Proverbs 11:19 - A Godly Lifestyle

Proverbs 11:19

He who is steadfast in righteousness [will attain] to life,

And he who pursues evil [will bring about] his own death. 

Message: A Godly lifestyle

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: The previous verse looked similar contrasting the wicked with the one pursuing righteousness and this verse takes on a similar idea. However, the person described here is not momentary in their pursuit of righteousness but steadfast or loyal or unwavering. This is a person with a track record of righteousness. The contrast is one that pursues evil. These two descriptions are contrasting not momentary decisions but multiple decisions over a period of time - with one person consistently righteous and the other pursuing evil. 

The righteous person attains life and life is what everyone is seeking - peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. It is doing things well. One of my favorite verses is I Timothy 4:8 which says, "bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Living for godliness, for righteousness is not only producing present day quality of life but a future life as well. That I might do things always that point in this direction. I want every moment of the day to go in this direction. 

It seems life is a matter of choosing righteousness and deciding what is really righteousness. It is about being unself and looking out for other's interests. Philippians 2:4, "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Pleasing myself is the easy part of life and what I gravitate towards always. I need to be focused on others and meeting their needs. 

In contrast, pursuing evil leads to death. And specifically my own death. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death." Working sin results in death. Am I pursuing Godly ways in my life - reading His word, fellowshipping with others, praying, sharing the message of the Gospel. Death is separation from God. Life is being with God for all eternity, death is being away from God for all eternity. 

I notice a clear effort in business these days to be more in pursuit of serving others and being pleasant and attending to their needs and this is what the Christian is to be about, but not simply to make a business strong or to please a boss, but it is to glorify God. 

Several years ago, I read and did a study of Respectable Sins from Jerry Bridges. These are the sins of life that are sometimes socially acceptable, but often what we focus on is life is big sins like are mentioned in the Ten Commandments which we all know to avoid. And yet these sins are impacting our lives and how we associate with others.  

Ungodliness

Anxiety and Frustration

Discontentment

Unthankfulness

Pride

Selfishness

Lack of self-control

Impatience 

Irritability

Anger

Judgmentalism

Envy, Jealousy

Sins of the Tongue

Worldliness

I think the danger in life always is living lives that are the best they can be and not simply good lives. Being the best is difficult and challenging and selfless. It is staying focused always on others. It is making decisions that go beyond the basics of life. 

Prayer: God, I ask that I am someone in life that pursues righteousness, pursues good behavior, but not simply doing what everyone seeks, but am truly unselfish for the glory of You and seeing truth and seeking life always. Help me to not get comfortable and revert to pleasing myself. But to pursue righteousness always and consistently. Remind me of the principles I really want in my life - focusing on the big rocks of life and pursuing those big rocks. Lord, keep me uncomfortable and keep me focus on pursuing things that are good always, in all situations and let me do it always to glorify You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 19:1-23 - David Returns to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 19:1-23

Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, "Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life, and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines." (verse 5)

Message: David Returns to Jerusalem

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: The battle has been completed with Absalom and his people and Israel can return to being a nation completely now under the kingship of David. And yet the beginning of this chapter continues a theme of transition. In chapter 18 Absalom's army was defeated, Absalom was killed and then this news is brought to David. It was a process in determining how to bring the news to David, but eventually Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, one of the high priests and a swift messenger brought the news to David and also a Cushite which is probably an Ethiopian. The news came and at the end of chapter 18 David is in great grief. 

Chapter 19 begins with the words "Then it was told, "Behold, the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom." Mourning is not bad and grieving is not bad. It is a part of the process of a person's death. But with Absalom there was something more as David is conflicted between justice and mercy. And this grief was known in his kingdom by the people. But in verse 3 it mentions an issue because generally as people returned from battle they were excited and joyful but with David's mourning it overshadowed their military success. 

Joab in verse 5 speaks to David and tells him he has done a disservice in being all about this mourning and forgets his people and brings shame upon them for being all consumed in grief and missing out on the the joy of battle. 

This immediately in some way reminds me of my dad and the aftermath of my mom. He is so absorbed in his own grief, there is sometimes an absence or an inability to celebrate the life of my mom and the fact that we believe she is in heaven united with God. His grief is so huge and intense and constantly resurfacing and present that even speaking of my mom and any joy we had with her sends him into more grief. He can only at times see what he is missing and not who she was. 

