Success - Face Crises with Courage - 2 Samuel 15, 17 and 19 - August 29,2010

Bible Study – Success – Face Crises with Courage – August 29, 2010

This is our final lesson in our series “The Essentials of Success.”
Our scripture is 2 Samuel 15:12b-14, 24-26, 27-29, 30-37; 17:1-16; 18: 9-17, 33; 19:1-8a.

What is success? I am recovering from a hip replacement. I can put on one sock but the other sock has been impossible for me to put on until this morning. I got my leg up enough and for the first time in about 6 weeks, I put on my sock. When I did, I uttered the words “Success!” It was a moment of achievement. It was a simple thing but to me it was important.

A part of living includes the good times and the not so good times. We learn from both the successes and the not-so-successes of life. We have studied the life of David from a young boy watching his father’s sheep to his battle with his son, Absalom. Life is always clearly in focus when we look in the rearview mirror. But we have to look forward and learn from life. Some of us are more stubborn than others.

Last week, we studied about David’s adulterous affair which led to murder. Once David confessed that he had sinned, the Prophet Nathan told him that GOD had forgiven him but he would suffer consequences for his sins.

It wasn’t long before David began seeing the consequences of his sins:

Ammon, David’s son, raped his half sister, Tamar. As a result Absalom killed Ammon and fled to Syria. After three (3) years in Syria, Joab brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. Tension remained between David and Absalom. Absalom began to lay plans to topple his father as king. Absalom was a very handsome and winsome personality. His political base increased and he traveled to Hebron where he proclaimed himself as king of Israel. He began to lay plans to build an army and attack his dad. This brings us to our scripture.

Let’s read 2 Samuel 15:12b-14, 24-26:

So the conspiracy grew strong, and the people supporting Absalom continued to increase. 13 Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom![7]Leave quickly, or he will overtake us, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

David knew it was time for him and his supporters to flee. Some of his loyal supporters, including 600 soldiers, prepared to go with him.

24 Zadok (ZAY dahk) was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar (uh BIGH uh thahr) offered [sacrifices]* [10] until the people had finished marching past. 25 Then the king instructed Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, He will bring me back and allow me to see both it and its dwelling place. 26 However, if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—He can do with me whatever pleases Him.”[11]


Zadok (ZAY dahk) was high priest during David’s reign. Later Zadok supported and also served as a priest during Solomon’s reign. All the Levites also went with David. They carried the Ark of the Covenant, which was to show that GOD was with David. As the entourage was leaving Jerusalem they offered sacrifices until all the people had passed.


David had second thoughts about taking the Ark with them and instructed Zadok to return the Ark to Jerusalem. Why? We read that he was trusting GOD for his life and his future as King of Israel. David may have recalled the time when Israel brought the Ark to battle the Philistines years earlier and the Philistines captured the Ark. He had the Ark brought back to Jerusalem after years of it being kept elsewhere. David chose to place his faith in GOD and he would not, in essence, capture GOD and take HIM with him. David wanted GOD’S will to be done in a very potentially bad situation. David trusted GOD with the results whether good or bad.


Christians often find themselves in similar situations. They may be battling financial situations, jobs, children being rebellious, children or other family members or friends addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, porn, lying, cheating, stealing and the list goes on and on. These are battles and strongholds which only the power of GOD can break and conquer through the shed blood of CHRIST. Christians who attempt to help them must be in relationship with CHRIST, so they can be lead by the HOLY SPIRIT to wisely assist those who need help. Only HIS power and presence in those who attempt to help and those who receive that help can free them from this bondage. Just as in David’s situation, the end result may be very difficult to handle, which we will see at the end of our lesson.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 15:27-29:


27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Look,[12] return to the city in peace and your two sons with you: your son Ahimaaz (uh HIM uh az) and Abiathar’s (uh BIGH uh thahr) son Jonathan. 28 Remember, I’ll wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.


David had a plan for Zadok to be a spy. Information would be fed to him from different loyal sources and in turn Zadok would relay it to David.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 15:30-37:


30 David was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he ascended. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.[13] Each of the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they ascended. 31 Then someone reported to David: “Ahithophel (uh HITH oh fel) is among the conspirators with Absalom.” “LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 32 When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, there to meet him was Hushai the Archite[14] with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go away with me, you’ll be a burden to me, 34 but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, my king! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. 35 Won’t Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report everything you hear from the king’s palace to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Take note: their two sons, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan, are there with them. Send me everything you hear through them.” 37 So Hushai, David’s personal adviser, entered Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.


It is very interesting that David is ascending the Mount of Olives. He is in a state of mourning and great concern. He could have been remembering his sins and the calamity they have brought upon him, his family and kingdom.


