Daily David, Week 9, Day 3

October 26, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

Today, we look at a couple of different selected texts from the Gospel of Matthew. These specific verses are Matthew 1:1, 12:23, 15:22, 20:30-31, 21:9,14-15.

The line of Davidic kings upon the throne in Jerusalem came to an end when Jerusalem was destroyed in 586BC by the Babylonians. It almost seems like God was not faithful to his promise as David’s throne did not endure forever. How do these verses from Matthew answer any doubts about God’s faithfulness to his promises?

God promised to establish David’s throne forever. Yet, a descendant of David was not ruling over the nation. When Jesus comes he is established as king. But his kingdom is not of this world. It is a greater kingdom. It is the kingdom of God. It is a kingdom over which Jesus will reign forever.

Why is it important that Jesus is a Son of David?

It fulfills God’s promise which was made to David. It was expected the Messiah would be a son of David. Many thought this Messiah would restore David’s kingdom. But Jesus came to establish God’s kingdom. In many ways David was a Savior. David had established peace. He had brought them rest from their enemies. The people were looking for a son of David to come and to do what David had done once before.

Messiah in Hebrew and Christos in Greek mean anointed one. What was Jesus anointed for? What was David anointed to accomplish?

Jesus was anointed to bring freedom and deliverance to the people of God. The people of the day thought that deliverance would be a deliverance from the Romans. But God had a greater deliverance in mind. It was the deliverance and freedom from sin.

In these verses, who is calling Jesus the Son of David? Who refuses to acknowledge him as such?

Those who call Jesus the son of David are those who are oppressed. It is those who are sick and ill. It is those who are poor. It is those who are in need. They are looking for help.

The leaders of the people were indignant. They refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah because they were content with the state of affairs. They had everything they wanted. Their wealth and status blinded them.

What kingdom did Jesus come to establish? What kingdom are you called to build?

Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God. It is not a kingdom of this world. It is an eternal kingdom. But God uses us now for this kingdom to invade this earth. We seek to bring a little bit of heaven to earth by serving the king of kings.

Daily David, Week 9, Day 2

October 25, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

An extraordinary promise of God. It was not because of anything David had done. It was simply out of the grace of God. God speaks this undeserved promise to David found in 2 Samuel 7.

God speaks undeserved promises to us as well. It is the promise of salvation. It is the promise of life. It is the promise of provision. None of these promises do we deserve. We are sinful human beings. But God in his mercy and love has compassion upon us and gives us these gifts. Amazing!

What promises does God give to David (7:9-16)?

God promises to make David’s name famous. He will provide a homeland for his people. He promises they will be safe and secure. They will not be oppressed and will be given rest from their enemies. God tells David he will establish a dynasty among his family and his kingdom will be strong. One of David’s offspring will will build the temple. God also says he will correct and discipline David’s offspring when they are out of line. Finally, God says David’s kingdom will endure forever.

What made David so worthy of this honor (7:18)?

Nothing!

Why is God’s way of dealing with David (and us) so unusual (7:19)?

God does not treat us as we deserve. Our unfaithfulness is matched by his faithfulness. We continually let him down. He never lets us down.

Who redeems God’s people (7:23)? Who makes God’s people to be God’s people (7:24)?

God redeems his own people. God makes his own people to be his people. It is all him!

Why does David want God to keep his promise forever (7:25-26)?

Because we need God each and every moment. The air we breath is from him. The food we eat is from him. Our salvation is from him. There is nothing we have that does not come from him. We could not live apart from him for even one second.

What does it mean that God’s words are trustworthy (7:28)?

God’s words are the most reliable thing there are. We can put our trust in many things. But anything else will eventually at some point in time let us down. Jesus says the one who hears and obeys God’s word is like the wise man who built his house on the rock. Anything else we put our trust in is like sinking sand.