Through Joab, David needs to realign his priorities and realize that he needs to appreciate the loyalty of his followers. In verse 7 Joab says, "Now, therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants..." Joab tells David there is urgency in this because he is risking losing the allegiance of his people for good. In verse 8 therefore David sits at the gate and the gate being a central point for legal matters and announcements meant David was sitting himself before his people as their leader. 

There are still some of Israel that had moved their allegiance to Absalom. And thus there are words which David appeals to the elders of Judah in establishing his place as king over all the people. David appeals to Amasa, whom Absalom had chosen to be over his army, to now replace Joab as the leader of the army. 

In verse 15, David returns to Jerusalem going across the Jordan. He will return now to restore order to his kingdom. The men from the tribe of Benjamin come down to meet David including Shimei who had previously cursed David. This speaks to previous foes seeing that the king has been established and the people will now surrender to him. 

Summary: Joab encourages David to not just give but show his people they are important and to gain acceptance he appoints Amasa as commander of his army. 

Promise: Show appreciation for those who assist us.

Prayer: Lord, I am reminded here of the importance of not becoming so self-absorbed that I forget what is going on around me. Safeguard me in this Lord. Help my father to appreciate and celebrate my mom. Help us Lord to agree with the leaders you have appointed and support them even when they are not my first choice. Help me to get behind them. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 18:19-33 - David Laments Absalom's Death

2 Samuel 18:19-33

And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (verse 33)

Message: David Laments Absalom's Death

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: Ahimaaz is eager to deliver news to David of the outcome of the battle with Absalom. “That the lord has avenged him” - God has been victorious. God is actively involved in the affairs of his people. But Joab understands that delivering this news to David will be painful for David. Absalom is his son and his desire was for his son not to die even though Joab was the cause of it. Delivering messages is key in these days and needs to be done appropriately. Instead Joab chooses a Cushite to deliver the news - an Ethiopian. The Cushite was likely an eyewitness of the events. But Ahimaaz persisted as he wanted to be involved. He suggested running behind the Cushite. But Joab questions why. There will be no gain in delivering this news. Joab gives him permission and Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite. 

David was waiting at the gates and saw a man running alone. The news coming would be good and bad or mixed. But David was optimistic. Then another man is seen running and again the hope is for good news. Ahimaaz called out to David, "All is well." He bowed before the king. "Blessed be the Lord your God" and he attributes it all to God. He gives glory to God for the victory. 

David asks about Absalom, wanting to know he is all right. Ahimaaz responds by wanting to avoid the bad news. But he could also be deferring the report of the full news to someone else like Joab. David tells Ahimaaz to step aside. The Cushite shows up and confirms the good news of being freed from the rebellion. Once again David wants to know if Absalom is all right. The Cushite is also vague is his response stating only Absalom's outcome is fitting to one that has been subdued. 

David knew that Absalom had died and he wept greatly and lamented over the loss of his son. He has lost also any opportunity for reconciliation. It is a sad day. David perhaps didn't really understand or want to believe the insurrection his son was wanting and his rebellion. 

Summary: The battle has ended and Ahimaaz, a priest and a Cushite want to deliver the results to David and yet our vague in announcing the demise of Absalom, but David figures it out and laments. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "we cannot let our relationships cloud our judgment when we see people rebelling against lawful authorities."

Prayer: God, you are merciful and outcomes are hard to hear in life. Rebellion is hard to hear. It is hard to be a part of division and opposing forces. We want everyone to get a long and everyone to have a same goal and same desire for peace and love. We want the best in our children and want them to be aligned with us. But sometimes things don't work out the way we would like. Help us to uphold good and lawful ways. We must honor the law. I remember this with our youngest son and making sure he was law abiding and not just thinking that he was when he rebelled and began to smoke. Lord, let goodness reign in our household and may you be glorified always. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 17:24-18:18 - Absalom Defeated

2 Samuel 17:24-18:18

Then Joab said, "I will not waste time here with you." So he took three spears in this hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men who carried Joab's armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him. (18:14-15)

Message: Absalom Defeated

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson Absalom is plotting to take over the throne from his father David. He starts by seeking counsel from Ahithophel who previously provided counsel to David. Ahithophel gives good advice and if carried out would have worked to overthrow David and yet Hushai, a spy for David, gets Absalom to question this advice. Ahithophel ends up hanging himself and Absalom’s plans are foiled. 

