2Samuel Ch.1-10

This book demonstrates the rewards of persistence, patience and consistent faith. Persistence is a good trait if it is for a worthy cause. If the goal of your persistence is only for personal honor or gain, persistence may be no more than stubbornness. Before deciding to pursue a goal, make sure it is worthy of your devotion. David receives God’s blessings after many years of waiting and enduring struggle and pain. David was crowned King of Israel. With the information of Saul and David’s closest friend Jonathan’s death, He wrote a beautiful song to mourn the loss of his friend and his enemy. David was a man unafraid to show emotion and grief. Many times people try to appear strong hiding their grief, but outwardly expressing those emotions can relieve much pain and begin your healing process.

David already had two wives and was asking for Michal, his first wife and Saul’s daughter, which was taken from him during their battles. Polygamy was a socially accepted practice for kings at the time, although God specifically warned against it. The numerous sons that were born to David’s wives caused him great trouble. Greed, rape, murder and rebellion all resulted from jealous rivalries between the half-brothers. Does Polygamy under a different name still somewhat exist today? I have heard the views of some men boasting of their views that “marriage is becoming obsolete”. What a marvelous way Satan has captured their hearts to fall right into his plan of separating God from his people, the very relationship that God created marriage to represent! Self-centeredness, dominion over many women to validate a false position of masculinity, and the breeding of insecurity that drives fears of intimacy and commitment with one worthy woman is a struggle that attacks the institution of marriage. Women fall into the trap equally to men by treating the temple, our bodies, as mere play toys for men in an effort to out-compete the other women for the perceived affections of men. Some men and women desperately attempt to “check their box” with marriage and kids, forgetting the foundations necessary to have a right marriage in the eyes of God. There are some, however, who desperately want to keep the gift of marriage and unselfish love alive in their hearts and actions. Ultimately, marriage will never become obsolete because God has already conquered Satan and in Revelations, the eternal union of God and His people will be restored. We have the choice to rebel and create institutions for personal gain that is already destroyed, or follow the One who already created His institution that was intended to bring us joy and pleasure beyond our thought.

David and Abner were on opposing sides, for Abner led Saul’s men in the quest for David’s death when Saul was alive, yet they had respect for one another as soldiers. Abner switched sides, joined David once he realized Saul’s camp was defeated, and then murdered. The lesson from Abner’s life that applies to us was that Abner lived by his wits and his will. He had half-hearted commitment and cooperation for God when it best suited him. His love was conditional. Abner did what seemed best for him at the time. Obedience is easy when the instructions in God’s law fit in with our plans, but our faithfulness is tested when God’s plans are contrary to ours. You could spend a lifetime trying to make a certain relationship work that God does not approve, or a career choice that is against the spiritual gifts God has given only to you to exercise. A lifetime of struggle, frustration, and beating your head against the wall results from trying to make something go your way; that is not a fit by God’s standards. My dad always says, “When it’s right it’s easy.” Does he mean there will be no obstacles or work that must be done to sustain a gift; NO absolutely not. But that feeling in your gut that churns constant closed doors and progress out of sight; are clear signs your pursuit is for something that God has not blessed. My father also said, “He who arrives clean at the finish line, never arrived.” We are mortal beings, and when we face God at the end of our life, I believe it will be our failures and weaknesses that He judges our abilities to trust Him, grow our character in the process, learn from our mistakes, and give Him the glory when he forgives and restores us from sin.

“David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward. And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.” (2Samuel 5:9) Only in God are we truly protected and secure. Trusting our hearts in anything else is false security. Surrounded by walls of stone, a cozy home or secure job, no one can predict what tomorrow will bring. Just take a look at our world right now and ask yourself if you knew the state we are in 5 years ago. Our relationship with God is the only security that cannot be taken away. David kept his ambition under control and kept God at the center of all he did. Do you seek greatness from God or other people? In driving for success, you will find supernatural powers only if it’s success that fulfills God’s plans. David fought and found victory because he fought his battles the way God instructed him. First, he asked IF he should fight or not. Second, he followed instructions carefully. Third, he gave God the glory. We can be defeated in our personal battles by doing what we want without considering God’s will, doing it our way and ignoring advice in the Bible or from other wise people, and take glory ourselves without acknowledging the help from God. Have you ever had a successful event in your life where deep down you knew you were helped; and only by this help did you achieve victory? Ask yourself if you were grateful in that moment to the only One that brings true victory.

“As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal the daughter of Saul, watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.”(2Samuel6:16) Michal’s love for David did not have time to be tested by the realities of marriage. Her quick thinking that saved David’s life when her father was pursuing him also led to their separation. Michal did not have the relationship with God that would have helped her through her difficulties and instead she became bitter. With life’s unexpected turns, how quickly do you turn to bitterness and resentment? Bitterness makes a bad situation worse. We are not as responsible for what happens to us as we are for HOW we respond to our circumstances. Give God the opportunity to bring good out of the difficult situations, rather than turning to bitterness. Ask God for his guidance and look for the guidance in His word.

God made certain that a prophet was living during the reign of each king. The prophet’s main tasks were to urge the people to follow God and to communicate God’s laws and plans to the king. God wanted to build a temple for the Lord, but God told David that his job was to unify and lead Israel to destroy his enemies. David accepted his part in God’s plan and did not try to go beyond it. Sometimes God says no to our plans. When He says no, we should utilize the other opportunities he gives us. God was planning to do something even greater in David’s life than allowing him the prestige of building the temple. How many times do we get carried away by our own plans and miss out on what God has for us? No two people were made identical in the eyes of God for a reason; stop trying to be like anyone else, for God made you TO BE YOU for Him.

David pleased the people, not because he yearned to please them, but because pleased God. Have you ever noticed that those who try to the hardest to become popular never make it? The praise of people is unimportant. Don’t spend your time devising ways to become accepted in the public eye and instead, strive to do what is good and right and both God and the people will respect your convictions.

When Joab says, “let us fight bravely” and “the Lord will do what is good in his sight,” this reflects the healthy balance that exists between our actions and our faith. We should use our minds and our resources to obey God and at the same time, trust God for the outcome, for what only He knows.

When God graciously offers forgiveness of sin and a place in heaven, we may feel unworthy, but we will receive these gifts if we accept them. David should integrity as a leader who accepted his obligation to show love and mercy even to his enemies. Are you able to forgive those who have wronged you the way God forgives us? Can you be generous with those less deserving?

Each time we show Compassion, our Character is strengthened!