Reflections on II Samuel 18-19

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem.

  • Pardon – As David returns to Jerusalem he pardons those who had sided with Absalom. He even makes Absalom’s general Amasa his new general.  Do you pardon those who hurt you?  Who do you need to forgive and reconcile with?
  • Revenge – Joab has a different heart than David. Rather than spare Absalom, he kills him.  Later he will kill Amasa who was to take his place as general.  What do you do when people cross you?  Are you seeking vengeance on someone?

Reflections on II Samuel 15-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom proclaims himself king.  Note:

  • Pride – Absalom wants everyone to be impressed with him – riding a chariot with 50 men running before him. He proudly seeks to take the kingdom from his own father.  What does your pride look like?  What will you do about it?
  • Loyalty – Absalom proclaims himself king, and many of David’s officials follow him. Yet many also remain loyal to David.  Are you loyal toward your leaders?  Associates?  Friends?  Family?  Church?  Can they count on you?

II Samuel 15-19: Hurting and Helping

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(15-19) In 12:10-12, Nathan predicted several consequences to David’s sin.  How do we see these predictions come true in chapters 15-19?

(15-19) What words would you use to describe Absalom?

What evidence do you see of his pride?

What contrast do you see in David?

How does Hushai use Absalom’s pride to help David?

(15-19) David’s sin and Absalom’s pride doesn’t just cause hurt to themselves.  Who else is negatively affected by their sin, and how?

What principle or warning do you see for our own lives today?

(15-19) In midst of this mess, we see numerous examples of loyalty and friendship.  How do each of the following show loyalty to David, and how are they an example for us?

  • His servants –
  • Ittai the Gittite –
  • Abiathar and Zadok –
  • Hushai –
  • Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai –
  • Joab –

How do you need to be a better friend?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Spiritual Disciplines and the Sinkhole Syndrome – Donald Whitney (Ligonier)
Pursue the Lord with a relentless, lifelong, obstacle-defying passion. Resolve never to let your daily life keep you from Jesus daily.

Lay Aside Every Suitcase – Tim Challies
A suitcase is a perfectly good thing that may just kill you in an emergency evacuation. It is a perfectly good thing, but it isn’t good enough to risk your life for. And our lives are full of good things that may just slow us down, that may just hinder us from matters that are far more important—matters of eternal consequence.

Thank God For Your Job (Doesn’t Matter What Your Job Is!) – Tim Challies
As you enjoy rest from your labors, why don’t you take a bit of time to thank God for your labors. No matter what they are, they are evidence of his kindness and mercy toward you.

How to Help Your Children Become Better Sermon Listeners – David Prince
These thoughts are certainly not exhaustive and you may have other creative ways that come to mind, but the key is to not act like getting them in the building is the end of your parental responsibility.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Sermon Songs: Mark 1:14-20

On By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

He came proclaiming the gospel
Sin and death overcoming
Turn from your sin and your idols
Believe in Jesus your King
Passing along by the seaside
He called to four: “Follow me”
Commit to join them at His side
Fishing for more to be free
Chorus
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard

(First 3 lines of chorus by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)

Reflections on II Samuel 12-14

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David’s sin had dire consequences for himself and his family:

  • Consequences of sin – David confesses his sin, and God forgives him, but the consequences of his sin remain. His family and all of Israel will suffer because of his sin.  God will forgive your sin when you confess it to him, but the consequences of your sin may remain to hurt you and your loved ones.  Again – guard your life!
  • Following their father – Amnon follows his dad’s example by taking Tamar. Absalom responds by following his dad’s example and killing Amnon.  David’s adultery and murder are passed on to the next generation.  What sins do you need to overcome lest you pass them down to the next generation?

Current

On By BrianIn Current Collection1 Comment

Here are some helpful and informative posts about the transgender issue:

National Geographic’s “Gender Revolution”: Bad Argument and Biased Ideology – Andrew Walker ad Denny Burk (PD)

Federal Court Protects Children and Doctors from Harmful Transgender Regulation– Joe Carter (TGC)

The Transgender Conversation You Need to Have With Your Family – Tim Challies

Alarmism And Transgendered Kids – Rod Dreher (TAC)

What Christianity Alone Offers Transgender Persons – Sam Allberry (TGC)

Reflections on II Samuel 8-11

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today is the turning point of the book, as David begins in triumph, but then yields to temptation and sins against God.

  • Triumph – The Lord gave David victory after victory over his enemies. With what triumphs has God blessed you?  How do you think you should respond?
  • Temptation and sin – David goes for a walk and sees a woman bathing. At that point, he should have just turned away.  Instead he pursues it, and by the end he has committed adultery and murder.  How quickly we can fall!  Do you toy with temptations or do you run?  Are you on guard?