Dealing with Difficult People

October 24, 2011 in Sermons with 0 Comments

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The story of David and Absalom is a tragic story. It is a story that ends badly. Unfortunately, there are difficult situations which arise when we deal with the people. People can be difficult. Oftentimes the most difficult people to deal with are the people in our own family. We know these people the best. We know the good better than anyone else. We also know the bad better than anyone else.

In this message we discuss how to deal with difficult people as we learn from the story of David and Absalom. Our reading for the day is 2 Samuel 15:1-12.

Daily David, Week 9, Day 1

October 24, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

This next weekend is Reformation Sunday. The Reformation was all about discovering the grace of God. It is coming to the realization that I am so unworthy of God’s love and salvation. It has nothing to do with what I give or offer to God.

King David was blessed by God. He is described as a man after God’s own heart and yet he was still unworthy of the blessings God poured into his life. This week we focus on the promises of God to David and us. These promises are given not because of our faithfulness, but because of God’s faithfulness. It says in 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful.”

Our reading for today is from 1 Chronicles 16:17-36.

What is the purpose of this Psalm (see 1 Chronicles 16:1-6)?

This song of praise is to celebrate the Ark of the Covenant having been brought to Jerusalem.

What are we called to remember (16:12)? How do we remember today?

We are called to remember what God has done. These are the miracles he has performed and the rulings he has given. Basically, we are to remember God’s past faithfulness.

What does God remember (16:15)? Why is it important for God to remember?

God remembers his promise he has made to his people. He does not forget because he promises to be faithful. If he forgot his promise we would be in big trouble, because we would no longer have God’s provision or salvation.

Who are the ones God seeks to serve, protect, and uplift (16:19-22)?

It is his chosen people. It is those who are few in number. It is those who are marginalized. It is those who are the least of these.

What is the difference between the Lord and the gods of the nations (16:25-26)?

The Lord is the true God. He is the one and only God. God created the heavens and the earth. The other so-called gods were made by the hands of men. The Lord alone has honor and majesty that come from himself.

What is the response of God’s creation to it’s creator (16:28-33)?

He is to be worshiped. It says the creation will shout his praise. Jesus said if his people do not worship him, then the rocks will do it. Everything in creation points to the fact that the Lord is God.

What is a savior (16:35)? What does it take to recognize Jesus as our Savior?

A savior is one who rescues from danger and destruction. It takes for us to recognize that we are sinners in danger of destruction for us to recognize Jesus as our savior. Unless we recognize we need to be saved, we will fail to grasp our need for Jesus. Unfortunately, many of us think we have the ability to save ourselves. But this is a great deception of the evil one.

Daily David, Week 8, Day 5

October 21, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

The story of David and Absalom ends tragically. The end of the story is recorded in [2 Samuel 18-19](http://biblia.com/books/nlt/2Sam18]. In this story Absalom becomes the third son of David to die after he committed the sin with Bathsheba.

How does Absalom’s delay benefit David (18:1-3)?

David was able to rally his troops and to gather his men. He was able to organize his army and prepare for a battle with Absalom’s men.

Why did David order for Absalom’s life to be spared (18:5)?

Absalom was David’s son. David wanted to believe that this could all turn out well. That everything that was broken could be restored. He did not want to believe what was happening and what Absalom had done. It was too much for him to bear the death of another son after he had already lost two.

What was the result of Absalom’s selfish play for the throne and lust for power (18:7,14-15)?

Absalom was troops were beaten. 20,000 men lost their lives. Absalom himself was killed by Joab, the commander of David’s army.

Why do you think Joab was able to so easily disregard David’s order not to kill Absalom and even reprimand David (18:14-15; 19:1-8)?

Joab knew that Absalom could not live if David was going to be king. It was either Absalom who would die or David who would die. Joab was a harsh man. He took matters into his own hands. David had allowed Joab to get away with so much in the past. If David had not stood up to Joab in the past, he was not going to stand up to Joab now. Joab had done all the dirty work that David was not willing to do. An example was the killing of Uriah the Hittite. David sent the command for Joab to carry out the order. I am sure Joab had enough dirt on David that Joab knew he was safe.

