SOAP 06/12/2015; 2 Samuel 5:3

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 5

S ) "³ So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel."

2 Samuel 5:3 (NASB)

O) David had already been anointed by Samuel, to be king over Israel. Here, he gained the support of the people. This is the same process that Saul went through, before David. First, Samuel anointed him according to God's direction, then the people gave their support. There is one notable, major difference between the two beginnings. For David's reign, he entered a covenant with the people before the LORD. We don't get to learn the details of that covenant, but the nature of a covenant is that two parties are mutually setting out to bless one another. They are committing to uphold certain things, do certain things, or abstain from certain things. A covenant is agreed upon by both parties. A covenant requires action by both parties. David already had every right to reign over these people, but he clearly saw this as a position of service. Again, we don't know the details, but David's reign started with a totally different interpretation, when it came to how a person should lead a kingdom. David had his own faults, to be sure, but I think it's clear he considered his position to be a gift, not a right.

A) Over and over, Jesus reinforced the notion that leadership according to God's definitions is vastly different than leadership according to the world's definitions. David understood that he had certain obligations toward his people, as their king; just as the people had obligations to him, as subjects in his kingdom. Any time I am ever reading about kingdoms in the Bible, I always relate it first to my own family. God has me in a position of leadership, as a husband and a dad. One day, I hope to be a grandparent, and even a great-grandparent - if the Lord is willing. In that sense, there are generations that will be affected by my current leadership. The way I treat my wife will impact my children's marriages. The way I parent will impact how they parent my grandkids. And those effects can (and probably will) ripple through multiple generations in ways I may never see. With that in mind, I need to approach my leadership with God in mind. Just as David made his covenant with his people before the LORD, I also must make my decisions as I lead, with the LORD as my biggest concern. I don't know if I will enter a covenant with my children, but I certainly did with my wife. Every day, I have countless opportunities to honor God by the way I keep that covenant (and how I parent my children). The biggest thing I can give to the people I lead, is to impart a practice of considering the LORD with every relationship. A covenant is a serious thing, and not every relationship has one. However, everything we do is still before the LORD. As I lead my family with an understanding that I am to serve them as much as they are supposed to do anything for me, I must keep God central to our family.

P) Father, I am confronted today, with the realization that I am completely inadequate to lead my family on my own. I cannot even lead my own life straight, let alone four other people. However, I am so humbled and thankful, that I am not doing this on my own. Be my wisdom, strength, and guide, as I look to serve my family daily. Holy Spirit, counsel me in the way I must go. Thank You for the grace that is present in my life every day, Lord. Be glorified in my little kingdom, as I seek to honor You in the way I lead my family, to keep You central to our every relationship. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/11/2015; 2 Samuel 2:5

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 2

S ) "⁵ 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.'"

2 Samuel 2:5 (NASB)

O) David's deep loyalty and conviction about his support of Saul, moved him to bless those who remained loyal to their king in his death. It's important to understand the context of what was happening here, though. David was going to take the throne that Saul vacated (he knew that, since he had been anointed by Samuel), but Saul still had a son alive (Ish-Bosheth). Showing open support of Saul ran the risk of people thinking David might support Saul's line of succession (though he clearly did not, as we learn through the coming chapters). However, just as David honored the anointed of the LORD in Saul's life, he also honored him in Saul's death. Ultimately, this is because David feared the LORD Himself, not the titles of men. It was the fact that Saul was anointed, that motivated David's attitude toward Saul. David saw any disrespect of Saul to be a direct opposition to the LORD, and he wouldn't allow it. He blessed the men of Jabesh-gilead because they were being faithful stewards of a man that God had blessed at one time.

A) Praying for bad leadership takes careful humility. I have no doubts at all, that God had blessed the leadership of my country at one point in history. I have firm belief that God still elects leadership (see Romans 12:1), but I am not so certain our country is pleasing to the LORD, now. However, it would still be proper for me to follow David's example, to honor the leadership of my country because of who God is, not because of what my leadership is doing. In the same way, I should recognize when other people honor my country and its leadership, even if I do not support everything that's happening politically or morally. This seems especially important as it pertains to respecting, blessing, and praying for the soldiers who defend this country and protect its leadership. After all, this country (for all of its faults) is still the best country in the world - especially from a Christian perspective (I think).

