Week of 11/24/19 - Pages 208 - 220

As I was reading 1 Kings 15:27 – 22:14, I was struck with the long procession of kings who ruled over Judah and Israel.  Some, like King Jeroboam, did evil in the eyes of the Lord.  Others, like King Asa, did what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  Some of those who did evil in the eyes of the Lord experienced the consequences in their own lifetime.  Others, such as King Ahab, were spared the consequences of their sins in their own lifetimes.  For Ahab, punishment would be visited upon his son instead because Ahab humbled himself before God.  

I really struggled with this – it seemed so unfair.  I imagined people who don’t believe and that criticize God, using scriptures just like this to defend their case.  Certainly, many people believe that bad things happening to ‘good people’ is evidence that God is not to be trusted and many of God’s critics say, “If I could just be God for a day, I would certainly run the show a lot differently (better).”

But here’s the thing.  We are humans, the created creature, reading an account that was inspired by the Holy Spirit – the One who knows the first from the last, who knows how every story turns out.  When God makes decisions on what’s fair, He does it from His own eternal perspective – not ours – and He has infinite knowledge of all things.  Even the most studied scholar has only a finite knowledge, a limited ability to discern what’s true and fair.  Even so, that doesn’t stop most of us from saying things like, “That doesn’t seem fair” or “That doesn’t make sense” – myself included.  Very quickly, I was reminded of God’s reply to Job when he voiced similar demands upon God, followed by the reply that will set any human in our proper place.  “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?...” (Job 38)

In 1 Kings 15:5, there’s a reference that “David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life – except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.”  We all know this is far from true, yet it’s the way David’s history is being written and remembered here.  In the same way that God records each one of our stories as He will, so too does He deal with others.  All who believe are covered by the undeserved kindness and the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.  

One day, from the vantage point of heaven, we will have an enlightened mind to understand from God’s perspective.  Until then, we are fortunate that God does not deal with us according to our knowledge of what is fair, right or just.  Thank God that He remembers us according to His loving kindness and sees us through our High Priest, Jesus Christ.  The next time I’m tempted to pass judgment on what’s fair or not fair, I’ll remember who I am – the created creature – and whom I serve – the Sovereign God, the Alpha and the Omega, the One Who Sees (El Roi).  

Week of 11/17/19 - Pages 195 - 208

There is an amazing backdrop to the portion of this story that I want to focus in on  – God appears to Solomon several times and Solomon can be found kneeling and worshipping the Lord, and with a LOUD voice blessing the entire congregation of Israel. Does it get any better than this?

This section starts out with a big contrast between two promises revealed by the Lord who is essentially telling Solomon if you follow me I will bless you, but if you abandon me I will rip apart your Kingdom. Ouch! Couldn’t be any clearer than that! Only a fool would ignore this warning, right? Maybe like me, you are thinking, well duh of course Solomon is going to take the right course of action. Like a good novel or dramatic juicy TV mini-series I was hooked and could not stop thinking about the outcome as I turned the pages. As the story unfolded I found myself both cheering and aghast at the actions taken by our beloved and wise Solomon! 

                First Promise - The Lord tells Solomon – “If you follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David:  One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.

                Second Promise - But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the commands and decrees I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, then I will uproot Israel from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name and I will make Israel an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations. And when people ask why I did this, the answer will be “Because his people abandoned the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead, and bowed down to them. That is why the Lord has brought all these disasters on them.” 

It took 20 years for King Solomon to build the Temple and his palace. Solomon earned a reputation for bringing honor to the name of the Lord which eventually brought him to the attention of the Queen of Sheba.

The Queen of Sheba arrived with many gifts and was full of flattery for Solomon. Solomon became very wealthy and was known throughout the land as having extraordinary wisdom. We would see over time that Solomon had a great weakness for women. In Solomon’s old age the women turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, he refused to follow the Lord completely. 

-   I wonder if he thought his partial allegiance was enough? 

-   Or did he give himself credit for all his former accomplishments and years of faithfulness, so now he could slide?

It made me think about our lives today. Oh sure we are not building a Temple or ruling a nation but God still desires us to live a life of integrity and godliness. I know I have been guilty of obeying Him in some things and then not in others. How different is that from King Solomon who gave the Lord only partial allegiance in his later life? 

Questions to ask ourselves:

1)      Is a life of integrity based only on circumstances and feelings?

2)      Is Godliness a characteristic that changes from day to day?

3)      Do past good deeds absolve us from obedience today?

4)      What is His promise for each of us today? 