Why was David so shook up over Absalom’s death (18:33)?

David’s world was crashing in down around him. He had got this throne back and peace was restored, but it was a tremendous cost. David wept over the turmoil that he caused for the kingdom and for his family.

Most of chapter 19 deals with the aftermath of Absalom’s revolt. Describe the relationship between justice and forgiveness. How are both practiced in this chapter?

David practices mercy and forgiveness. There were those who had been loyal to him during this difficult time. David rewards them for their loyalty. At the same time there were also those who had not been loyal and had even sought to take advantage of David in this situation. But David practices mercy. He knew that punishing them would have done no good and was not in the best interest of the kingdom or his throne. Although, I am sure he had a personal grudge against Shimei.

David, Week 9, Study Guide

October 20, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

October 24-30

Promise and Prayer

Memory Verse:

2 Samuel 7:18–19 (NLT) Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And now, Sovereign LORD, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign LORD?

Day 1

1 Chronicles 16:17-36

What is the purpose of this Psalm (see 1 Chronicles 16:1-6)?

What are we called to remember (16:12)? How do we remember today?

What does God remember (16:15)? Why is it important for God to remember?

Who are the ones God seeks to serve, protect, and uplift (16:19-22)?

What is the difference between the Lord and the gods of the nations (16:25-26)?

What is the response of God’s creation to it’s creator (16:28-33)?

What is a savior (16:35)? What does it take to recognize Jesus as our Savior?

Day 2

2 Samuel 7

What promises does God give to David (7:9-16)?

What made David so worthy of this honor (7:18)?

Why is God’s way of dealing with David (and us) so unusual (7:19)?

Who redeems God’s people (7:23)? Who makes God’s people to be God’s people (7:24)?

Why does David want God to keep his promise forever (7:25-26)?

What does it mean that God’s words are trustworthy (7:28)?

Day 3

Matthew 1:1, 12:23, 15:22, 20:30-31, 21:9,14-15

The line of Davidic kings upon the throne in Jerusalem came to an end when Jerusalem was destroyed in 586BC by the Babylonians. It almost seems like God was not faithful to his promise as David’s throne did not endure forever. How do these verses from Matthew answer any doubts about God’s faithfulness to his promises?

Why is it important that Jesus is a Son of David?

Messiah in Hebrew and Christos in Greek mean anointed one. What was Jesus anointed for? What was David anointed to accomplish?

In these verses, who is calling Jesus the Son of David? Who refuses to acknowledge him as such?

What kingdom did Jesus come to establish? What kingdom are you called to build?

Day 4

Mark 12:35-40, Luke 1:29-33, Romans 1:1-6, Revelation 22:16-21

Whose kingdom did the people of Jesus’ day expect the Messiah to reestablish?

What does it mean that David would call the Messiah “Lord” (Mark 12:37)?

Why do most people seek honor (12:38-40)?

What do you think it means that the throne of David will be given to Jesus (Luke 1:32)?

Who Son is Jesus according to the human nature (Romans 1:3)? According to the divine nature (1:4)? What did Jesus do that David never did (Romans 1:4)?

What is the holy city described Revelation 22:19 where Jesus, son of David, will reign for eternity (see Revelation 21:1-4)?

Day 5

Psalm 89

Psalm 89:2 says God’s love stands firm forever. Are there times in the life of David where this does not seem true? How about your own life?

What does the Psalmist have to hold on to when doubts are raised in his mind about God’s love (89:3-4)? When you experience disappointment, how do you respond?

What will happen if we fail to follow God’s lead (89:30-32)? But what does God still promise (89:33-37)?

Why do you think it is so easy to doubt God’s promises (89:38-45)?

What does faith allow us to do when we fail to see God’s goodness (89:52)?