The Mount of Olives has played such an important role in Israel’s history:


- It is located east of Jerusalem.
- It was where JESUS went after HE instituted the LORD’S Supper.
- It was where JESUS was betrayed by Judas.
- It was where JESUS had given the what is known as the “Olivet Discourse” where JESUS speaks of the signs of the times, the end of the age, the Great Tribulation and the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:3 - 25:46)
- It was where JESUS ascended into heaven after HIS resurrection from the dead.
- It is where the Prophet Zechariah in Zechariah 14:4 spoke of the future Day of the LORD: 4 On that day His feet will stand on the • Mount of Olives,[3] which faces Jerusalem on the east. The Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, forming a huge valley, so that half the mountain will move to the north and half to the south.


David was climbing the Mount weeping, barefoot and with his head covered. It was a sign of his remorse with what was happening. He may have thought that his sin caused all of this pain. His supporters felt his pain and mourned with him. When your children rebel against you it is devastating. Absalom had built an army and was out to kill his father and take his throne. David knew the end result, at best, would not be good. Later we know that David asked Joab to not kill Absalom but did Joab obey his king?


David was told that one of his trusted advisors, Ahithophel (uh HITH oh fel), was advising Absalom. David prayed and asked GOD to turn Ahithophel’s wise counsel into foolishness.


Hushai (HYOO shigh) the Archite (AHR kight) wanted to be a loyal supporter of David but David told him that he would be a burden to him. If he wanted to help, he should return to Jerusalem and pledge allegiance to Absalom and become an advisor to him and counteract the wise counsel of Ahithophel. Hushai did as David wanted which turned out to be the very thing that defeated Absalom as we see in 2 Samuel 17:1-16:


1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight. 2 I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king 3 and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns [except]* the man you’re seeking, all[1] the people will be at peace.” 4 This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well.” 6 So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him: “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say?” 7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” 8 Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. 9 He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves[2] or some other place. If some of our troops fall[3] first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will melt because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors. 11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba—as numerous as the sand by the sea—be gathered to you and that you personally go into battle. 12 Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. Not even one will be left of all the men with him. 13 If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its [stones]* into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” 14 Since the LORD had decreed that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin,[4] Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.”


David Informed of Absalom’s Plans


15 Hushai then told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, “This is what[5] Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what[6] I advised. 16 Now send someone quickly and tell David, ‘Don’t spend the night at the wilderness ford [of the Jordan]* , but be sure to cross over, or the king and all the people with him will be destroyed.’ ”


If Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s advice he would have defeated David. David looked to GOD to guide and direct him. When he climbed up the Mount of Olives, he prayed. GOD guided him in his decisions and the result was victory, which was bitter sweet as we see in our next scripture.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 18:9-17:


Absalom’s Death


9 Absalom was riding on his mule when he happened to meet David’s soldiers. When the mule went under the tangled branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair.[2] 10 One of the men saw [him]* and informed Joab. He said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” 11 “You just saw [him]* !” Joab exclaimed.[3] “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you 10 silver pieces[4] and a belt!” 12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if I had the weight of 1,000 pieces of silver[5] in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for me.’[6][7] 13 If I had jeopardized my own[8] life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.” 14 Joab said, “I’m not going to waste time with you!” He then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree, 15 and 10 young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 16 Afterwards, Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him.[9] And all Israel fled, each to his tent.


The news of Absalom’s death devastated David as we will see in our next scripture.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 19:1-8a:


David’s Kingdom Restored


1 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.” 2 That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.” 3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle. 4 But the king hid his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!” 5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers—those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. 6 You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you![1]7 “Now get up! Go out and encourage[2] your soldiers, for I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!” 8 So the king got up and sat in the • gate, and all the people were told: “Look, the king is sitting in the gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence.


David had confined himself to a chamber above the gate, which was the entrance to the city as reported in 2 Samuel 18:33:


33 [11] The king was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!”


The gate was where friends were welcomed and enemies were kept out. It was the place for trials and for greeting and communicating with the people. David had isolated himself above the gate. Likely David had positioned himself above the gate to address and compliment those who had supported and defended him and the kingdom. But when he received the word that Absalom had been killed he fell apart. The people expected him to grieve but not to the exclusion of congratulating them on their victory.


Those who had risked their lives to defend and support David got upset with him because of his wailing and lack of visibility among them. They realized that Absalom was his son but it seemed that David would have rather that he had been killed and defeated. There was a feeling of defeat among the people whereas they had won. It was true that Absalom had been killed but after all he was the culprit and the reason they had to defend David.


Joab went to David and spoke to him firmly. David needed a dose of reality. Sure he had lost his son but his son was out to kill him and take over his kingdom. So he needed to get over it because those who stood with him needed for him to show appreciation for their support of him.


David heeded Joab’s advice and positioned himself at the gate to show support for those who had supported him. When tragedy comes, there comes a time when we have to get over it. Yes, it hurts and we miss those who have lost their lives.


