today's meditation (2 Sam.6) Being Close to God

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(2 Samuel 6:1-23)  Now David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David departed from Baale-judah, with all the people who were with him, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of armies who is enthroned above the cherubim. 3 They had mounted the ark of God on a new cart and moved it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart. 4 So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark. 5 Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds of instruments made of juniper wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.

6 But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, because the oxen nearly overturned it. 7 And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 Then David became angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah; and that place has been called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 So David was afraid of the Lord that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” 10 And David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom, the Gittite. 11 The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household.

12 Now it was reported to King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” So David went and brought the ark of God up from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with joy. 13 And so it was, that when those carrying the ark of the Lord marched six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened steer. 14 And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with joyful shouting and the sound of the trumpet.

16 Then it happened, as the ark of the Lord was coming into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked down through the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she was contemptuous of him in her heart.

17 Now they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of armies. 19 Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread, one of dates, and one of raisins to each one. Then all the people left, each to his house.

20 But when David returned to bless his own household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel dignified himself today! For he exposed himself today in the sight of his servants’ female slaves, as one of the rabble shamelessly exposes himself!” 21 But David said to Michal, “I was before the Lord, who preferred me to your father and to all his house, to appoint me as ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. So I will celebrate before the Lord! 22 And I might demean myself even more than this and be lowly in my own sight, but with the female slaves of whom you have spoken, with them I am to be held in honor!” 23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

God always means exactly what He says, and God is holy and just, so no one can question God in striking down Uzzah.  Although when this happened, David was angry at the Lord.  It seemed like it was more about David not getting his way.  It was good that David desired to have the ark of God near him as soon as possible, but David should have been angry at Uzzah's irreverent behavior - because that was the actual cause for the delay.

How quickly we get angry at God and put distance between us and Him when things don't go the way we want or expect.  This is the very opposite reaction that we should have.  We need to always remember that God is just and holy and wants the best for us, so we should always continue to grow closer and closer to God.  At the same time, we need to always consider the right and wrong actions and reactions of ourselves and those around us.

Notice that David was only afraid of God for "that  day" (verse 9).  After David had finished sulking, and heard that the people who were near God and His ark were being blessed, he quickly realized that he wanted God and His ark to be near him and his family.

Just like David, we should desire to be near God - ALWAYS!  And just like David, we should celebrate and be overjoyed that we can have a close personal relationship with God! 

today's meditation (2 Sam.4:1-5:25) Inquire of the Lord

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(2 Samuel 4:1-12)  Now when Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died in Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was horrified. 2 And Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of troops: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin, 3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as strangers until this day).

4 Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was disabled in both feet. He was five years old when the news of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse picked him up and fled. But it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and could no longer walk. And his name was Mephibosheth.

5 So the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, departed and came to the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while he was taking his midday rest. 6 And they came to the interior of the house as if to get wheat, and they struck him in the belly; and Rechab and his brother Baanah escaped. 7 Now when they had come into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him, and they beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. 8 Then they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron, and said to the king, “Behold, the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; so the Lord has given my lord the king vengeance this day on Saul and his descendants.”

9 But David replied to Rechab and his brother Baanah, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, 10 when the one who informed me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ also viewed himself as the bearer of good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and eliminate you both from the earth?” 12 Then David commanded the young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet, and hung them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.

(2 Samuel 5:1-25)  Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a leader over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord in Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

6 Now the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land; and they said to David, “You shall not come in here, but even those who are blind and those who limp will turn you away,” thinking, “David cannot enter here.” 7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites is to reach those who limp and those who are blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” For that reason they say, “People who are blind and people who limp shall not come into the house.” 9 So David lived in the stronghold, and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. 10 David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of armies was with him.

11 Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, carpenters, and stonemasons; and they built a house for David. 12 And David realized that the Lord had appointed him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

13 Meanwhile David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 Now these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

17 Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David; and when David heard about it, he went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines came and overran the Valley of Rephaim. 19 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You hand them over to me?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you.” 20 Then David came to Baal-perazim and defeated them there; and he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like the breakthrough of waters.” Therefore he named that place Baal-perazim. 21 And the Philistines abandoned their idols there, so David and his men carried them away.