Week of 11/10/19 - Pages 186 - 195

480 years after the people of Israel were rescued from their slavery in Egypt, Solomon began the construction of the temple.  This was probably the greatest achievement during his reign.  This process entailed 153,000 workers, 8,000 quarriers, 70,000 loadbearers and 3,300 overseers, spanning 7 years!  Quite an endeavor!

After Solomon completed the temple, he gathered all Israel, along with the priests, Levites and leaders to bring the ark of the covenant to the Lord’s house.  (I Kings 8:1-9)  On that day God displayed His glory among His people.   I can only imagine what it would have been like to witness this spectacular display of God’s glory.  Normally, God dwelled in the thick darkness (8:12), in a place where no one could see Him.  But now, God had come down to be with His people in the place built for His Name and presence.  God was so near and real that day that even the priests had to stop what they were doing.

On that day, Israel received the blessing of God Himself.  This is the greatest blessing that God can give to His people---His presence.  In fact, we see all through the Bible that God’s intention has always been to dwell among His people.

We can imagine how the Israelites must have felt and the emotions that were involved in seeing God’s glory fill the temple.  The sight of the finished temple would not only have drawn their attention and affections towards God, but seeing God’s indwelling would have added to that experience resulting in genuine worship.  

Fast forward to today, 2019.  The same should be true of Christians today as well.  As Christians, we are now the temple of God on earth.  God indwells us and fills us as His missional people.  God calls us and chose us for the purpose of representing Him on the earth.  No matter the place, be it in prayer on the bedroom floor or sitting in the pew at church listening to a sermon, we should expect and anticipate God’s presence and glory to manifest in our lives.  I think it is amazing to imagine that very majesty indwelling in me!  Humbling to say the least!

2 Corinthians 6:16 “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

Week of 11/13/19 - Pages 176 - 186

The book of Kings begins with the transition of Israel’s throne from David to his son Solomon.  However, while David was still king, one of his other sons, Adonijah, began boasting that he would make himself king.   A power struggle ensues and I am left wondering if it was man’s scheming and taking advantage of an aged king that brought Solomon the kingship.  Yet, I conclude like King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon did many years later that, “the Most High (i.e., God) is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” (Daniel 4:32)

On separate occasions during this turmoil, both Adonijah and Joab, the commander of the army, fear for their lives and run to the altar and hold onto the horns.  The altar is significant for two reasons: (1) it is the closest physically that a non-Levite could get to God, and (2) the altar is where a man’s sin is atoned for by a sacrifice.  The men were imploring Solomon to have mercy because God is merciful.  What were the outcomes?

 - Adonijah receives mercy and Solomon sends him home with a warning.  Adonijah continues with his scheming and ends up losing his head over a hot girl.

 - Joab, because of his treachery, becomes an example of Jesus’ statement, “those who use the sword will be killed by the sword.” (Matt 26:52)

Why did God choose Solomon to become David’s successor?  Remember what God said when he selected David to be king, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)  We get an indication of Solomon’s heart in the dream where God appeared to him.  Solomon acknowledged that he needed God’s help in governing the people and asked for a discerning heart and ability to distinguish between right and wrong, rather than asking for long life, wealth, or success.  Apparently, he was granted his desire, as evidenced by his wise ruling regarding who was the mother of the child.  And, he also received long life, wealth, and success.

Jesus said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt 23:12) and, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (provision for our daily needs) will be given to you as well.” (Matt 6:33)  I don’t need to try to get ahead or insist on my own way, yet that is what comes naturally.  Only God can change my heart.

Week of 10/27/19 - Pages 168 - 176

David is known to be a man after God’s own heart. The life of David is one that so many of us can relate or learn from. God used the life of David to impact so many people. This week we read about David’s last words. His last expression can be seen or read as a poem or song. Part of his last words are this…

“Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me.” 

“His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail.” 

“He will ensure my safety and success.” 

David is reflecting on the goodness of God. He remembers God’s promises and is thankful for his attention to detail. God blessed David abundantly, and David struggled to stay pure and right in the sight of God. However, when it all comes to an end, David remembers his place before God. David remembers that God is loving, forgiving, and redeeming in his relationship with humanity. 

Week of 10/20/19 - Pages 150-168

I can not wait to meet King David. He is one of my most favorite people in the Bible, "a man after God's own heart."

Up to this point in 2 Samual we have seen the triumphs of David, but now we are going to see the troubles of David. The story starts with "In the spring of the year, when kings normally go to war," ok, let's stop right there. A season to go to war? Yep. If you are a list person, Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 is the list of lists laying out times for every season and thing. 

King David knew that it was time for war, but he sent out Jab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites, but he stayed behind in Jerusalem.

The first question that I have is why did he stay back?  He was a great warrior. This was not like David at all. Maybe it was because of his beautiful comfy new palace. Or perhaps the thought of living out in the caves during battle didn't sound so thrilling to him anymore, whatever it was the Bible does not say why, but he stayed.