When bad times hit, who do we turn to? David did not try to coerce GOD. Instead he trusted GOD with the outcome of his bad situation but he also prayed and took action as GOD led him. There was one pivotal point when Absalom took the advice of Hushai over Ahithophel’s. I believe GOD planted that idea into David’s head. GOD knows the beginning from the end. Seek HIM and HIS guidance.


Who or where or what do you turn to in crises? David turned to GOD. If you have not asked CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and asked HIM into your heart do so now.

Success - Deal with Personal Sin - 2 Samuel 11, 12 and Psalm 51 - August 22, 2010

Bible Study – Success – Deal with Personal Sin – August 22, 2010



This is lesson four (4) in our series “The Essential of Success.”


Our scripture is 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 12:1-24 and Psalm 51:1-4.


NO CHRISTIAN IS SO SPIRITUAL THAT HE OR SHE CAN ESCAPE THE POSSIBILITY OF FALLING INTO GRIEVOUS SIN. Satan knows us like the back of his hand and he will make sure at the first sign of compromise he will make certain that opportunity will follow. The scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13:


13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.


GOD will provide the way of escape but those tempted must take the way of escape when it is revealed. One way to escape is to run in the opposite direction of the temptation.


Here is a main point that I would like for us to see. When Christians sin and confess his/her sin, repent and ask GOD to forgive him/her, HE does. David had to suffer the consequences of his sins but once GOD forgave him, GOD’S plan and purpose through him continued. Did GOD know that David would commit adultery and have Uriah killed before hand? YES! HE chose him anyway. GOD knew David’s heart. Remember last week’s study. GOD promised David that the Messiah would come through his descendants. David had not committed adultery and murder until later. The baby conceived through adultery died. The lineage of CHRIST came from David and Bathsheba through Solomon. This to me shows the extent of GOD’S love for HIS children. When HE forgives, HE forgets and HIS plan continues to completion. Our part is to confess, repent and continue to obediently follow HIM.


Now let’s read what GOD’S Word has to say.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 11:1-27:


David’s Adultery with Bathsheba


1 In the spring when kings march out [to war]* , David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem.[1]


David should have gone off to war with his army. Instead he stayed behind.


Had he already noticed his neighbor or did he need a breather? We can only speculate. But we do know the results of his staying behind.


2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. 3 So David sent someone to inquire about her, and he reported, “This is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hittite.”[2]4 David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. Now she had just been purifying herself from her uncleanness.[3]Afterwards, she returned home. 5 The woman conceived and sent word to inform David: “I am pregnant.”


David looked and liked what he saw. Likely his mind began building fantasies. David sent someone to find out who she was. David learned beforehand that Bathsheba was married. Yet, he sent for her anyway. Lust overrides commonsense. It was not like he did not already have enough pretty women, he received King Saul’s women.


Verse 4, revealed, since Bathsheba was cleaning herself from her monthly period; she was not pregnant when Uriah left for battle.


Bathsheba sent word to David that she was pregnant.


Notice that David inquired about whom the woman was and asked someone to go get her. Then she sent someone to tell David that she was pregnant. So far there were several people involved with knowledge of what was going on.


David was told that she was pregnant. “No Problem”, he likely thought. “I have a grand plan, which will hide our problem.” But would it? If his grand plan did not accomplish his purpose, did he have a backup plan? Of course not, his plan would work because he knew human nature. Let’s see.


6 David sent orders to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent Uriah to David. 7 When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the troops were doing and how the war was going. 8 Then he said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king followed him. 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the palace with all his master’s servants; he did not go down to his house. 10 When it was reported to David, “Uriah didn’t go home,” David questioned Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a journey? Why didn’t you go home?” 11 Uriah answered David, “The ark, Israel, and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers[4] are camping in the open field. How can I enter my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live and by your life, I will not do this!”[5]12 “Stay here today also,” David said to Uriah, “and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and David got him drunk. He went out in the evening to lie down on his cot with his master’s servants, but he did not go home.


Uriah the loyal warrior refused to sleep with his wife. He was loyal to King David and to his fellow warriors. David’s plan was not working as he had planned. Had someone tipped Uriah off to what had happened while he was gone? We do not know. We do know that David’s plan was not working. He knew that Bathsheba would be killed for her infidelity. She was looking to David to take care of this situation. So David had to come up with plan two (2). Let’s see.