22 Now the Philistines came up once again and overran the Valley of Rephaim. 23 So David inquired of the Lord, but He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the baka-shrubs. 24 And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the baka-shrubs, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” 25 Then David did so, just as the Lord had commanded him; he struck and killed the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

At the proper time, David became king over all Israel, because God worked that out as promised.  And at the proper time, each time, David was told when and how to attack his enemies.

Just because we have asked God to help us out with a particular situation, and it is resolved, (just like David did in these chapters) when another similar situation arises, we should never assume that we can handle "this" one.  For everything, each and every time, we should inquire of the Lord!

today's meditation (2 Sam.2-3) Haste Makes Waste

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(2 Samuel 2:1-32)  Then it came about afterward that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. 3 And David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they settled in the cities of Hebron. 4 Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” 5 So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the Lord because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him. 6 And now may the Lord show kindness and truth to you; and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing. 7 Now then, let your hands be strong and be valiant, since Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

8 But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. 9 And he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel. 10 Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. 11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

12 Now Abner the son of Ner, went from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul. 13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, Abner’s men on the one side of the pool and Joab’s men on the other side of the pool. 14 Then Abner said to Joab, “Now have the young men arise and hold a martial skills match in our presence.” And Joab said, “Have them arise!” 15 So they got up and went over by count, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David. 16 And each one of them seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 17 That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.

18 Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles that is in the field. 19 Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind himself and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” And he said, “It is I!” 21 So Abner said to him, “Turn aside for your own good to your right or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men for yourself, and take for yourself his equipment.” But Asahel was unwilling to turn aside from following him. 22 Then Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside for your own good from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?” 23 However, he refused to turn aside; so Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it happened that all who came thereafter to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.

24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and when the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is opposite Giah by way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 And the sons of Benjamin gathered together behind Abner and became one troop, and they stood on the top of a hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Should the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that it will be bitter in the end? So how long will you refrain from telling the people to turn back from pursuing their kinsmen?” 27 Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, then the people of Judah certainly would have withdrawn in the morning, each from pursuing his brother.” 28 So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the people halted and no longer pursued Israel, nor did they continue to fight anymore. 29 Abner and his men then went through the Arabah all that night; so they crossed the Jordan, walked all morning, and came to Mahanaim.

30 Then Joab returned from pursuing Abner; but he gathered all the people together, and nineteen of David’s servants were missing, besides Asahel. 31 However, the servants of David had struck and killed many of Benjamin and Abner’s men; 360 men were dead. 32 And they carried Asahel away and buried him in his father’s tomb, which was in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men traveled all night until the day dawned at Hebron.

(2 Samuel 3:1-39)  Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David became steadily stronger, while the house of Saul became steadily weaker.

2 Sons were born to David in Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.

6 Now it happened that while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was strengthening himself in the house of Saul. 7 And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” 8 Then Abner became very angry over Ish-bosheth’s question and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah? Today I show kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and to his friends, and have not let you fall into the hands of David; yet today you call me to account for wrongdoing with that woman? 9 May God do so to me, and more so, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him: 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba!” 11 And Ish-bosheth could no longer say a word in response to Abner, because he was afraid of him.

12 Then Abner sent messengers to David at his place, saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” 13 And he said, “Good! I will make a covenant with you, only I require one thing of you, namely, that you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see me.” 14 So David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, to whom I was betrothed for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 Ish-bosheth sent men and had her taken from her husband, from Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 And her husband went with her, weeping as he went, following her as far as Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” So he returned.

17 Now Abner had a consultation with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you. 18 Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken regarding David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hands of all their enemies.’” 19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin; and in addition Abner went to speak to David in Hebron everything that seemed good to Israel and to the entire house of Benjamin.

20 Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David held a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. 21 Abner said to David, “Let me set out and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” So David let Abner go, and he went in peace.

22 And behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a raid and brought a large amount of plunder with them; but Abner was not with David in Hebron, since he had let him go, and he had gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the army that was with him arrived, they informed Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go on his way, and he has gone in peace.” 24 Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you; why then have you let him go, so that he is already gone? 25 You know Abner the son of Ner, that he came to gain your confidence, and to learn of your going out and coming in and to find out everything that you are doing.”

26 When Joab left David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David did not know about it. 27 So when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the belly, so that he died on account of the blood of his brother Asahel. 28 Afterward, when David heard about this, he said, “I and my kingdom are innocent before the Lord forever of the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 May it turn upon the head of Joab and on all his father’s house; and may there not be eliminated from the house of Joab someone who suffers a discharge, or has leprosy, or holds the spindle, or falls by the sword, or lacks bread.” 30 So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.