In verse 24 of chapter 17 David retreats east of the Jordan River to the city of Mahanaim, which tells us the threat of Absalom was real. Absalom also crosses the Jordan River and heads east to Gilead (Mahanaim is in the land of Gilead) with all the men of Israel as he has gained support for his rebellion and potential seizure of the throne. Absalom appoints Amasa, another relative of David to be head of his army. Absalom is possibly rousing interest from those that aren’t thrilled with David’s leadership. 2 Samuel 12:10-12 states that the sword would depart from David’s house because of his sin with Bathsheba. ("I am going to raise up evil against you from your own household.") 

Thus there is a clear consequence for David’s sin. Sin has consequences. There is strife in our lives not only from my sin but possibly the sin of a family member. And perhaps the difficulties and strife people experience is the result of sin in our lands among people collectively. 

The final 3 verses of chapter 17 provide information though on those showing support for David. Up to now the verses have been primarily focused on Absalom but now there is confirmation that there are those that do support David and not only people are mentioned but provisions are given for daily needs including food and rest. 

Beginning in chapter 18 David organizes his troops, appointing military leadership including Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittie each overseeing one third of the troops and David saying he will fight alongside them. But the people don’t want David to fight because the focus often in this area is for the opposition to kill the king as he is the central figure and taking him is like taking all. David states he will do whatever is best for his people. David states that there must be love and compassion for Absalom. Despite his rebellion they are to have mercy on him. There is the tension between justice and mercy - common throughout the Bible and God's history with people. 

The battle is to take place in the forest of Ephraim believed to be on the east side of the Jordan River. The dense woods will end up claiming victory itself over its foes. There was significant defeat there of Absalom’s forces with many lives lost and the forest indeed itself did in fact claim more lives than the sword. 

And in this setting the life of Absalom is claimed. His long hair or his physical prowess gets in his way and gets tangled in the trees, capturing him. He is suspended in midair as his mule keeps going and this foreshadows him hanging in between earthly power and divine favor with judgment looming. A soldier sees this and tells Joab. Joab wonders why Absalom was not killed on the spot as a reward could have been earned. But despite Absalom’s transgressions the soldier remembers the words of David that Absalom is to be spared, yet Joab who received the command is caught up in military warfare nevertheless in wanting him dead. But this soldier has loyalty to David. But Joab will not wait and takes 3 spears - three being a biblical number for completeness or perfection and so his action will be determined and thorough. Hanging from the tree Joab and still alive Joab kills him through the heart - the center of life and emotion. 

Absalom’s insurrection is defeated and David kingship is established once again. Just as the men were concerned of David going into battle and his death being the demise of all fighting, with Absalom’s death Joab calls off all fighting. He is buried in the forest, buried in disgrace. And that place bears his name, a man focused on his self-centeredness and goal of personal glory. 

Summary: David prepares for battle toward Absalom and his army. Justice and mercy are central in sparing Absalom's life, but Joab seizes an opportunity to kill him and Absalom's rebellion is defeated. 

Promise: Even in the midst of battles and difficult situations, I am called to do the right thing. 

Prayer: Lord, I appreciate the time to spend on these verses. I like the study of them and seeing the comments about each verse, weaving the meaning of them. And reading now again about David's justice and mercy reminds me of your justice and your mercy on our lives. At that basketball game the other day, seeing the masses of people of a different faith, the good looking people and wondering Lord about your justice knowing that their faith has not a firm foundation. Lord, it seems hard to envision their separation from you when seen in large numbers and yet your judgment for sin and how it is dealt with is of utmost importance. I do pray for your mercy. I thank you for your mercy. Be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 10:35 - Embarrassed by the Bible

John 10:35

If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannon be nullified). 

Message: Embarrassed by the Bible

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Dr Sproul once said, “You are required to believe, to preach, and to teach what the Bible says is true, not what you want the Bible to say is true.” This reminds me that I am to back the Bible ever in my conversations. I need to make it more prominent in my speech and as I speak to people, I need to be strong in speaking it and applying it to my life. 