Uriah’s Death Arranged


14 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 In the letter he wrote: Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest fighting, then withdraw from him so that he is struck down and dies. 16 When Joab was besieging the city, he put Uriah in the place where he knew the best [enemy]* soldiers were. 17 Then the men of the city came out and attacked Joab, and some of the men from David’s soldiers fell [in battle]* ; Uriah the Hittite also died. 18 Joab sent someone to report to David all the details of the battle. 19 He commanded the messenger, “When you’ve finished telling the king all the details of the battle— 20 if the king’s anger gets stirred up and he asks you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn’t you realize they would shoot from the top of the wall? 21 At Thebez, who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth?[6][7]Didn’t a woman drop an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall so that he died?[8] Why did you get so close to the wall?’—then say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.’ ” 22 Then the messenger left. When he arrived, he reported to David all that Joab had sent him [to tell]* . 23 The messenger reported to David, “The men gained the advantage over us and came out against us in the field, but we counterattacked right up to the entrance of the gate. 24 However, the archers shot down on your soldiers from the top of the wall, and some of the king’s soldiers died. Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.” 25 David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this matter upset you because the sword devours all alike. Intensify your fight against the city and demolish it.’ Encourage him.” 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband Uriah had died, she mourned for him.[9] 27 When the time of mourning ended, David had her brought to his house. She became his wife and bore him a son. However, the LORD considered what David had done to be evil.


The evil deed had been accomplished. David was a warrior and he knew battle strategy. Joab, David’s commander, knew David would be upset about the battle strategy Joab used in this particular battle. Joab told his messenger to add that during this battle Uriah was killed. The evil deed had been accomplished. Again, notes and messages were passed back and forth. Others knew what was going on. When David heard that Uriah had been killed his reaction was, “Well, when you fight in a battle some will lose their life.” It appears David felt his hands were clean of any wrong doing because he had not physically killed Uriah but GOD would make him deal with what he had done and knowingly suffer the consequences.


Bathsheba was told of the death of her husband and mourned. After a period of mourning, David had her brought to his house. David does the noble thing and married her. His plan had worked and no one was the wiser. He likely thought how clever he was. But GOD knew and would make David face and acknowledge his sins. GOD gave the Prophet Nathan a tough assignment. He had to confront the king with his evil deed. Let’s see.

Let’s read 2 Samuel 12:1-24:


Nathan’s Parable and David’s Repentance


1 So the LORD sent Nathan to David.[1] When he arrived, he said to him: There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. It lived and grew up with him and his children. It shared his meager food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man could not bring himself to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.[2]5 David was infuriated with the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 Because he has done this thing and shown no pity, he must pay four lambs for that lamb.”[3]7 Nathan replied to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel,[4] and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms,[5] and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. 9 Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing what I consider[6] evil?[7] You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife as your own wife—you murdered him with the Ammonite’s sword.[8] 10 Now therefore, the sword will never leave your house[9] because you despised Me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own wife.’ 11 “This is what the LORD says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you[10] from your own family: I will take your wives and give them to another[11] before your very eyes, and he will sleep with them publicly.[12] 12 You acted in secret, but I will do this before all Israel and in broad daylight.’ ”[13][14]13 David responded to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”[15]Then Nathan replied to David, “The LORD has taken away your sin; you will not die.[16] 14 However, because you treated[17] the LORD with such contempt in this matter,[18] the son born to you will die.” 15 Then Nathan went home.


David finally acknowledged his sin but Nathan had to point his finger at him and tell him, “You are the man!!!” These words must have penetrated David to the core. Nathan reviewed with David all GOD had done for him. He had more wives than he knew what to do with because when he was made king all of Saul’s women became his. Yet, he wanted more. David confessed his sins and GOD forgave him but he had to live with the consequences for the rest of his life.


Notice in verse 13, David said “I have sinned against the LORD.” This is true but so many others had been impacted by his sin – Bathsheba, Uriah, Joab, messengers, note carriers, those who overheard pagan and non-pagan kings and heaven only knows who else. David was a very visible person with a strong testimony for GOD, yet he compromised and sinned. Sin always impacts and influences others. Yet, we all sin. Our nature is to sin. Even those of us who are born-again, read our Bible daily, pray and witness sin. Building an intimate, loving relationship with CHRIST will help us keep our minds focused upon HIM but the closer we get to HIM the more we see how sinful we are and how much we depend upon HIM for our eternal salvation and cleansing.


The Prophet Nathan told David that as a result of his sin, the baby conceived during the adulterous affair would die. GOD did not delay. An illness came upon the baby. David knew the child was ill because of his sin. Let’s see.


The Death of Bathsheba’s Son


The LORD struck the baby that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted, went [home]* , and spent the night lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his house stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. 18 On the seventh day the baby died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him the baby was dead. They said, “Look, while the baby was alive, we spoke to him, and he wouldn’t listen to us. So how can we tell him the baby is dead? He may do something desperate.” 19 When David saw that his servants were whispering to each other, he guessed that the baby was dead. So he asked his servants, “Is the baby dead?” “He is dead,” they replied. 20 Then David got up from the ground. He washed, anointed himself, changed his clothes, went to the LORD’s house, and worshiped. Then he went home and requested [something to eat]* . So they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, “What did you just do? While the baby was alive, you fasted and wept, but when he died, you got up and ate food.” 22 He answered, “While the baby was alive, I fasted and wept because I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let him live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I’ll go to him, but he will never return to me.”