31 Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier. 32 And they buried Abner in Hebron; and the king raised his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. 33 And the king sang a song of mourning for Abner and said,

     “Should Abner die as a fool dies?
34  Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in bronze shackles;
      As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen.”

And all the people wept over him again. 35 Then all the people came to provide food for David in his distress while it was still day; but David vowed, saying, “May God do so to me, and more so, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun goes down.” 36 Now all the people took note of David’s vow, and it pleased them, just as everything that the king did pleased all the people. 37 So all the people and all Israel understood on that day that it had not been the desire of the king to put Abner the son of Ner to death. 38 Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a leader and a great man has fallen in Israel this day? 39 And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too difficult for me. May the Lord repay the evildoer in proportion to his evil.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

My grade six teacher would constantly say, "Haste makes waste!"  This is so very true, and it is applicable to - pretty much EVERYTHING!!!  Abner rushed to make Ish-bosheth king of Israel, but then realized his mistake when Ish-bosheth turned on him.  Joab rushed to have Abner killed, only to find out that Abner had become a close ally of king David's. 

It can be way too easy to feel justified in carrying out an action.  Even after praying and asking God for guidance, I have gotten "great ideas" and thought it came from God.  Without consulting another believer, and without really consulting God's word, I then rushed to carry out my idea, only to find out that it was NOT a good idea.  In fact, these "great ideas" usually make the situation worse.  

It is when I stop, and pray, and wait on the Lord, that things eventually work out for the better.  WHY not start with that?  Just asking God for wisdom and guidance is not enough.  We then have to trust God enough to wait for clarity, and let God do the work.  

And let me tell you, God's wisdom and guidance most often involves me humbling myself first!!!  Respecting authority!!!  More than likely apologizing for something!!!  And most definitely forgiving others - whether they apologize or not!!!  Then waiting for an inexplicable peace within myself in order to maybe talk things out and gain understanding...

It's not just a catch-phrase used in the Bible.  It really benefits us to rest in the Lord!!!

today's meditation (2 Sam.1) Practicing Justice, Love and Grace

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(2 Samuel 1:1-27)  Now it came about after the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, that David stayed two days in Ziklag. 2 And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. And it happened when he came to David, he fell to the ground and prostrated himself. 3 Then David said to him, “From where do you come?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” 4 David said to him, “How did things go? Please tell me.” And he said, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead; and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 5 Then David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6 The young man who told him said, “By chance I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and behold, Saul was leaning on his spear. And behold, the chariots and the horsemen had overtaken him. 7 When he looked behind himself, he saw me, and called to me. And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 8 Then he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ And I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9 And he said to me, ‘Please stand next to me and finish me off, for agony has seized me because my life still lingers in me.’ 10 So I stood next to him and finished him off, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.”

11 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so also did all the men who were with him. 12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the Lord and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 13 Then David said to the young man who informed him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.” 14 And David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to reach out with your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 15 Then David called one of the young men and said, “Come forward, put him to death.” So he struck him and he died. 16 And David said to him, “Your blood is on your head, because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have finished off the Lord’s anointed.’”

17 Then David sang this song of mourning over Saul and his son Jonathan, 18 and he told them to teach the sons of Judah the mourning song of the bow; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar.

19 “Your beauty, Israel, is slaughtered on your high places!
      How the mighty have fallen!
20  Tell it not in Gath,
      Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,
      Or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,
      The daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate.
21  Mountains of Gilboa,
      May there be no dew nor rain on you, or fields of offerings!
      For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
      The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
22  From the blood of those slaughtered, from the fat of the mighty,
      The bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
      And the sword of Saul did not return unstained.
23  Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life,
      And in their deaths they were not separated;
      They were swifter than eagles,
      They were mightier than lions.
24  Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
      Who clothed you in scarlet, with jewelry,
      Who put gold jewelry on your apparel.
25  How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle!
      Jonathan is slaughtered on your high places.
26  I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
      You have been a close friend to me.
      Your love for me was more wonderful
      Than the love of women.
27  How the mighty have fallen,
      And the weapons of war have perished!”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

There is a time to execute justice, and there is a time to practice grace.  And both must be at the ready!  I don't envy David's position in having to make these decisions and deal with these circumstances all the while going through a whole range of emotions.  David would have dealt with any sort of hatred towards Saul a long time ago, with the help of God's forgiveness and grace, otherwise he would not have been able to deliver such a compassionate eulogy. 