In this statement, sometimes I find this to be hard especially when others come along and say that the Bible is not saying what I am saying. It is hard to reconcile sometimes who is true and what is the correct reason behind Scripture. As I grow older I find it becomes harder and harder to not let the preconceived ideas I have of things not train me for how I am to think about God's word. 

In my ministry online I speak to all sorts of people and many have very different ideas of these scriptures. For some, I can tell they are uncomfortable with the text and they want it to be something different than what it is saying. I think even as Christians we can at times adapt the scripture to the times. For instance, in the last 20-30 years views towards advancing gay people, and encouraging women to preach in church have become more common place in our culture, and so many have Christian leaders and denominations have adapted traditional beliefs to this. And so those of us in denominations that still deny these views, I notice many are not being clear in speaking about them. We are avoiding the controversy, sidestepping it. We are rarely bringing it up. I wonder at times if we are doing this to succumb or we are doing it to possibly not make it a big issue when trying to help someone understand the true meaning of the gospel. 

I wonder at times if I do these type of things when I am sharing my faith others. Like if I am speaking to a JW, I often will not be prominent in my speech about the Trinity, thinking I guess that once they hear those words they immediately put up a wall of separation and don't even listen to anything else because they are so opposed to that thinking. It seems this happens when speaking to Muslims as well. I can defend this at times and yet I don't know if that is correct. I mean, in the process am I limiting the true message of the gospel. 

For others though, they state conclusions about the text that are often different from the last 2,000 years of Bible interpretation. I think for me this is what I go back to continually - not only what I think but what have many scholars and people consistently thought about these truths over time. 

What I need to make sure I do is to not hold back, but to keep speaking and keep speaking in a strong manner. 

Prayer: God, you have given me freedom in You and saved me from any wrath in the future. You have saved me from the Law and the notion that my goodness amounts to Your acceptance of me. This is not the way it is, you save your people because of who you are not because of who they are. You are holy and you are to be revered and respected. I am to rightly divide your truth and make you known always. Lord, give me wisdom on speaking my mind. When given opportunities, help me to be true to Your Word. You know me Lord, I tend to adapt to people rather than the truth of what I believe your word is saying. Lord, redirect me to be true always to Your words. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 16:15-17:23 - Ahithophel’s Counsel Defeated

2 Samuel 16:15-17:23 

Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to foil the good advice of Ahithophel, in order for the Lord to bring disaster on Absalom. (17:14)

Message: Ahithophel’s Counsel Defeated

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: I left off with David not necessarily a popular guy and yet submitting to the Lord and waiting to see how God will work out the situation. 

He is near Jerusalem having received the ire of Shimei. Absalom, his 3rd son seems interested in the throne and had been in Geshur, but now is back in Jerusalem, this time accompanied by Ahithophel, a counselor of David and man of wisdom that now seems to be with Absalom. Hushai is also present, a spy for David. Hushai greets Absalom with “Long live the king” directed towards Absalom it would seem to give Absalom the idea he is supporting him and yet those words are strategic deception. 

Absalom's response to Hushai is one of non-belief. He doesn’t believe what Hushai is speaking because he knows he’s a friend of David but Husbai again gives the idea that he was there for Saul and he will be there for Absalom as well. So Absalom asks him advice and he tells him to sleep with David's concubines, a military act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, taking possession of a king's concubines was a declaration of taking over his throne and authority. And so it was done and in the process fulfill a prophecy from David after his sin with Bathsheba. It occurred probably on the same rooftop where Bathsheba and David had done their act. 

And in chapter 17 Ahithophel gives Absalom further advice on how to attack David. Do it while he is weary and weak. Hushai’s advice is sought as well. But Hushai says the advice is not good as David is a smart fighter and will foil this plan. 

Instead Hushai encourages to being together all of the men of Israel and with so many men he will not have a chance. But in verse 14 it says, “the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” Proverbs 19:21, which states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." 

And thus Hushai shares the information with Zadok and Abiathar the two priests so that they will tell David and he will know the plan that has been set forth. The information is communicated to David in a clever and secretive way through the sons of the priests - Jonathan and Ahimaaz and by way of a servant girl who could move freely about without any suspicion of anyone. Once done the words of Ahithophel are found out by David and he knows the King knows of his betrayal and Ahithophel hangs himself. 

