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March 30 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 89

In today's reading, the righteous king slips.  Although his people do not know what he has done, God does.

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DAILY READINGS

2 Samuel 9-12 & Psalm 89

DAILY NOTES

2 Samuel 9

  • David shows "the kindness of God" to Saul's remaining son, Mephibosheth.  Remember him from Chapter 4?
2 Samuel 11
  • This chapter tells the story of David and Bathsheba.  Notice how David tries to cover his deeds.  It seems all is unknown to everyone (except Joab), but the next chapter will show us that it was not unknown to God.
    • Verses 20-21 recall a previous story.  Do you remember which one?  Which book?
2 Samuel 12
  • Nathan uses a story to illustrate David's sin.  David condemns himself by condemning the rich man who took the poor man's lamb.  As David said, "he had not pity."
  • Verse 11 is a turning point in David's reign. Nathan tells of a time when David will suffer because of what he has done.
    • Although Nathan tells David he is forgiven--well, his sin is put away and he shall not die--the first thing that happens after this interaction is that David's son (by Bathsheba) dies.  So, what Nathan said begins to take form.
  • Solomon (Jedidiah) is born.
Psalm 89
  • The psalmist remembers God's covenant with David.  Since God was faithful to David, he trusts that God will be faithful to him

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Nathan tells David, "You have utterly scorned the Lord."

The Hebrew text makes this insinuation: you have given the enemies of the Lord opportunity to open their mouths against God.

That's a heavy accusation.  Our deeds give others a chance to speak against God?  Well, that's not an uncommon thought.  How many times have we heard people say something like, "The church is full of hypocrites,"  or, "church people think they're holier than everyone else."?

While we cannot be held responsible for everyone's desire to turn from God, we do well to understand how much our witness matters.  

How many people are hurt when a respected pastor gets caught in a scandal?  What effects does it have on the kingdom when a Christian doesn't walk in love?  

I can hear Nathan saying to each of us, "You are the man."

Stay blessed...john


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