Daily David, Week 8, Day 4

October 20, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

In 2 Samuel 16-17

Who was Ziba (16:1; see 2 Samuel 9:1-13)? Mephibosheth?

Ziba was the servant of Mephibosheth. David had put Ziba in charge of all Mephibosheth’s property. Mephibosheth was a son of Jonathan, son of Saul and friend of David. David had made a promise to Jonathan that he would not destroy his family. David desired to honor Mephibosheth and so he provided for Mephibosheth and had him live in his royal palace.

What is Ziba’s motive in this story (16:1-4)?

Ziba’s motive was to acquire Mephibosheth’s property. He saw an opportunity in this moment.

Why is it easy to taunt, criticize, ridicule someone when they are down? Is it the godly response to gloat over someone else’s misfortune? How about the misfortune of our enemy?

It is much easier to be a part of the crowd than to go against the crowd. We see in the world of celebrities that when one of these celebrities is going through a rough patch, it is easy for the world to pile on. It is dangerous to gloat over someone’s misfortune because the same misfortune might be lying just around the corner for us. God calls us to encourage those who are down and to speak hope into their lives. This is hard to do when it comes to our enemies. Jesus teaches us to pray for their well-being.

Compare David’s response to Abashai (16:9-10) to that of Jesus’ response to Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10-11)?

David has a response of mercy. He does not have Abashai killed because it would do no good. It would only cause more pain. It would have been easy for David or Jesus to have desired to have harm done to those who insulted them. But instead their response is one of grace.

Where did Ahithophel’s advice come from (16:23)? Why is Ahithophel’s advice confused (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-31)?

Ahithophel’s advice seemed like it came directly from the Lord. But not everything that appears to be from God, is from God. Satan is the great deceiver. He does not come to us as the prince of darkness, but clothed as the prince of light. We must carefully seek and discern that which is from the Lord and that which is not. Do not take anything for granted no matter who it is from.

Ahithophel’s wisdom is confused because it is not from the Lord. If it had been from the Lord, Ahithophel would have advised Absalom to make peace with his father and to submit to the king rather than claim the throne for himself. Absalom was not the rightful king.

In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul tells us that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent. It cannot stand in the face of God’s wisdom.

Why does Ahithophel commit suicide (17:23)? Does his reaction seem extreme?

He commits suicide because he knows how this is going to end. He likely understood that he was going up against God and that was not a battle he was going to win. He likely did this out of shame that he could not bear to face the consequences of his actions.

His action does seem a bit extreme. But in the same way, the consequences of our sin are extreme. They exact a heavy burden. The full extent we will not fully realize until the final day of judgment.

Who do you seek advice from? Is it godly advice or worldly advice you are receiving? What will happen if you follow the right advice? What will happen if you follow the wrong advice? How do you determine between the right and the wrong advice?

Too often I do not seek advice or wisdom. I do what I think is best. This is a bad mistake. God has given wisdom as a gift. There are things we can learn from believers and non-believers alike. But above all, we seek wisdom that is godly. There is nothing better for seeking wisdom than turning to the Word of the Lord in the Scriptures.

When we follow wise advice we will prosper. When we follow ungodly advice we may prosper for a time, but that prosperity will not last. When determining right from wrong the only way to know is to hear from the Lord. This takes time and it takes effort.

Some thoughts on sin

October 19, 2011 in Weekly Email with 0 Comments

Whether we admit it or not, we are all experts on the subject of sin. Unfortunately, we are experts for all the wrong reasons. It is a topic we know all too well.

Sin is something that must be dealt with. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. Sin is what separates us from God and creates a barrier between us.

I share with you this week’s email, some thoughts on sin from last Sunday’s message on David and Bathsheba.

  • We like sin. Sin tastes good and feels good. There is no doubt that sin brings pleasure. It is desirous.

