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.

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]

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]

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.

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.

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.

2 Sam. 6 [The Message]

The Ark of the Covenant was held up at the home of Abinadab for three months. David desperately wanted God’s presence to be back in Zion. While they were transporting it, the tragedy of Uzza occurred … he reached out to steady the Ark as it started to slide off the cart. God struck him dead because he was not of the tribe God had specified to handle the Ark. So, the lyeft the Ark there at the home of Obed-Edom. His home was SO BLESSED while it was there that David observed the blessing and desired it for Zion.

As we carry God’s presence with us, we abide under a special unction that beings God’s rich blessing. A young girl named Lauren Daigle has discovered this truth and it has transformed her life. Now, she goes all over the world singing about God’s presence. Here, listen to her sing about it.

2 Sam. 4, 5 [The Message]

David consulted the Lord before he went to war against the Philistines. God would divinely give him a plan for victory. David would rely on this method of direction for the rest of his life, always depending on the Lord for wise direction.

We can also rely upon God’s Holy Spirit for guidance, whether it be war or mowing the lawn. He sees the continuum of time and can advise us how best to conduct our lives.

The more you listen and pay attention to the Lord, the better your spiritual ear will become. By the way, if a voice says “Go out and lay down in the middle of the street,” IT’S NOT GOD!

2 Sam. 3 [The Message]

David was the ultimate example of honorable leadership (until Christ). Even at the death of Abner, King Saul’s military general, David displayed honorable conduct by his respect of Abner’s life and position by his grieving at Abner’s funeral.

Funerals are a valuable window in the lives of people where leaders can show respect and compassion for the life of a saint. We are about people … their lives, their families, their memory … and when they pass away we can put focus on the important things in life … what they did for God, their deeds of compassion, their stand for Christian values.

When leaders attend significant spiritual events, they are putting their stamp of approval upon that event’s focus.