Skip to main content

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.

Image result for david and nathan wiki commons

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


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February 16 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 47 Before the movie Shrek, the best known talking donkey was Balaam's donkey.  That's what we're reading about today.   Of course, that's only part of the story between Balak and Balaam.   DAILY READINGS Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 47 DAILY NOTES Numbers 22:2 Apparently, Israel is making a name for itself.  The Moabites are terrified and distressed/irritated by the news of what the Israelites are doing. Numbers 22:5-6 Balaam is, apparentely, a diviner with a good reputation.  Balak is "overcome with fear" and his response is to go to Balaam.  Balak knows that "whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." Numbers 22:8 This is the recurring theme for Balaam.  He will only say what  God tells him to say.  That is, there's no money back guarantee.  Even if it doesn't align with what Balak wants, Balaam will only give the words that God gives him. There is no indication why Balaam w...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible.  King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving.  Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close.  These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him.   2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people.  Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so.   The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin.  Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated.  This is what's called an enthronement psalm.  OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more