Author: Aaron Hufty

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 16 (day two)

“Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.” vs. 12

Humility often brings a broader perspective. Here we see the displaced king walking among his predecessor’s family and friends, and his reception is less than regal. Ordinarily this would have been met with a swift retribution. David’s loyalty to Mephibosheth notwithstanding, it is unlikely that he would have tolerated rocks and insults being hurled at him. Although David has been brought pretty low, his response isn’t some sort of pity party, and I appreciate that. He has a healthy understanding of how God can use these moments for a course correction, or to gain greater insight into the larger picture. Sometimes there will be valleys to walk through, but that doesn’t mean God is not teaching all along the way. Stand up, take a breath, and figure out what is God’s next step for you.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 15 (day two)

But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be.” Vs. 21

Who was this Ittai character, and why didn’t David act more like him? Maybe you missed this verse. There are many names and places mentioned and many are not spoken of again. Friends of David turning to follow Absalom. Friends of David sent to spy on Absalom. Friends of Absalom giving really bad counsel. Then there is Ittai. While we may not know his back story, we can see he is a man of conviction. He recognizes David’s authority and shows great integrity by staying at his side.

This rift between David and Absalom had grown and simmered for many years, and from our text there seems to be no attempts at true reconciliation. Absalom deals with his anger by plotting for years to take the kingdom. David, the true king, flees. Is this the same David who killed his tens of thousands in battle with Saul? Where was the David we tell our kids about in Sunday school? Is this evidence of the guilt he still carried from his very public shame? We are not told. What we are told is the David ran rather than confront his own son. Is your conflict worth giving up the kingdom?

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 13:1-33 (day two) 

Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; 12:11

But Absalom did not speak to Amnon either good or bad; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar. 13:22

Don’t ever let yourself become convinced that your “secret” sin will only impact your life, and that you and you alone will carry the consequences if you are ever found out. The truth of the matter is that our lives are so intricately woven with our families, our friends, even those who associate with us. They all notice our choices, actions, and often suffer with us. We cannot walk in sin and extricate our lives from those who are watching. We may not walk the same road as David, but his life should serve as a cautionary tale to all of us who harbor “secret” sin. It is always less secret than we realize, and the consequences are almost always more public than we could have ever imagined.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 12:1-23 (day two) 

…and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these! vs. 8b

It is not uncommon to want what we don’t have. Sometimes it’s money, power, prestige. Other times it can be more practical wants like spouse, family, career. It’s the what happens next that defines our where our heart and devotion truly are. Do we act impulsively? Do we assume that we are supposed to have it and then try secretly to get it (ie David)? Do we lay it before the Lord who gives all gifts? I don’t think the Lord would have honored David’s request for another man’s wife, but it would have brought to light the desire which could have been dealt with properly. But there are times when God says yes, the issue is getting in front of God. How often is this a theme in scripture? It happened to David’s predecessor, Saul. He was impatient and acted impulsively, and it cost him dearly. We would do well to be mindful of all desires that come before us. Regardless of God’s answer, talking with him before acting is always the best course of action.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 11 (day two) 

Then David sent to Joab, saying, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent Uriah to David. vs. 6

This is a hard read, make no mistake. A man who we revere succumbs to sin. We want to believe there are those above reproach, and that those we esteem would never stoop to such degradation. We must remind ourselves that it is Jesus alone who walked a sinless life.

What strikes me as I reread this passage today is that David’s actions to cover up his sin came only after Bathsheba sent word that she was pregnant. It seems he would have been content to ignore his lust and subsequent adulterous actions had pregnancy not been the result. Does this just sicken you? It does me, but perhaps not the way you would think. I am wounded because I recognize that tendency. If I’m in no danger of being caught, then I won’t have to acknowledge the action. We can all recognize the error in this thinking, but that does not stop our sinful tendencies. We are often content to just keep walking with sin corroding our hearts simply because nobody noticed.

The old axiom states: Truth will out. Whether or not anyone else ever finds out, you can bet you will be held accountable before God.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 8 (day two) 

And the Lord helped David wherever he went. vs. 6b, 14b

Victories, success, power – wow, David must have had it made, huh? It’s easy to look at a success story like that of King David and only see the ‘prosperity.’ But if we have seen anything in the past few weeks of our study, it is that David wanted what the Lord wanted. He moved where the Lord moved him. He surrendered his plans to God’s, and the Lord helped David.

Ok, ok, so now I have the secret formula, right? Want what God wants, seek after him, and then I’ll be rewarded! Not quite. We would all be wise to remember that God’s ways are not our own, and we should expect nothing in the way of payment for anything we do for the Lord. The key take away is that the Lord helped David. That is the victory. It may be through a cancer treatment, a transition at work or home, an opportunity to share your faith. Trust and obedience will result in God’s favor. Don’t read into another’s success, be grateful the Lord is on your side.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 7 (day two)

Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’ vs. 7

It was a good plan. I would be willing to bet that anyone that David proposed it to would agree that it was a good plan. Build the Lord a house. Honor the Lord by creating a beautiful temple. What could be bad about that? It wasn’t God’s plan. Has that happened to you? Have you had a desire to do something great, selfless even, only to be told no? That can be pretty defeating…unless you are after God’s heart. Listen to David’s response.

Now therefore, O Lord God, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house, confirm it forever, and do as You have spoken. Vs. 25

David’s plan was good, but God’s was best. David did not rashly run out thinking his good idea was the final word. He heard from the Lord and was given a greater understanding of God’s ultimate plan. Greater than David could ever imagine.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 6 (day two) Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals. Vs. 5

Make no mistake, genuine worship is a response to God’s presence. No amount of presentation or polish will usher in the Holy Spirit. We are foolish to think that we do anything to invite the Lord into his house. We are the ones that need reminding of his majesty. When the blinders of sin, doubt, the past, our weariness are finally removed our natural response is to praise. It is what we are made to do. What is your expectation when you enter worship? For that matter what is your expectation every time you seek the Father in prayer. Make no mistake we don’t need to get his attention, he is trying to get ours. What would our worship be like if we came with hearts ready to praise? Not perfected or even always happy hearts, but hearts calibrated to truly encounter Jesus. Who knows, we might even dance…

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 5 (day two)

David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him. vs. 10

This right here. If there is any doubt as to why Saul’s reign ended and David’s did not it is this verse. The Lord was with him. Was it because David was better than Saul? More educated? More highly favored? Or was it a mater of David consistently seeking after the Lord? His walk was not perfect, but when re-directed David knew where to turn for guidance, strength, and correction. No battle is too insignificant. No decision too small. Everything is the Lord’s, so go ahead and lay it before him. Seen God work here before? That should be more reason to trust him again, and not assume he’ll just show up.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 1; 2:1-7 (day two)

Then David chanted with this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son,  and he told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow; behold, it is written in the book of Jashar. Vs. 17-18

David was a warrior-poet. I think we forever think of him as a shepherd boy trying to wear Saul’s armor. We seem to be ok with the ruddy-faced young man writing poetry and singing psalms. Can we advance that figure in years? This same king who was known for his sword, his sin, but also his devotion to God. Can you be ok with this very grown-up version of David? A warring man who also grieved and danced publicly? Moderns struggle with this concept. It is an either or proposition for most of us, but not to David. His expressions of grief, love, devotion, and joy are all part of who he was. I want to encourage all of you to be more demonstrative in how your express your faith. Yes, even in an artistic medium. If it was good enough for a warrior king, it’s good enough for you. Write a poem, sing a song, paint a picture, and by all means tell others of what life in Christ is all about. I think our church will be a radically renewed place if we were to follow that example.