David went before the LORD and prayed that HE would spare the child. Once he was told that the child was dead, he knew he had done all he could. He got up washed his face and faced life. Notice the faith of David in verse 23. David had complete trust in GOD’S ability to heal the child. David also believed in life after death and that GOD had forgiven him. He had faith in GOD that he would see the baby in heaven upon his death. David knew GOD and he knew what GOD had in store for those who love HIM. He knew he would go to heaven because he had confessed his sins and GOD had forgiven him. David knew the grace of GOD.


GOD extends HIS grace, which is unmerited favor, to all HIS children who are born-again. David committed adultery, murder and tried to cover it up. He finally confessed his sins and GOD forgave him. GOD does the same today. GOD never abandons HIS children. Un-confessed sin will block our fellowship with HIM. GOD never moves we do.


Often, it is difficult for those who have sinned to accept GOD’S forgiveness. Once we have confessed our sins, asked HIM to forgive us and repented, HE does. Christians are restored to full fellowship with HIM. What happens if we sin again? We confess, repent and ask for HIS forgiveness. GOD does not hold grudges as we will see next. HE forgets our sins but we often remember and so will those we have sinned against. Does that mean we have not been forgiven? NO! To me this next scripture shows the love of GOD even after we have sinned, confessed and repented. Let’s see.


The Birth of Solomon


24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba; he went and slept with her. She gave birth to a son and named[19] him Solomon.[20][21]The LORD loved him, 25 and He sent [a message]* through Nathan the prophet, who named[22] him Jedidiah,[23] because of the LORD.


GOD allowed David and Bathsheba to have another son. The LORD loved this son who they named Solomon.


We all sin. Any one of us as Christians can find ourselves in a bad situation because of sin – adultery, murder, various addictions, embezzlement, shop lifting, alcohol abuse, pornography and the list goes on and on. Confess your sins and ask GOD to give you the strength to deal with them. Seek help to free yourself from the slavery of sin. Do not try to hide your sins because they will be revealed. Confess them to GOD through CHRIST and seek HIS help and strength.


Just know that GOD loves you and still has a plan for your life on the other side of confessed and forgiven sin. Let’s read David’s psalm which reflects the depth of his sin and his earnest desire to have his fellowship restored with GOD.


Let’s read Psalm 51:1-4:


A Prayer for Restoration


[For the choir director. A Davidic psalm, when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had gone to Bathsheba.[1]] * Some Bible scholars believe that the note “for the choir director” implies that David gave permission for his personal confession to be used as part of Israel’s public worship. Often, during our deepest sorrow and recognition of our sin, words of such awesome beauty and purity come forth, when we encounter GOD through CHRIST and THE HOLY SPIRIT in the eyes of our heart. We recognize and understand that only GOD can set us free from our sin and cleanse us.


1 Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. 2 Wash away my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against You—You alone—I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.[2]


David used three (3) words for sins, two (2) for GOD forgiving him and three (3) words for GOD WHO forgives:


Sins – Guilt, Rebellion, Sinned


Forgiveness – Gracious, Abundant Compassion


GOD’S Part – Blot Out, Wash Away, Cleanse


David acknowledged that what he had done was evil. He was guilty. He rebelled against GOD and he had missed the mark of GOD’S standard, which is sin. He recognized and acknowledged that forgiveness only comes from GOD through HIS grace and immeasurable compassion. GOD was the only ONE WHO could make him clean to his very core. The word “wash” carries the idea of deep cleaning as one would do when thoroughly cleaning a dirty garment. When washed there would not be even a stain left. He acknowledged that GOD was right and justified in passing the sentence upon him. GOD was not picking on him but he acknowledged that he deserved GOD’S judgment and GOD’S judgment was just.


All Christians are sinners saved by grace. As stated earlier, any one of us is subject to falling into grievous sin. If you think that cannot happen to you, then you are the most at risk. The Good News is that GOD forgives and restores when Christians confess and repent. Deal with personal sin because if you do not, it will break fellowship between you and GOD. Will you lose your salvation? NO! But you will lose your effectiveness and likely your witness. There are consequences for missing GOD’S standard, which is sin. What or who is your Bathsheba?

Success - Demonstrate Kindness - 2 Samuel 9 - August 15, 2010

Bible Study – Success – Demonstrate Kindness – August 15, 2010



This is lesson three (3) in our series “The Essentials of Success.”


Our scripture is 2 Samuel 9:1-13.


Why should a Christian be kind and show kindness? Romans 5:8, Ephesians 1:7-8 and John 3:16 provide the perfect answers:


Romans 5:8:


8 But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!


Ephesians 1:7-8:


7 In Him[7] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.


John 3:16-18:


16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God.


People are helpless to save themselves from sin and death. GOD, through HIS love and kindness, allowed HIS only SON JESUS to come to earth to be born as a human, live and give HIS life on the cross. Through HIS shed blood all who believe in HIM receive salvation from sin and death and receive the gift of eternal life. Proof is the resurrection of CHRIST from the dead. HE conquered sin and death. Because HE lives so will all who believe in HIM live eternally with HIM. Kindness comes from the heart. Kindness reflects the character of the heart.


