Author: Scott Lane

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 15 (day five)  What is your instinct and reaction when you are betrayed? Psalm 55 gives us a glimpse into David’s heart and perspective. He is honest…”My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger.”  He is hurting…”If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me I could hide. But it is you, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.” Yet, David is hopeful… “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.  Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

David’s example serves us well. When he was betrayed, he didn’t chase after Absalom, he chased after God… “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. But as for me, I trust in you.”

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

vs. 21 Now when King David heard of all these matters, he was very angry.

I keep looking for the verse or verses that were never written.  Maybe a verse where David shows compassion and encouragement to Tamar.  Or, where he rebukes and disciplines Amnon.  Yet, none of those things happened.  Why? Well, verse 21 might give us a hint. The reference to his anger was to David’s title as King rather than his responsibility and calling as father. A lesson for all parents.  There are always relationships and layers that we must filter decisions, responses, and actions through.  However, the most important ones are the relationships within our families (Husband, Wife, Father, Mother, Son, Daughter).  We must always remember to keep family relationships at the top of our priorities and responsibilities.  By God’s design, those key relationships are the best images and portrayals of the gospel.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 12:1-23 (day five) vs 16 David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground.

What would cause David to think that he could ask God to help and save his dying son?  Why would David even pray asking God to change directions?  I think it’s because David had confessed and repented from his sins, and  had his fellowship with the Lord restored. I don’t believe he was trying to manipulate  God with prayer and fasting into getting his own way. Rather, I think David (maybe more than ever) believed in the power and strength of God and trusted God’s sovereignty. Only a clean and pure heart can believe and trust like this.   Completely different approach and perspective from the previous chapter.  His heart was restored. Could this be a similar prayer to the prayer Jesus prayed in the garden.  Wanna believe and trust like that?  Confess and Repent. 

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

Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle… But David stayed at Jerusalem.

David’s perspective had changed. His willingness to get the counsel of the Lord was gone. His perception and actions towards others was dramatically different (remember chapter 8, David administered justice and righteousness for all his people). David was leading in an unhealthy way- inward and selfish motivations.  The result was weakness and vulnerability to sin when temptations were encountered.

Maybe there is a lesson to be learned about leadership. As a parent, spouse, supervisor, pastor, teacher, deacon, employer etc. – we must learn and desire to always lead for the glory of God and the good of others. That is a worthy task and perspective.  David has lost this perspective. “When leaders begin to view their leadership in terms of status rather than in terms of task, it is more than likely that they will begin to fail at the task and therefore to cease, in any meaningful sense, to be leaders”- Mary J Evans

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

“King David dedicated these articles to the Lord, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued: The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.”
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I believe David’s main goal or priority in the battles and wars in chapter 8 was not victory. He was indeed a mighty warrior and effective leader. Yet, I think His objective/purpose was something more meaningful and significant- obedience (to God). From David’s obedience came victory. There’s is a dramatic and noticeable difference between the two.  If victory was the main goal, the focus and attention would have been on David. His own efforts, his own skill, and wisdom. There would have been no room for praise and gratitude to God. No place for dependence on Him.  But, there was. Plenty!  Obedience to God keeps the focus and attention on Him. Obedience causes thankfulness, humility, and dependence.  We see these in David’s relationship with God in chapter 8. Is your goal only victory or something larger and more meaningful-obedience? 

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 7 (day five) v 3  Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.”  v 17 In accordance with all these words and all this vision, so Nathan spoke to David.

The relationship between king David and the prophet Nathan is remarkable.  At first, Nathan gives David the green light on building the Temple. Then, comes a completely different word of counsel.  Yet, David doesn’t question, challenge, or berate Nathan.  Instead, David goes to pray (a recurring activity in 2 Samuel). David demonstrates a humble heart and a high trust for the counsel of Nathan.  Nathan is communicating a change of plans for David (the king).  Yet, David is willing to listen and then process this information.

Maybe one of the lessons we can learn from the life of David is to have people ready and willing to speak God’s truth and perspective into our lives. Someone, we know from experience, walks closely and consistently with the Lord.  Someone we trust that has no agenda other than wanting God’s best and God’s will for our lives.  How valuable was Nathan to David?

Do you have anyone like that? (mentor, longtime friend, family member) Are you a “Nathan” to anyone?  Perhaps God’s voice can be heard through the counsel of those around us.

Re:Verse passage – 2 Samuel 6 (day five)

vs 20 Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!”

A strong word/warning to parents and grandparents in this passage- our children are watching and learning from our actions and attitudes.  We don’t have to wonder where this perspective from Michal comes from.  She saw it with her father, king Saul. Many times Saul chose his own reputation and image ahead of obedience and devotion to God.  Michal basically is calling out David for “conduct unbecoming of a king”.  She is more concerned about the image of the king than bringing glory to God.  David was not. We have opportunities to communicate those same values and priorities many times a day, not just in worship services. I pray our children (and others) see in us and begin to learn for themselves that devotion and obedience to God are greater than anything else.

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

vs 19- so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” The Lord answered him,   vs 23 so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered,

Does it seem interesting that David the warrior king would pray and ask God for direction about a battle with the Philistines? When the heart’s focus is walking with God and pleasing Him at every turn, it is no surprise at all when David asks the Lord for guidance (and then patiently listens for His response- where I often drop the ball). David didn’t rely on his own skill set to accomplish something for God. He trusted God to guide him even when he could have been quite capable.  Then, when a very similar circumstance arises, David asks again for guidance rather than just continue on with God’s previous instruction.

Every occasion (even if familiar or repeated) is an opportunity to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance and direction.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬

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

“Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” And David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hebron.” 2 Samuel 2:1,3

Sometimes the biggest struggle we face is when we seem to have power and opportunity given to us by God Himself. David had the first (promise of being King) already clearly communicated to him. The second (opportunity to immediately become King) was literally handed to him by the Amalekite. Wasn’t it time to step into the role and position David was created for? Not Yet. David shows remarkable patience and contentment by his response. He laments and grieves the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. He then asks the Lord for guidance and direction instead of immediately jumping into the position of king. Who does that?  Why wait?  Why not act on the circumstances?  Because David has learned to trust God not only for His word and promises, but also His timing. It’s a supernatural sense of patience, peace, and contentment.  J. I. Packer calls it “comprehensive contentment” and describes it as evidence of knowing God. I wonder if our actions, decisions, and motives reflect this kind of deep relationship with the living God?