What in the world?

Today ends 2 Samuel. Ch 21-24 try to fit quite a bit of information in. Honestly, some seems a little far fetched. Like how one individual kills so many men, or how God seeks revenge by sending plagues. But, that is taken by faith. One must dig deeper to understand true meanings to these, not just the surface writing.
Ch 21 discusses an oath make by King Saul that was not kept. Future generations paid the price for not honoring that oath. Ch 23 reviews some of the mighty men of David's reign. Committed to a king, like we are committed to ours? Finally ch 24 going against the will of God. Making amends and setting the stage for the future...anyone say temple?
Some books and writings in the Bible might seem hard to follow. Struggle through them, but don't give up!

Accountability....

2 Samuel 19-20 show David returning to the throne. His troops have been victorious, yet as we see in c19v4, David is weeping for his lost son and rebellion leader Absalom. Finally, Joab confronted David and plainly spoke that the troops need David's acknowledgement. Talk about being brutally honest and accountable! David could have had Joab's head for such direct talk. Instead, he followed Joab's advice. Do we follow the wise counsel of trusted friends? Check out Proverbs 27:6 "wounds from a friend are better than mkany kisses from an enemy".
Are you a friend to someone? Will you be willing to be brutally honest? Will you be open to another's honesty?

We want it our way!

2 Samuel 15-18 discusses David's son Absalom's quest to rule. He not only betrayed David, he heaped insult upon insult in his rebellion towards his father. David loved Absalom as a father would love his child. He did not want harm to come to him. But, he did not properly discipline his child.
Lax discipline seems nice and easy, but will hurt in the end. Proper guidance and correction are necessary to learn avoidance from future calamity. God allows us to be disciplined to learn to rely on His strength.
When we try to do it "our" way, are we like Absalom in relation to God?

Too much comfort

2 Samuel 11-14 focuses on King David and his tragic downfall. How could a man so blessed by God have such calamity? Spiritual erosion! Comfort! What happens when you reach the top? You stop reaching!
King David had it all. Yet he allowed his passions and desires to weaken his resolve. He did not set up barriers or roadblocks in his life. Because of that, others suffered and died.
What are the barriers in your life? Does your comfort keep you from reaching? What are you reaching for? As the Proverbs say,"seek ye first the kingdom of God". WWJD should really mean something more to us than an overused jewelry fashion stmt. Iron sharpens iron, be careful not to get dull.

Do Unto Others...

As David's kingdom and legend grow, so does his kindness. In 2 Samuel 8-10, we read of the conquests of the nation of Israel over it's enemies, with David at the lead. He makes Israel into a strong fighting force and follows God with a servant's heart. David seeks to honor God in all he does.
David learns that Saul's grandson (Jonathan's son) is still alive. Most kings would fear that this disposed reign would eventually seek revenge and wipe them out. Not David, he not only brought the grandson into the court, he gifted back to him the lands of his grandfather!
Kindness is easy to talk about but rare on the follow-through. Keep Matt 25:40 in mind "when you did it for one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me."....Jesus

Who Am I......

In 2 Samuel 5-7, David is bringing Israel together as one nation. He is truly a servant of God and seeks His guidance over everything he does. We see a sad event in ch 6 where the Israelites are moving the Ark of God to David's capital. Unfortunately, the cart it is on stumbles and one of the cart drivers reaches his hand out to steady it and is struck down by God. How unfair you say. But, were they carrying the ark the proper way? No poles, rather placed on a cart.....someone needed to review Leviticus for proper instructions!
In ch 7 v 18 David receives God's blessings and asks a very important question...."who am I....that you have brought me this far?". A good question that we could ask even today....

A house divided....

Today, we begin 2 Samuel ch 1-4. Gruesome does not come close to describing the violence in this book. The kingdom has become divided after Saul's death. Some are loyal to Saul's son and some to David. This causes much violence and civil war as people choose sides. Clearly not what God had in mind for His kingdom of priests. Check out Matt ch 12v25 about this issue of division within a kingdom
David's loyalty to God's will is truly amazing. Several times he could have easily set himself up as king and become the focal point of the people. Rather, he honored what God had ordained and revenged those who actively opposed that. Do we stand up for what is right, or allow others to gloss over that with praise to us?