Because of this unmerited kindness GOD and CHRIST exhibited toward all, those who know the truth through salvation, need to exhibit this same kindness toward others. Let’s read the selected scripture to see how David exhibited kindness toward a helpless family member of King Saul after he was made king.


First some background. As you may recall, in an earlier lesson we discussed the following scripture:


1 Samuel 24:20-22: (David slipped up on King Saul while he was in a cave and cut off the corner of his robe off. When King Saul left the cave David called to him and told him what he had done. King Saul knew that David could have killed him but did not. King Saul knew that David had been anointed by GOD to succeed him as king. King Saul asked David to spare his family when he was made king. Traditionally when one king defeated another, he had the entire family line of the defeated king killed.)


20 “Now I (king Saul) know for certain you will be king, and the kingdom of Israel will be established[15] in your hand.[16] 21 Therefore swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s family.” 22 So David swore to Saul. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went up to the stronghold.


1 Samuel 20:14-17: (Jonathan, Saul’s son and David made a covenant with each other.)


14 If I continue to live, treat me with the LORD’s faithful love, but if I die, 15 don’t ever withdraw your faithful love from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”[6] 16 Then Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David,[7] saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.”[8]


After King Saul’s death, King Saul’s surviving son, Ishbosheth (ish BOH sheth) resisted David from becoming king. Two (2) men killed Ishbosheth and bragged about it. When David heard it, he had the two (2) men executed. David was intent on honoring the promises he had made to Jonathan and King Saul. David was made king and after stability came to the country, David asked the question that begins our scripture.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 9:1-3:


David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth (meh FIB oh sheth)


1 David asked, “Is there anyone remaining from Saul’s family I can show kindness to because of Jonathan?”[1] 2 There was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba (ZIGH buh). They summoned him to David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “[I am]* your servant,” he replied. 3 So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family I can show the kindness of God to?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son who is lame in both feet.”[2]


David wanted to know if there were any remaining survivors of Saul’s family. Note that he included that he wanted to show them “kindness.” This was important statement given that conquering king’s usually annihilated the defeated king’s descendants.


Saul’s servant, Ziba, was asked to appear before King David. This was likely a tense moment for Ziba. We will see that once a slave always a slave. Ziba told David that Jonathan, King Saul’s son and David’s friend, had a son who was crippled. [2 Samuel 4:4 - 4 Saul’s son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.[1] ]


Let’s read 2 Samuel 9:4-6:


4 The king asked him, “Where is he?” Ziba answered the king, “You’ll find him in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” 5 So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. 6 Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.


King David wanted to know where he could find Mephibosheth. He was living in the house of Machir (MAY kihr) son of Ammiel (AM ih el) in Lo-debar (loh DEE bahr). Later in David’s life Machir would provide provisions and encouragement for David when he fled his son Absalom. It is speculated that David’s act of kindness toward Mephibosheth prepared the way for Machir to help David in a time of need. Lo-debar was located far from Judah and Jerusalem.


David called out Mephibosheth’s name and Mephibosheth bowed to honor the King and referred to himself as David’s humble servant.


It took courage for Mephibosheth to come to Jerusalem and present himself before the king. It is likely that those delivering the message to Mephibosheth told him that the king had used the words that he wanted to show “kindness.” Still in that day kings were deceitful. Could David be trusted? It is likely that Mephibosheth was apprehensive. Yet, he also knew that David and his father, Jonathan, were best friends.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 9:7-13:


7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “since I intend to show you kindness because of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.” 8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?” 9 Then the king summoned Saul’s attendant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in [the crops]* so your master’s grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants. 11 Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all my lord the king commands.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s[3] table just like one of the king’s sons. 12 Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. All those living in Ziba’s house were Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 However, Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem because he always ate at the king’s table. He was lame in both feet.


David knew that it was a tense moment for Mephibosheth and he quickly put his mind at ease by telling him “don’t be afraid.” David quickly stated what he would do for Mephibosheth.


Mephibosheth was puzzled why David would show him kindness, when he was as good as dead. He knew that he was a descendant of King Saul and Jonathan. He did not know the heart of David and that he was a man of his word. He did not know about the promises David had made to both King Saul and Jonathan.


So often we have good intentions but when it comes down to honoring those intentions we often fail. Are we Christians of character who honor our intentions? Carrying out our intentions reflects our heart.


David restored to Mephibosheth the fields that once belonged to King Saul. We also see that King Saul’s former servant/attendant and his household became the servants of Mephibosheth.


David instructed Ziba to work the fields for Mephibosheth and bring in the crops. This statement likely means Ziba was to bring the crops to market and covert them to funds or items useful to maintain future crops and the needs of Mephibosheth. Since Mephibosheth would be eating at the king’s table, it is believed that the crops would provide money for his housing and care.