So David was at a place and time where he shouldn't have been.

Before I move on, I've never really thought of this, but I always blamed David at this point in this story. Anyway, now we have Bathsheba. She decides to take a bath on the rooftop (keep in mind that her husband Uriah has gone off to war). My next question is, what was Bathsheba doing bathing on the roof? She had to have known that her rooftop could be seen from the palace, right?!

Bathsheba wasn't entirely innocent.

As the story progresses, (this is what I call the shovel part of the story because David keeps digging and digging deeper and deeper holes for himself) David's attempt to cover his sins gets worse and worse. The choices that he makes will affect his future and his family's future to come.

My takeaway from this portion of the reading is how sin always starts out small, seemingly meaningless, or even fun, but before we know it, we are in a place where we were never meant to be. Ultimately David could have looked away, to turn from his sin. Bathsheba could have used the indoor bathroom, but they didn't, and that began a legacy of pain and destruction for David and his family for years to come. 

Week of 10/13/19 - Pages 138 - 150

These are tragic chapters.  King Saul has lost hope. The grief of loosing his three warrior sons, including Jonathon, and many, many soldiers shows the cost of his waywardness from the God he once served.  Saul takes his own life with some help from his armor bearer. In the bigger arch of the unfolding story between God and Israel the nation stays divided. Israel, the northern kingdom follows Abner, a commander in Saul’s army and makes Ishbosheth their King. Joab, Abisha and other leaders/clans align themselves with David in Judah, the southern kingdom. They crown him as their King. The division continues. There is stalemate for bringing the Israel and Judah together as one Kingdom.  God’s intent. Through a series of smaller battles between the two kingdoms the power eventually shifts to King David.   King David stays focused on doing what is right in God’s eyes.  King David showed disdain for betrayers or those who didn’t consider the impact of their actions, for example King Saul’s armor bearer decision to assist King Saul ends in death. In this backdrop of violence though there is a huge counterpoint in this section of Samual. 

King David showed compassion with how he dealt with some of King Saul’s servants and relatives. I see this as a foreshadowing of Jesus atonement for all peoples when you look how King David treats Ziba and Mephibosheth and his small family.   Mephibosheth is treated like royalty and cared for even though he has crippled feet.  I think that is noteworthy when you look at the standards for Aaronic/Levitical priests. Clearly they could not have physical deformities or have any imperfections to serve in the sacrificial/temple system. To deal with Holy objects and rituals, King David shows kindness, acceptance, and generosity to an imperfect person. Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathon, the son of fallen King Saul, who used to serve God and then turned against God.  I feel we are getting a glimpse of God’s mercy, love, acceptance and compassion for the imperfect against a terrible backdrop. It may not be apparent but think about it.  Mephibosheth is at a banquet every day in the Holy City, Jerusalem! 

“And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.”

Week of 10/6/19 - Pages 125 - 138

Abigail’s actions.

Many years ago, I had the good pleasure of viewing Michelangelo’s famous “David” sculpture, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy. This renaissance rendering of David, sparsely clad for his battle with Goliath, is remarkable. His appearance is perfect. There is a “presence” to the sculpture – look into the eyes of David and find strength, God-given confidence and determination, and perhaps even humility.  A true masterpiece!

Michelangelo carefully chiseled the honoring aspects of David, omitting any hint of the less flattering character flaws, such as David’s impulsiveness. 

In this week’s reading, we find a jealous and prideful Saul, hunting down David like some sort of felonious fugitive. Rather than fearing Saul, David is a man fearing only God.

Even in the face of consistently caustic counsel from his cronies – “Here’s your chance, kill Saul!” – David deferred to God’s plan and timing. The result? The full and final fall of Saul, and the righteous rise of David!

Although it’s easy to skip to the end – “Long live King David!” – another person in this story deserves special attention. Her name:  Abigail. She was “a sensible and beautiful woman” (1 Samuel 25:3). And she had a crude, mean, selfish fool for a husband named Nabal. 

When Nabal hurled insults toward David, how did David respond? Did he seek God’s counsel? Was he waiting on the Lord?  No! David impulsively set out to kill Nabal and his household.

I can practically hear David’s men cheering for the coming vengeance, with no pause to perceive God’s perspective. Although David has many brilliantly bright days, this particular one is desperately dim until Abigail approaches. Her plea to David is beautiful. And persuasive. Even endearing! And most certainly effective.  The hero of this day is not an avenging David, it is the astute Abigail.  And David knows it!

