The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 5: Kings and Prophets: God shapes a kingdom people
Background Information: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16
When the King of Tyre (Lebanon) recognized David’s rule, David realized that God had expanded the scope of his kingdom. At the same time, David was collecting wives, in direct contradiction to the Lord’s command (Deuteronomy 17:17). David is a man of God; he does want to follow God. At the same time, he is setting a pattern of doing some of what God wants and some of what he believes is best. The next story reveals the results of trifling with God’s holiness in a careless manner. The Ark was built with rings and poles so that it could be carried without the need to be touched. In addition, only a certain clan was permitted to transport the Ark. David probably thought a cart was good enough, and it would move faster and more efficiently than men with poles. The result was the death of a foolish, but possibly well-meaning man. Good intentions are of little use if they are outside the will of God. Next we find David publicly and spontaneously worshiping the Lord. Michal thinks David should be a proud and aloof king, like her fallen father Saul was. However, David is beloved and respected because he is a king who is unafraid to humble himself before the Lord and his people. In this, David is again pointing to King Jesus, the King who was God with us. Are we to see David as a good or foolish king? The answer is “yes.” He was both. He made many terrible choices, and he made many good ones. In the end, David was Israel’s best king, but he was inadequate. We are to give our best, but we must realize it will never be enough. We will always need Jesus. Most people believe that good effort and good intention are what matters the most, and they are wrong. What matters the most is that we obey God.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask God to lead and empower Adeline as she prepares to return from a semester in Central Asia. Pray that she would have opportunities to clearly present the gospel before she leaves next week.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.