Ziba agreed to David’s request. Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants. This would increase his work load but also give him more responsibility. Plus, he would be serving the king. In later years, we find that Ziba provided David with much needed provisions and David gave some of Mephibosheth’s land to him.


David was not only kind but generous. This is a message to those who are Christians and serve our LORD. GOD has already been kind and generous to us. We in turn need to be kind and generous to others. I quickly add that being generous can spoil those receiving the kindness and generosity. It is important that Christians are in relationship with GOD through CHRIST so that what is done for others does not become a crutch. Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet and needed the help. David had him to eat at his table. Did David want to keep an eye on Mephibosheth to make sure he was not being spoiled or that his new found prosperity would not result in him trying to reestablish his grandfather’s kingdom? Many believe that David wanted to make sure that his needs were being met. I believe David’s motive was pure.


Ephesians 4:32 is a good summary and message for Christians: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)


We also see in Galatians 5:22 that the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT is kindness. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,[5] 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.


The fruit of the SPIRIT flows naturally and wisely when Christians are in right relationship with CHRIST. Allow CHRIST to rule your life.

Success - Focus on God's Purpose - 2 Samuel 7 - August 8, 2010

Bible Study – Success – Focus on God’s Purpose – August 8, 2010

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study entitled “Focus on God’s Purposes.”

Our scripture is 2 Samuel 7:1-7, 11b-16, 18-21.

Our series focuses on success. Success to the world is accumulating wealth. Serving GOD can lead to material wealth but the overwhelming wealth a person accumulates by obediently serving GOD is the personal, intimate relationship he/she builds with GOD. Our focus is on the Spiritual success while obediently serving our LORD.


Studying the life of David reveals the nature of GOD toward those who obediently serve HIM.


In our study, we will see that even though GOD called David, he was disqualified to build the temple. GOD called David at a young age. David was a warrior - He killed Goliath and led soldiers into battle many times. As a result, when David had secured Israel after he was made king, he wanted to build a temple for GOD. GOD said no because he had shed so much blood in battle. Yet, we know David’s being a warrior was all part of GOD’S plan but it prevented him from building a place to house the Ark. GOD had something better and everlasting in mind for David.


We will see that when a Christian sees a need it does not necessarily mean he/she has been called to meet that need. This point is brought out in our next scripture. David saw that GOD needed a house.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:1-7:


The LORD’s Covenant with David


1 When the king had settled into his palace[1] and the LORD had given him rest on every side from all his enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “Look, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains.”[2]3 So Nathan told the king, “Go and do all that is on your heart, for the LORD is with you.”[3]4 But that night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: 5 “Go to My servant David and say, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you to build a house for Me to live in? 6 From the time I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until today I have not lived in a house; instead, I have been moving around with the tabernacle tent.[4] 7 In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked anyone among the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel: Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’


King David wanted to do a very noble thing for GOD. David realized that he lived in a fine house built of cedar but GOD, as represented by the Ark, was housed in a tent. He wanted to do something special for GOD. He wanted to build GOD a house.


David had fought to secure peace for Israel. David settled into his place made from cedar and was enjoying this long deserved peace. He considered all that GOD had done for him over the years. So he had an idea. He would do something for GOD. After all, the Ark, which represented the presence of GOD, was housed in a tent. David discussed his idea with Nathan the Prophet. Nathan agreed with David to build a place for GOD. Both are knee jerk reactions to a good idea.


This is the first time the prophet Nathan appeared in the Bible. Nathan, later on, as you recall, had to confront David after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband.


That night the Word of the LORD came to Nathan. How GOD spoke to Nathan we do not know. It could have been audible or in a dream. The point being Nathan got the Word from GOD for David, “Are you to build a house for ME to live in?” GOD was asking David to examine his own heart and consider why he should or should not build a house for GOD, when HE had not led him to do so.


GOD made it clear that HE had never dwelled in a house since the time HE delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. HE had never asked anyone to build HIM a house. The Ark represented HIS presence where ever the Israelites dwelled. The Ark would still represent the presence of GOD. It was not GOD’S plan for David to build a temple for good reason as revealed in 1 Chronicles 22:6-8:


6 Then he summoned his son Solomon and instructed him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel. 7 “My son,” David said to Solomon, “It was in my heart to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, 8 but the word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me.


King Solomon would be GOD’S choice to build the temple, although David began gathering materials to build the temple. These materials were used when the temple was built.


GOD denied David the opportunity to build a physical temple that would one day be destroyed. HE had a better plan for the lineage of David as revealed in our next scripture.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 7:11b-16:


“ ‘The LORD declares to you: The LORD Himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for My name,[8] and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me.[9] When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a human rod and with blows from others. 15 But My faithful love will never leave him[10] as I removed it from Saul; I removed him from your way.[11] 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before Me[12] forever, and your throne will be established forever.’ ”[13]


GOD, through the Prophet Nathan, told David that HE would make a house for him through a future descendant. David knew GOD and understood GOD. When he was told these things, he knew GOD had a great thing in store for his ancestry. This scripture is referred to as GOD’S covenant with David, although the word covenant was not used. The idea of a covenant was implied.