Summary: Ahithophel betrays David siding with Absalom in a coup to make Absalom king. But Hushai gets the information communicated to David. 

Promise: God may allow the enemies of His people to succeed for a time, but eventually He will bring them down. 

Prayer: You are sovereign. This book reveals that your plans are always clear and present in this world. You order our land. You order our ways. As You intervened in the days of King David to turn the wise counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, I ask that You frustrate every demonic plan, evil counsel, and conspiracy against your people in this world today. Lord, I trust in Your ability to turn the hearts of those against me, even when I am weak and weary, to make their strategies fail. Please surround me with divine helpers like Hushai, who can bring truth and sound wisdom in times of crisis. I thank You that You are my refuge and my deliverer.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 16:1-14 - David on the Run

2 Samuel 16:1-14

Perhaps the Lord will look on my misery and return good to me instead of his cursing this day. (verse 12)

Message: David on the Run

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: Back in 2 Samuel 9, David gave the land of Saul over to Mephibosheth. This chapter begins where that chapter began with David speaking to Mephibosheth's servant Ziba. In the last chapter Absalom is in the middle of leaving Jerusalem, in Hebron, getting the people behind him with the purpose of making a claim for the throne. He's rebelling against David, making a claim that he should be king. It states in verse 1 that David has left Jerusalem and "gone on a little beyond the summit" with the idea that he has gone to the Mount of Olives possibly for a retreat. Ziba sees him and for some reason it highlights that he gave him provisions - donkeys and 200 loaves of bread - meaning an abundant amount. Also he gives him raisins which is sustenance for anyone traveling, summer fruits in season currently, and wine jug which is a familiar drink for refreshment and medicinal purposes. 

David wonders why Ziba has brought these and he explains the meaning of each - provisions for David and his young men and servants. David asks where Mephibosheth is at and Ziba claims he is awaiting the restoration of the kingdom to Saul and therefore to possibly Mephibosheth or someone in Saul's family. Ziba gives the idea that he is instead showing his allegiance to David. Hard to say what is going on here, if Ziba is being righteous or has something else up his sleeve. David has bestowed much on Mephibosheth so not sure if now this cripple man desires to get back something or if Ziba has other selfish desires here. 

In verse 5, David is now coming upon Bahurim. Bahurim was a village in the territory of Benjamin, near the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And a man of the house of Saul, Shimei comes out cursing at David. And follows that up with throwing stones at David. And wants David to leave. He calls David a "man of bloodshed and worthless." After throwing stones and cursing him, these words seem consistent with a tone of utter resentment those of the kingdom of Saul have toward David. As I remember, Saul had this same feeling toward David and yet David had sadness upon hearing of the death of Saul. These folks make it clear that David is not welcome. 

Then appears Abishai, a prominent military leader and nephew of King David and comes to the aid of David thinking this man, Shimei, of the house of Saul stating these curses toward David should have his head cut off. Basically, a tit for tat or retributive justice as Shimei has cursed David and thrown stones at him, which were instruments of execution. But David responds in submission to God. He voices that perhaps the curses are from God. He mentions that Absalom wants his life and Shimei as well. It almost seems like David believes the cursing to be valid and maybe wonders if Absalom wanting to usurp David's authority is a consequence of his sin. 

David surrenders to God and puts his hope and confidence in God. He seems to submit to God's sovereignty and wonders here if perhaps all this is happening for God's good reason, but also he hopes that "the Lord will look on my misery and return good to me instead of cursing this day." Abishai was ready to repay the evil with evil, to get justice. But David responds with a trust in God. 

David speaks to the idea that God ordains all, judgments even possibly toward His people. 

Summary: David leaves Jerusalem, encounters Ziba and Shimei who both seems to want something ill of David and David responds not by dismissing them but with a trust in God for whatever He wills. 

Promise: Keep following God even with curses come my way. 

Prayer: Lord, this lesson is a hard one for it communicates a hard word that perhaps the cursing and throwing of stones we might receive in life are warranted. But I am thankful for the confirmation here that David believes God is sovereign over all and so life is about what God thinks is best for us and not the other way around, meaning what I think is best for me. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.