1 Chronicles 9-10

This week in Chronicles we read a lot of names and history about the Israelites. As we read about the journey from Abraham to Egypt, the Exodus and the period of the Judges God’s people were not always obedient. However, God stayed with them through it all.

The passages here bring out the area where God was more disappointed that His people were trying to hide their disobedience by adjusting God’s laws to suit their own ideas. We read before about Saul whom God appointed as king over Israel had twisted God’s instructions to fit his own plans. This has happened over and over through history, and if we’re honest still happens today.

If we read and study God’s Word it should be clear what He expects us to do. How many times do we give in to culture or our own circumstances and convenience to try to explain out behavior? We need to see that God does not lay down rules to limit us and keep us in line. His Word provides a guide for us to have a rich and fulfilling life as members of His Kingdom, drawing ever closer to Him.

NOTE: We are investigating the technical issues with our video system and hope to have it available next week. Sory for the inconvenience.

2 Samuel 1-5

The beginning of 2 Samuel covers the transition from Saul to David as king of Israel. This is where we learn that God saw David as “a man after His own heart”. We can see the transition from the end of 1 Samuel where David was focused on himself and how he took matters into his own hands. We also saw that point where David emptied himself to submit to God.

In 2 Samuel we see David asking God what he should do, and he follows without question. God did not have David take charge and arrive back in Israel as a conquering king. He simply told him to go to Hebron and wait. This showed that David had emptied himself to God’s will, was ready to listen. God had a plan and although it took about 7 years, the whole kingdom of Israel was delivered to him with full support.

David showed that unity does not come from what we do, but what we allow God to do through us. Are we willing to empty ourselves of our desires and plans? Are we willing to listen to God’s will and obey? How can we become people after God’s own heart today?

NOTE: Due to some technical issues we were not able to capture the video this week. Sorry for the inconvenience.

1 Samuel 26-30

After Davi spares Saul once again, his earthly mindset takes over and he decides to run to the land of the Philistines, the very people who want to destroy Israel. Here a man after God’s heart is relying on himself. This self focus leads David to do some actions that are contrary to our idea of who Davis was. He became a thief and murderer as he raided the Philistine cities, then lied to the Philistine leaders, who thought David was fighting for them.

God, however, intervened, as He often does, and punished David through the ones he loved. All the women and children of his followers were taken captive while he was out on another raid. Once again David was put in a vulnerable position, as his men wanted to stone him. This time though David strengthened himself in the Lord, and turned to God for direction, and God provided for him.

When we are vulnerable do we focus on what others can do to us, or do we look to see what God can do through us?

1 Samuel 21-25

After David’s anointing, we see that he was trying to serve Saul who was king over Israel. Saul, however, did not show David the same appreciation. Saul tried to kill David and pursued him as a rival. David had his chances to exact revenge, but he respected God’s choice to make Saul king and showed respect to God. The story of Nabal went a little different in that David’s worldly passion began to overtake his thoughts.

However, in both cases God intervened and David allowed God to handle the issues. In the case of Nabal, Abigail, Nabal’s wife, intercepted David as he was coming to attack Nabal and his camp, and then a few days later God took Nabal instead of David. With Saul, David waited and God ended up killing Saul and his sons n battle.

How do we handle times when we feel we are not being treated fair. Do we seek revenge ourselves? Do we retreat into ourselves seeking self-pity? Or do we trust that God is in control and seek what God wants to teach us in the moment?

Note: Sorry, but due to technical issues there is no video copy of the sermon this week.

1 Samuel 14-20

The final chapters of 1 Samuel tell the story of two kings. One who is falling out of favor and another who is rising up. Both were chosen and anointed by God but had different perspectives. Both had disobeyed God, but in different ways. Saul felt he was following most of what God wanted him to do but was still disobedient. David clearly violated God’s law when he committed adultery and murder.

The difference is how they handled their sin. This is why Saul’s family became a one-term king, and David was considered a man after God’s heart. David acknowledged he sinned against God and sought repentance with God, instead of trying to minimize or justify his behavior. How often do we try to justify our sin by comparing against the world’s standards? There is only one standard that qualifies our actions, God’s standard.