If David had been bitter in any way, I feel that he would not have been able to carry out justice towards the man who aided in Saul's death.  I mean... Saul had been seeking David's life for years.  And a lot of soldiers certainly would have understood the benefits of a mercy-killing.  So a lot of men would have rewarded this servant.  But, murder is murder.  

David had a great faith in God, knowing that He is able to do anything, so who knows, God could have saved Saul from dying.  As well, David had a great respect for God, knowing that His laws are righteous,, and so he was obedient to them.  As king, David had a bigger responsibility in carrying out justice in the land.  

God's laws are God's laws.  Who are we to supersede them?  Typically people are more than ready to tell others what they should and shouldn't do, or try to carry out some level of punishment.  Sure, there are times we are to admonish or challenge a fellow believer when we see them doing something that is hurtful.  But our priority focus should be to apply God's laws and God's will to ourselves.  We are to search our own hearts to see where we are wrong and ask God to adjust that.  And towards other people, we are to stand for justice, and always apply love and grace.

today's meditation (1 Sam.31) Resting in God's Promises

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(1 Samuel 31:1-13)  Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from the Philistines but fell fatally wounded on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines also overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3 The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers found him; and he was gravely wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised Philistines will come and pierce me through, and abuse me.” But his armor bearer was unwilling, because he was very fearful. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. 5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. 6 So Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together.

7 Now when the people of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, with those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned the cities and fled; then the Philistines came and settled in them.

8 It came about on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip those killed, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons, and sent them throughout the land of the Philistines, to bring the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. 10 They put his weapons in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they nailed his body to the wall of Beth-shan. 11 Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men got up and walked all night, and they took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. 13 And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted for seven days.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Jesus was going to come to earth in flesh (to be one hundred percent man while still being one hundred percent God), through David's bloodline, as rightful king of Israel and as the King of kings. So we can see the ending of this book as gruesome, or we can see how God made way for David to be king, as promised.  In the same way, God allowed men with evil intentions to crucify Jesus.  This is how God made way for Him to pay the price for all sin, rise again, and provide salvation for anyone who believes in Jesus!  As promised!

We live in a broken, sinful world, where everyone needs saving.  So even though there are gruesome things happening in the word  around us, let us be confident in the Lord and rest in His promises, knowing that He will make way for His kingdom here on earth, when Jesus will sit on the throne. and govern the world with justice.  And all believers of all time will enjoy eternal life in heaven with Him.  As promised.  

today's mediation (1 Sam.30:8-31) Demonstrating Thankfulness

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(1 Samuel 30:9-31)  So David left, he and the six hundred men who were with him, and they came to the brook Besor, where some who were left behind stayed. 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men, for two hundred who were too exhausted to cross the brook Besor stayed behind.

11 Now they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David, and gave him bread and he ate, and they provided him water to drink. 12 They also gave him a slice of fig cake and two cakes of raisins, and he ate; then his spirit revived. For he had not eaten bread or drunk water for three days and three nights. 13 Then David said to him, “To whom do you belong? And where are you from?” And he said, “I am a young man of Egypt, a servant of an Amalekite; and my master abandoned me when I became sick three days ago. 14 We carried out an attack on the Negev of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on the Negev of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire.” 15 Then David said to him, “Will you bring me down to this band of raiders?” And he said, “Swear to me by God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will bring you down to this band.”

16 Now when he had brought him down, behold, they were dispersed over all the land, eating and drinking and celebrating because of all the great plunder that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 17 And David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. 18 So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives. 19 And nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, plunder, or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back. 20 So David had captured all the sheep and the cattle which the people drove ahead of the other livestock, and they said, “This is David’s plunder.”

21 When David came to the two hundred men who were too exhausted to follow David and had been left behind at the brook Besor, and they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him, then David approached the people and greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, “Since they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoils that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, so that they may lead them away and leave.” 23 But David said, “You must not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us, for He has protected us and handed over to us the band of raiders that came against us. 24 And who will listen to you in this matter? For as is the share of the one who goes down into the battle, so shall be the share of the one who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike.” 25 So it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.