We have the advantage of seeing the promise GOD revealed in the Old Testament scriptures of the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of CHRIST. GOD referred to a descendant of David who would be a permanent king. We know that GOD was referring to JESUS. Based upon this promise, we can also see why the Israelites were looking for a physical king to rule Israel and it was hard for them to make the connection that JESUS was the promised Messiah. They needed to read and study all of GOD’S Word to make the connection. The scribes and Pharisees had the ability to discern that JESUS was the promised Messiah according to the scriptures but HE did not fit their concept of the Promised Messiah.


Many people miss having an intimate loving relationship through CHRIST because Christianity does not match their concept of a Christian. Many view those of us who call ourselves Christians and do not see the love of CHRIST in us. Do not let others who fail to obediently serve CHRIST keep you from knowing the real CHRIST personally. Eternity is never ending. CHRIST died for you so that you will have eternal life, if you accept HIM as your SAVIOR. CHRIST in you, through the miracle of rebirth, means that you will live eternally with HIM in heaven when your earth suit dies.


The gospels of Matthew and Luke give us the lineage of JESUS back to King David. Here are two (2) additional scripture references that make the connection:


Matthew 22:41-45:


The Question about the Messiah


41 While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, 42 “What do you think about the • Messiah? Whose Son is He?” “David’s,” they told Him. 43 He asked them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit,[17]calls Him ‘Lord’: 44 The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet’?[18] [19]45 “If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how then can the Messiah be his Son?” 46 No one was able to answer Him at all,[20] and from that day no one dared to question Him any more.


Romans 1:1-4:


1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle[1] and singled out for God’s good news— 2 which He promised long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David[2] according to the flesh 4 and was established as the powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness.[3]


In verse 14, GOD stated that HE would discipline those in his lineage that did wrong. HE did this throughout the history leading to the birth of JESUS.


Our scripture took place about 1,000 B.C. and in 586 B.C. the Israelites, due to sin, fell into the hands of the idol-worshipping Babylonians. Israel no longer had a king. About 445 B.C. the Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it. GOD punished Israel for their sin and placed them in exile until they had the desire to serve GOD. GOD allowed them to return to Jerusalem. GOD preserved David’s lineage to preserve HIS revelation to David. This reveals the sovereignty of GOD. HIS promises are kept and revealed and fulfilled in CHRIST. A lot of things happened historically over the years until CHRIST came to earth in human form. GOD was in control and HE is still in control today.


Consider your own lineage. Since the beginning of time many opportunities have come and gone for one of your ancestors from which your existence depended, to die. Yet, here you are. Your own existence is a miracle. GOD preserved your existence for a purpose. GOD loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. If you are not already a child of HIS through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth, today is your opportunity to ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins, believe that HE died for you on the cross, was resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven. Salvation from sin and death through the shed blood of CHRIST is the beginning of building a Spiritual relationship with CHRIST through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.


2 Samuel 7:18-21:


David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving


18 Then King David went in, sat in the LORD’s presence, and said, “Who am I, Lord GOD, and what is my house that You have brought me this far? 19 What You have done so far[15] was a little thing to You, Lord GOD, for You have also spoken about Your servant’s house in the distant future. And this is a revelation[16] for mankind, Lord GOD. 20 What more can David say to You? You know Your servant, Lord GOD. 21 Because of Your word and according to Your will, You have revealed all these great things to Your servant.


The Prophet Nathan revealed GOD’S plan to David. David knew that GOD had a great plan for his descendants other than him building a temporary building. GOD had plans to honor David’s lineage by establishing a permanent kingdom ruled by a permanent King.


This overwhelmed David and he had to go and sit before GOD and praise HIM for all HE had done for him over the years. David realized he was a sinner and it was GOD’S grace that made all that he was told to be possible. All Christians live under the grace of GOD every day. We are sinners saved by grace.


Consider this – David and Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon which was the lineage of JESUS. GOD forgives when we repent. David repented of his sins and we see that GOD does not condemn our family line because of our mistakes. When HE forgives HE forgets. If you have committed grievous or any sins, confess them, ask GOD, through CHRIST to forgive you. HE will make you whiter than snow and you will become the righteousness of GOD through the shed blood of CHRIST.


Spiritual success is obediently serving GOD as HE directs. Christians need to pause and ask themselves and GOD, “Am I following your will or am I trying to fit YOU into my plans?” As we began, seeing a need does not always mean that you are the person to meet that need. GOD may want someone else to provide the need, just as GOD called Solomon to build the temple. GOD’S timing is always perfect.