King David and His Pride

Along The Way – King David’s Pride

David is experiencing rest, having endured the rebellion of his son Absalom. He unnecessarily calls for a census. God allowed him to be tempted by the Devil, to which he yielded (24:1). At this stage in his life (one of relative ease and peace) David was dealing with pride – his pride drove him to call for the numbering of his people. During times of comfort and rest when there is seemingly a limited need of God, we are often drawn away by the lure of Satan. David took the bait. His friend, confidant and army commander Joab questioned his actions, asking “Why does my Lord have need of this thing”? It is a good thing to have people in our lives who can question our motives and possible be the source of escape from painful choices. Unfortunately the king did not listen; his will prevailed over Joab’s objection.

Kings, leaders, government officials, pastors can be caught up in sin and make decisions that affect many. We are encouraged to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Often those in leadership consider themselves accountable to no one. David’s sin caused a pestilence upon the land. Over 70, 000 people died within a few hours because of David’s action (Henry). Yet, this judgment led the king to identify his disconnect from God. He immediately owned up to his sin, blaming himself, pleading for mercy on the innocent “sheep”; “Punish me and my father’s house” (paraphrased 24:17). Once again we see God’s mercy expressed – There was an immediate stay of the death angel’s hand. God will answer the prayers of the broken, contrite and repentant. He is no respecter of status or persons.

References:

Matthew Henry Commentary. II Samuel 24. Retrieved from: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/2-samuel/24.html

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Yes, But How?

Samson – Who God Appoints Is His Prerogative!

Along The Way - Samson 

 (Written by Kevin Hall   06.13.17)

Samson was blessed by God with super-human strength for the specific purpose of “beginning the deliverance of God’s people from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:15). In the account of Samson we see the mind of God using foolish things, faith-less, even unfaithful people to accomplish his purposes. In our day, Samson would not be first choice for leadership. He was often hot-tempered, impetuous and brawling. He was “often controlled by his sensual desires” (Smith, 182) – This would certainly disqualify him from Christian leadership.

Yet, from birth, God chose Samson and equipped him for His purposes. Samson, despite his foolish gestures, riddles, brawls accomplished God’s will to “deliver the people from Philistine oppression”. Through trial and error, he faithfully executed that task for 20 years (maybe not according to the expectations of many). I believe God would have used him mightily if he was a man of prayer and faith.

Toward the end of his life Samson repented and made peace with God. His hair began to grow back (Judges 16:22). This means God granted him favor. God will forgive and restore anyone who calls upon His name. This prepared him for his final act.  He was summoned by the Philistines to a house where over 3000 men and women gathered. It is here Samson prayed for strength and revenge. God granted his wish and he died with all the Philistines present. It is never too late to ask for forgiveness, and it is never too late to be used by God. Samson was never perfect, but he was faithful to God’s call. This is a valued lesson for all believers.

References:

Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press (1995).

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King David And His Indulgences

A Daily Walk - Along The Way:  King David

(06.11.17)

King David “grew greater and greater, for the Lord of Host was with Him” (2 Samuel 5:10). The Lord was pleased with David and caused his kingdom to grow. In this I find a God who considers the totality of a person. The Lord loved David. There was nothing in David’s life that was hidden from God – this includes his moral indulgences. David was a womanizer, still “a man after God’s own heart”. This is no excuse for sinful living, but his life serves as an example for every believer in the pursuit of God. Even before David took the throne, he was already adding to his wives. 

One wife is enough! "Believe Me! 

This has been God's plan from the beginning (Genesis 2:20-25). By the time we get to Hebron, when king David assumes the throne, the word of God states “Meanwhile, David took more wives and concubines from Jerusalem…” (5:13). David had a weakness that was never satisfied. He followed the example of many leaders before him. Some of these marriages were for territorial alliances, but regardless of the reason, we cannot ignore God’s guidelines and expect a blessed outcome.

                A King of Israel was encouraged not to “multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away” (Deut. 17:17). David ignored this part of God’s word and it brought him tremendous pain in the latter part of his life. Not because it has been done, does it mean it is profitable. This principle still applies to us today and should be an ecclesiological consideration for ministry and life. Not because things seemingly are blessed, does it mean God agrees with everything I do. David was a godly man, a man after God's own heart; but his life reminds me that none of us are perfect. The journey of life is filled with indulgences and compromises. The question is - Do we continue in sin because we know God is grace-full? The Lord was with king David, so too with all Christians. God loved David, so too all Christians. Hey, He died for us! (John 3:16) But rest assured, He will not turn a blind eye to disregard for holy living. If we are honest, he shows that compromises can lead to great pain. David became a recipient of the seeds he planted - read the last half of his story; a life filled with internal turmoil.

            My encouragement as we Walk Along The Way: Consider our beloved David. His love for God was exemplary. He was one of a few men in the Bible of whom it was written "The Lord was with him". I love that he shows how imperfect we all are. We will be imperfect till the day Jesus returns and gives us a new body (Hebrews 10:9-10). But till then - watch out for those compromises. Watch out for those indulgences. They can become our undoing. It was the Apostle Paul who said "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:7-9).

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