26 Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoils to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, “Behold, a gift for you from the spoils of the enemies of the Lord: 27 to those who were in Bethel, to those who were in Ramoth of the Negev, to those who were in Jattir, 28 to those who were in Aroer, to those who were in Siphmoth, to those who were in Eshtemoa, 29 to those who were in Racal, to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, 30 to those who were in Hormah, to those who were in Bor-ashan, to those who were in Athach, 31 to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men walked.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Interesting how quickly some of the men changed their minds.  First they claimed that all the plunder was David's.  But suddenly it was all "theirs" when they saw that David was going to fairly disperse the plunder to everyone, plus gift some of it to the elders.  

David viewed the plunder as God's.  It was all because of God that they came back with everything - PLUS.   And David viewed everyone in his camp as God's, to be treated fairly and equally, from the ones who stayed back to protect the luggage, to all the elders in the area who had ministered to them.  Also notice David's heart for "the least of these" when he fed the abandoned Egyptian slave.  

Everyone is valuable in God's eyes.  As a church, we should be working together with this in mind.  No matter how someone is serving God, their work is very important.  And everything belongs to God, and God deserves our everything!  Tithing is expected.  Giving gifts is what we do that is over and above, as we are able, and when we are given opportunities.  As we give, it not only helps to pay our pastors, it also helps to keep our church doors open, and ultimately it helps to shine God's light all that much further - to our neighbors - to the world!  Every penny and every service helps to build and further God's kingdom!  

And when we realize that everything we have is from God and because of God, the biggest purpose in giving is to demonstrate our thankfulness and our trust in the Lord!

today's meditation (1 Sam.29:1-30:8) Being Strengthened in the Lord

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word...)

(1 Samuel 29:1-11)  Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek, while the Israelites were camping by the spring which is in Jezreel. 2 And the governors of the Philistines were proceeding on, leading hundreds and thousands, and David and his men were proceeding in the back with Achish. 3 Then the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or rather these years, and I have found nothing at all suspicious in him since the day he deserted to me to this day?” 4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him, and the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Make the man go back, so that he will return to his place where you have assigned him, and do not let him go down to battle with us, or in the battle he may become an adversary to us. For how could this man find favor with his lord? Would it not be with the heads of these men? 5 Is this not David, of whom they sing in the dances, saying,

‘Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands’?”

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have indeed been honest, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army are pleasing in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, you are not pleasing in the sight of the governors. 7 Now then, return and go in peace, so that you will not do anything wrong in the sight of the governors of the Philistines.” 8 However, David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And what have you found in your servant since the day that I came before you, to this day, that I cannot go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9 But Achish replied to David, “I know that you are pleasing in my sight, like an angel of God; nevertheless the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He must not go up with us into the battle.’ 10 Now then, rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who have come with you, and as soon as you have risen early in the morning and have light, leave.” 11 So David got up early, he and his men, to leave in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

(1 Samuel 30:1-8)  Then it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had carried out an attack on the Negev and on Ziklag, and had overthrown Ziklag and burned it with fire; 2 and they took captive the women and all who were in it, from the small to the great, without killing anyone, and drove them off and went their way. 3 When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire, and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep. 5 Now David’s two wives had been taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. 6 Also, David was in great distress because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David felt strengthened in the Lord his God.

7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 And David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this band of raiders? Will I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them, and you will certainly rescue everyone.” 

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Here David had been so eager to serve and fight in the battle alongside king Achish, but had been sent "home" because of the Philistines' distrust.  When David and his men returned, they found their city in ruins and their loved ones taken.  Not only did they all mourn their loss, but David's own men wanted to stone him as if it had been his fault.  David could have blamed God for allowing all of this to happen, but evil men had done this.  Meanwhile God made sure that David was brought back there in time to see and address the situation.

In times of uncertainly, even when terrible things have happened, or there are terrible threats against us, we can feel strengthened in the Lord.  And when we remain steadfast in God's will, as we face trials, we can know:

- God is still in control

- God has allowed these things to happen for a reason

- God has brought us to this place for a purpose

- we can rely on God to get us through 

- we should continue seeking God's wisdom and guidance

- we can be used of God to bring Him glory

- God can use us and the situation as a testimony to others

As we and those around us see that God is at work, we can see and know how faithful God is, which should only continue to encourage and strengthen us in the Lord.