  • Sin is debt. There is literally hell to pay for sin. We might receive pleasure from sin upfront, but there is a cost that follows. Long after the pleasure we derived from our sin is gone, we will still be paying the consequences.

  • Sin has an irresistible pull. As irrational as it may be, we are still attracted to sin. If David had knew what his sin with Bathsheba would cost him, he would have ran as fast as he could. But the pull of sin is so strong, we let our guard down, and forget the consequences.

  • We can try to resist. There are certainly efforts we can make to avoid sin. We can get an accountability partner who will pray with and for us while holding us accountable for our actions. We can safeguard ourselves by avoiding situations where we are tempted towards sin. These are good, but . . .

  • The only thing that overcomes temptation is divine power. As much as we rely upon human will-power for over-coming temptation, we will eventually fall without God’s divine power. This is why Jesus teaches us to pray, lead us not into temptation. Jesu knows that without the Spirit of God at work in us we will never be able to overcome temptation.

  • When you stumble into sin, admit it. Sin loves to hide in the dark. It does not want to be exposed. When the time comes that you fall into sin, don’t keep it inside. Confess it to another believer or pastor. Write it down. Don’t make excuses or try to rationalize it. Just come clean. Do more than just think thoughts about how you are sorry. Externalize it. Until you get it out of you, it is going to continue to hurt you.

  • After you admit your sin, ask God for forgiveness. Don’t ask for forgiveness expecting him to forgive you. There is nothing that you have done to make you worthy of God’s forgiveness. It is not God’s obligation to forgive you. There is no reason he should forgive you. Ask humbly. Appeal to his mercy and kindness.

  • Receive God’s forgiveness by faith. Know that your sins are forgiven because Jesus died on the cross. There is no sin that God cannot forgive. If God can forgive David, who was a murderer and adulterer, then he can forgive you. To say that my sin is so bad that God cannot forgive me is to say that the cross is not sufficient enough. It is to say that Jesus needed to do more than be beaten and die an excruciatingly painful death. Don’t think your sin is so bad that God’s love cannot cover it.

  • Make restitution for your sins. You can see the word restore. Making restitution is about making right was is wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes we cannot fully restore the damage we have done. In these moments we do everything that we can in our power no matter how much it costs us, trusting God will do the rest of the work.

  • Live a 180° life. This is what we call repentance. In the ancient Greek of the New Testament the word for repentance means to turn around and go the other direction. When I receive God’s forgiveness, I now seek to live differently than I lived before. I take a different road to travel. Jesus has given me a new life and a fresh start. I desire to honor him by doing everything possible to avoid going down the same road again and falling into that sin.

Daily David, Week 8, Day 3

October 19, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

David had been king of Israel. Now today in 2 Samuel 15, David’s son, Absalom, steals the throne from his father. David is on the run once again, just like in the days of Saul. This is not the life David wanted to go back to. In a second reading from Psalm 3 we get a peek into David’s mind and heart during this difficult time.

What is Absalom’s sin in verses 2 Samuel 15:1-3? What do you think led him to this sin? What did Absalom seek to serve by “helping” the people who came to him?

David was the king and Absalom undermines David’s authority. Absalom exploits a weakness in David’s administration. We are commanded in God’s Word to honor our father and mother. David was Absalom’s father, but he is not honoring his father. We are also called to talk well of others and to put the best construction on everything. What Absalom is doing here is making himself look good at his father’s expense. Beware anytime you start to make yourself look good by making someone else look bad.

What led to this sin was anger towards his father. There was never a proper reconciliation between David and Absalom. Over time the bitterness wore on Absalom.

Absalom was serving himself in helping these people who came to him. He was doing this to gain support for himself while at the same time discouraging them to support his father.

Why did Absalom wait four years until he made his play for the throne (15:7-10)?

Absalom waited until the time was right. He waited until he was in a position of strength. There were enough people who had been tainted by his ploy to gain support against his father.

Why do you think David did not realize what was happening until it was too late (15:13)?

