE MAN… er, the person in authority. Israel brought David back to Jerusalem to take his place as king again since Absalom was dead. Even ol’ Shimei, the descendant of Saul who cursed him every step of his way as he fled for his life, even he was all “nicey-nicey” as David returned. Some people are like that. They are two-faced. They flatter you when you are in charge, but treat you like dung as soon as you leave power.

I have personally experienced this. Before I retired as Headmaster of Trinity Christian School, certain people could really “kiss up” and make me feel like they were my best friend. Then, when I was no longer the one in charge, they changed. It sort of hurts. They really weren’t your friend for who you are. They just wanted a perceived advantage for being close to you.

Then there are the REAL people who treat you the same and show their true colors. It’s as if you have a whole new appreciation for the quality and integrity of these good people. You REALLY have a friend.

2 Sam. 17, 18 [The Message]

David loved his son Absalom in spite of the young man’s rebellion. Yes, the younger man was trying to kill his father, yet David’s heart toward his offspring was forgiving and merciful. At the news of the young man’s death, David expressed great grief and lament.

Our Heavenly Father likewise has eternal love and mercy toward us, His wayward children. Regardless of our sin, His love (for now) is extended to us through His Son, Christ Jesus. Christ’s blood forgives us of all sin. Earthly fathers who show similar love to their children give us a glimpse of God’s love.

2 Sam. 15, 16 [The Message]

David was fleeing Jerusalem for his life. His rebellious son Absalom was effectively returning to the city to upend David and sit on Israel’s throne. This crushing experience for David was even heightened by the railing accusations and contempt being hurled at him by Shimei, one of Saul’s relatives. The man followed David as he fled his home, cursing and throwing stones at him. For a man who was the king, this had to be tough to endure. Yet, David permitted it and declared, “My own son is trying to kill me! Why shouldn’t this man from the tribe of Benjamin want me dead even more? Let him curse all he wants. Maybe the Lord did tell him to curse me.”

Whether or not God sent him, God allowed it. If David had any confidence in himself, this must have been extremely humbling. At this point, David had only his trust in God to sustain him.

Actually, that’s all we really need to survive in life.

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.

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]

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.