Nov2019
Rebellion
Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’ (verse 10) Read 2 Samuel 15:1-16 Underhanded – it is the first word that comes to mind when I read today’s passage. Absalom has schemed and… Read more
Nov2019
Character and Reputation
In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. (verse 25a) Read 2 Samuel 14:25-33 There is a saying, ‘Good Looks attract the eyes, personality captures the heart.’ One of King David’s sons, Absalom, had good looks in spades. The problem was he had an inflated ego to… Read more
Nov2019
Consequences
David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground… On the seventh day the child died. (verses 16, 18a) Read 2 Samuel 12:15-31 We must realise that even though God forgives our sin, there may still be painful consequences for us. David was forgiven. His… Read more
Nov2019
Eternal Survival
‘And Moses clearly proves that the dead are raised to life. In the passage about the burning bush he speaks of the Lord as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He is the God of the living, not of the dead, for to him all are alive.’ (verses… Read more
Nov2019
Reveal your wonderful love
Reveal your wonderful love and save me; at your side I am safe from my enemies. Protect me as you would your very eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the attacks of the wicked. (verses 7- 9) Read Psalm 17:1-9 Recently while I was en route by plane to Queensland, a lens… Read more
Nov2019
Blind corners
‘One day a visitor arrived at the rich man’s home. The rich man didn’t want to kill one of his own animals to prepare a meal for him; instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and cooked a meal for his guest.’ David became very angry at the rich man and said, ‘I swear by… Read more
Nov2019
Causing death
David said to the messenger, ‘Encourage Joab and tell him not to be upset, since you never can tell who will die in battle. Tell him to launch a stronger attack on the city and capture it.’ When Bathsheba heard that her husband had been killed, she mourned for him. When the time of mourning… Read more
Nov2019
Remember
When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, arrived, he bowed down before David in respect. David said, `Mephibosehth,’ and he answered, ‘At your service, sir.’ `Don’t be afraid,’ David replied. ‘I will be kind to you for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will give you back all the land that… Read more
Nov2019
The Eternal Kingdom
‘Lord Almighty, God of Israel! I have the courage to pray this prayer to you, because you have revealed all this to me, your servant, and have told me that you will make my descendants kings. ‘And now, Sovereign Lord, you are God; you always keep your promises, and you have made this wonderful promise… Read more
Nov2019
Pledge of love forever
‘When you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will make one of your sons king and will keep his kingdom strong. He will be the one to build a temple for me, and I will make sure that his dynasty continues for ever. I will be his father, and he will be my… Read more
