Category: 2 Samuel

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The sin was not in the census – Moses was told to take censuses. The sin was in placing his pride and trust on his growing power and military might. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 The place where mercy stayed the judgment of God was the future site for the altar!

SJA Notes

* God Most High, it is good to give thanks to You, to sing praises to Your Name, to declare Your steadfast love in the morning, and Your faithfulness by night.

“I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.

How clearly David understands the importance of true worship!

The gravity with which we are to take our Lord God!

“But the king’s word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army.”

How broken is David’s pride, in his own might, his own army, his own victories.

These are two starkly different views of David.

The stubborn sinner whose pride will not let him be swayed by wisdom.

The repentant disciple who throws himself at the feet of the Almighty.

We can learn from David here.

Because my own heart is full of pride at times. Sometimes I refuse to listen to wisdom.

And at times I am broken before the Lord at the thought of my own folly.

How good it is then to be found in Jesus! Covered and washed and clean in Him.

* Dear Lord,

We are broken. Sinners.

You are God. Righteous and light and perfect and true.

You are holy. We need Your saving work each day.

Please write Your word on our hearts today.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The Thirty was an elite group within the kingdom. All those who were part of this group are listed. David would not treat as common, water brought with so high a price. How do you and I treat Christ who has brought us living water?

SJA Notes

* God of all Majesty, You are our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust.

“But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,”

You can hear Psalm 1 resonating here in David’s words,

“The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.”

Jesus deepens our understanding in John 15 when He says,

“If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”

This passage, final words from David, point us to his life – His reliance on the Lord, God’s response to just rule, David’s relationship with the Lord, and God’s blessing through the covenant He has made.

These are good words for anyone called to lead. Any kind of leader. Whether we lead in our home, our church family, whether we lead in our places of work or recreation.

Whether we lead in any aspect by pointing people to Jesus.

He is the King who the Spirit of the LORD spoke too!

He is the King who rules justly over men, the one who enacted the everlasting covenant.

He is the King who must lead us at ALL times.

In Revelation 17 we read of Jesus,

“They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Hallelujah!

* Dear God,

Thank You for calling us, choosing us, gifting us with faith.

May we be faithful as You our Lord are faithful.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

What do you see of faith in this psalm by David at the end of his life? Is there some further knowledge of God or something that stands out to you about Him? Think about the words in verse 51: He shows unfailing kindness to His Christ!

SJA Notes

* Blessed Lord of Hosts, please teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,”

Here is David shining as he brings glory to God, bringing praise to the Lord, showing a depth of faith and understanding that is a blessing for all who read these words, time after time, over and over.

This is a psalm of the Lord’s Christ, a Messiah song.

This is written by a king that the Lord did bless greatly, a king who conquered the enemies of God’s people.

This song points us to Jesus. We see the truths found throughout His word, that the cords of Sheol entangled Him, the snares of death confronted Him.

In Jesus, in the work of God at the cross and in the tomb, we see the LORD bowed the heavens and came down!

And we see that this is a song for the disciple of Jesus.

“He rescued me, because he delighted in me.”

“He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

“The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,”

This is a most wonderful reading, a song that we can sing with open hearts, and words that we must wrestle with – Onwards, often and always. There is much depth here, hope and love and wisdom.

Hallelujah!

* God Above,

You are the God who lives, is alive, the only true and real God.

You are the rock of our salvation – You and You alone.

You are the only one worthy and deserving of worship.

Please forgive us our sin Lord God. Please aright our hearts today.

Amen.