David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. – 1 Samuel 25:32-33

Abigail’s actions and advice altered the course of David’s life, and David rightly recognized God as the ultimate source of this eloquent and enchanting intervention.

Personally, even though I know I need help and sound advice every day ,my impulses too often govern my actions. Pause to seek God’s perspective? That just takes too long! My lack of patience stands in stark contrast with God’s indescribable grace and mercy for me. 

As you ponder the story of David and Abigail, personally consider:  What if my impulses were fully replaced by a right reaction – an impulse to urgently seek God first?

Week of 9/29/19 - Pages 111 - 125

When I think of the story of David and Goliath I think of another miracle of God favoring his chosen people.  When I read it again this week, I realized that there are a lot of other things I don't typically think of:

Preparation: David's path of preparation for that anointed confrontation with Goliath.  The bears and  lions David had confronted as a Sheppard to protect his sheep had prepared him for Goliath.  When I look back at some of the accomplishments in my life, I too can examine some of my prior experiences and see how God had used them to prepare me.  

David was not a one hit wonder:  No pun intended!  After David defeated Goliath he moved on to many additional victories as a soldier and leader of military forces.  

Even in success David had relational issues:  He had to deal with Saul's mounting jealousy.  He became David's enemy for the rest of his life.

Several words came to mind and I wrote them in the margins as I read this weeks assignment.

1.  Faith - "The Lord who rescued me from the claws of lions and bears will rescue me from this Philistine!"

2.  Revenge - "Saul urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David."

3.  Jealousy - as described above

4.  Love - "Both of them (David and Jonathan) were in tears as they embraced each other and said goodbye."

5.  Consequences - Samuel said to Saul "because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king".

6.  Admission and Excuses - Saul admitted to Samuel, "Yes, I have sinned, I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord's command" and followed with an excuse "for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded"

There were a lot of lessons and takeaways for me, and they jumped write off the page at me.

Week of 9/22/19 - Pages 100 - 111

Saul had it all.  He was handsome, the most handsome man in all of Israel.  He was tall, a full head taller than anyone else in Israel.  He was God’s chosen one, anointed by Samuel to be the first king of Israel.  Yes, Saul had it all until he lost it all.

Saul started out very well.  After being anointed by Samuel, God gave Saul a new heart.  The Spirit of God came upon him and he began to prophesy.  When it was publicly revealed that he was God’s chosen king for Israel, he was found hiding amongst the baggage.  Perhaps the significance of the moment overwhelmed him, humbled him.  Then his first act as king was to lead Israel in a great military victory over Ammonites, saving the Israelite town Jabesh-gilead from the violent oppression of king Nahash.  When the people shouted for him to take revenge on his doubters within Israel, Saul responded with forgiveness.  “No one will be executed today, for today the Lord has rescued Israel!”  Yes, Saul started out very well, but then something changed.

Saul ruled Israel for 42 years.  Somewhere along the way that old enemy pride must have crawled into his heart.  Perhaps he started thinking it was his leadership, his skill, his strength, his charisma that was leading Israel to all these great victories.  Maybe he started thinking that God chose him because he had the right stuff.  Whatever it was, it came to fruition in Gigal.  Samuel didn’t show up when he said he would.  No problem thought Saul - I can sacrifice to the Lord, I can do what is preserved only for God’s priests, I can please God, I can manipulate God for his help, I’ve got the right stuff.  So Saul demanded the offerings, disobeyed God’s commands revealed will through Samuel, and then everything changed.

Isn’t this the same old problem that started in the garden?  Our hearts are wicked and deceitful.  When things are going well, my heart says “I don’t need God, I’m strong, I’m happy.”  And that leads to disobedience, sin and consequences.  Although Saul’s kingship continues for 42 years and he was victorious over Israel’s enemies, the die was cast.  His kingdom would end.  The Lord had already appointed a new king, a man after his own heart.

Proverbs 3:5 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  This scripture is so counter-cultural.  Modern wisdom tells us to follow our heart, be true to yourself, chase your dreams – but scripture warns us that our hearts are deceitful, and sometimes following your heart can result in dire consequences.

Saul’s story reads like a Greek tragedy, a morality play.  He started out so well, but then something changed in his heart.  This led to foolish decisions, disobedience and ultimately to the end of his kingdom.  My heart is not much different than Saul’s.  It is prone to wander, vulnerable to pride.  Fortunately, the gospel gives us a much better ending than a Greek tragedy. 1 John 1:3 reminds us that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  Hebrews 4:15-16 says we have a high priest (Jesus) who is able to empathize with our weakness, because he was tempted in every way just as we are – yet he didn’t sin.  So we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.  This is beyond amazing, and gives me great hope that a sinner like me will receive grace and mercy.  Thanks be to God!