Absalom was subtle and subversive. David did not expect this to happen. David was likely happy for what Absalom was doing not realizing that Absalom was talking behind his back. This was a form of gossip and the one who is being gossiped about is usually the last person to know.

As an official of the king, how might you have responded to David in this situation (15:15)? Would you have followed David into the wilderness? How would you characterize these officials’ response?

I would like to say I would have supported David. That I would have seen past the ploy of Absalom and his appearing to do “good” for personal gain. David was the one who had been appointed King by God, not Absalom. This is a perfect example of how the majority is not always right. But it is much easier to go with with the flow than it is to go against the flow.

The response of David’s officials was a response of loyalty. They are to be commended for sticking with David in both the good and the bad times.

Why does David weep as he goes up the Mt of Olives (15:30)? Why does Jesus weep upon the Mt of Olives (see Luke 19:41-44)?

David weeps because he must flee from the city. He weeps because he has been put back on the run again. He would have thought these days were behind him. He did not want to go back to the wilderness, but that was where God was taking him. It was a hard thing to do. But all this went back to that one fateful night with Bathsheba. I am sure David would have loved to have taken that moment back right now.

Jesus weeped for the city of Jerusalem in a much different way. Jesus weeps as he comes to the city. He weeps that the people of the city had not followed the Lord, but had gone their own way. He weeps that the city and the temple would be destroyed by the Romans in a few short years.

Why does this situation look so bleak (Psalm 3:1-2)?

David writes he has so many enemies. Often times we are so overwhelmed by so many things. It is not just one things that comes at us. Trouble likes to come in many ways at many times.

Also, from the outside it seems like God has abandoned him. God is nowhere to be found. God is not there to help him out.

Where does David express confidence in the conflict (3:3-4)?

David finds his help in the Lord. David knows the Lord is there. He knows that he will help him out. Things are difficult, but it is not anything the Lord cannot handle.

When conflict arises, how do you respond? How would God have you respond?

We respond in different ways. Sometimes we become angry and combative. Others times we my turn inward and quiet. We might be filled with fear or anxiety. But it is in these moments we grow closer to the Lord than ever before. Turn to him in his Word, in prayer, and in worship. Let God speak confidence and faith into you. Let his Spirit guide your decisions with gentleness and kindness.

Daily David, Week 8, Day 2

October 18, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

David’s family is in turmoil. A daughter has been raped by her brother. Then that brother was killed by another brother. The brother who killed his other brother then flees in exile. The situation is nothing short of a mess. David is left to pick up the pieces. However, instead of doing something about all of this, David does nothing. That is where we pick up the story in 2 Samuel 14.

Whose best interest is Joab serving? Absalom? David? Himself (14:1-3)?

The text reads that Joab realized how much the king longed to see Absalom. He is seems to be serving the kings interest. But at the same time Joab realizes that what is best for David is also best for Joab.

Even though the woman was deceptive towards David, why does avoid still concede (15:19-21)?

David knew she was right. She had exposed David’s hypocrisy.

Why is the reconciliation between David and Absalom not a full reconciliation (14:23-24)? Why do you think David did not allow Absalom back into his house?

Even though Absalom came back to Jerusalem, he did not see the king. David did not allow Absalom into his presence. A full reconciliation would have brought them together.

We might say that Absalom had to set a fire under Joab to get his attention (14:28-32). Why is it difficult to respond to the needs of others or for them to get our attention?

Most of the time we are focused on self. We don’t see the need or the hurt in others because we are too preoccupied with our own hurt and need.

Do you have disputes in your family? How might you be a catalyst to bring restoration and reconciliation?

Every family has disputes. We can simply wait around for others to say they are sorry, but we are going to wait for a long time. God did not wait for us to make peace with him, rather he sent Jesus to make peace with us. Jesus said blessed are the peace-makers. As followers of Jesus our calling is to be the ones to make the first step to make peace.

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