P) Father, whether You are actively blessing the leadership of this country or not, I'm not sure. I do know that You once did. I also know that You're still sovereign in electing leadership and authority (as hard as that is to define sometimes). I also know that it is proper for me to respect and bless those who support my country. After all, I still live here and being a disciple of Christ is easier in this country than it is in lots and lots of other countries. Help me to be mindful, Lord, to glorify You when I honor the authorities in my country. Your glory is the goal of my life, and it should show in my political support - even when it seems like the leadership of my country is gravely mistaken. Please continue to bless my country, as it is my residence and the place of my descendants as far as I can tell. Let me be faithful to You, seeking You first and foremost, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/10/2015; 1 Samuel 31:5

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 31

S ) "⁵ When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him."

1 Samuel 31:5 (NASB)

O) Saul was a walking dead man, in a lot of ways. He had already lost his kingdom to David because of his disobedience. Then, he made the grave mistake of consulting a necromancer to speak with the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel. It was only a matter of time, but his spiral of sin, disobedience, and destruction, carried right on through his life, past his final minutes, as we read in the verse above. Saul was afraid of his enemy, and afraid of things worse than death. He made this plainly known to his armor bearer, and asked the poor man to kill his king. This put the soldier in a terrible position. His armor bearer was probably already afraid for his own life, but willing to lay it down in service to his king. By seeing his king so desperate, he had the added pressure of being asked to lay down his own life, and the life of his king. Then, after the man refused, Saul succumbed to his own fears, killing himself. His bad leadership cost him his kingdom, then his sons, then his own life, then the life of his armor bearer after he himself had already died.

A) God has given me leadership by position, with my wife and my kids, let alone any other people I may lead throughout my life. I am a steward of that leadership position. Even just focusing on my family, I need to remember that I lead by example, whether that is a good example or a bad example. They will have a tendency to follow my example either way. When I am afraid, they will tend to be afraid. How I respond to that fear is how they will likely respond to that fear. This is true for other emotions, too, even positive ones that are much more pleasant. How I respond to joy (like celebration and thanksgiving), how I respond to anger (hostility or isolation); how I respond to life is how I am leading them. The fallacy of the phrase, "leading by example," is the idea that there is any other option. I will always be leading by example, but what example I am setting makes all the difference.

P) Father, Your leadership and fatherhood are the perfect example. I need Your help, following Your lead, so that I can set a correct example for those I am leading. Give me clarity, to remember that every example I set is an example in leadership. Help me to remember that this is the way Jesus led the first disciples, and that this is in fact the only way to lead. Jesus followed Your lead, Father, and that is how He set the example for His disciples to follow, and that includes me here and now. I confess that this can be overwhelming, because that can feel like a lot of pressure on me. When my position of leadership feels overwhelming, Lord, help me to remember that this is all based on what You do through me. So, remind me to seek You first, and to lean on the Holy Spirit for strength, perseverance, wisdom, and the outcome of my leadership. Be glorified in my life, as I lead the best I can. Thank You for Your continuing grace in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/09/2015; 1 Samuel 26:21-24

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26

S ) "²¹ Then Saul said, 'I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will not harm you again because my life was precious in your sight this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have committed a serious error.' ²² David replied, 'Behold the spear of the king! Now let one of the young men come over and take it. ²³ The Lord will repay each man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I refused to stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.'"

1 Samuel 26:21-24 (NASB)

O) This chapter tells the second encounter David had while fleeing Saul, where he had opportunity to kill Saul. As before, David spared his life, but made it clear (by taking Saul's spear) that the LORD gave him opportunity to kill Saul. This time, Saul is remorseful to the point of promising not to harm David, inviting him back. David returned the spear (I doubt he ever had intentions of stealing it), but he didn't return with his king. Instead, he remained in exile. David didn't harm Saul, or steal from Saul, or seek some kind of retribution. Clearly, David had fully forgiven Saul. However, David did not put himself in harm's way again. The time for a physical reconciliation had apparently passed, although David remained loyal to his king. In fact, David remained loyal to Saul even beyond their lifetimes together. David kept the promise he made in sparing Saul's life the first time (see 1 Samuel 24:16-22).

A) This is a powerful example of forgiveness in the face of traumatic offenses. Saul was literally trying to kill David, multiple times, but David continued to forgive Saul. He remained loyal in their relationship, although he refused to subject himself to potential harm again. As far as I know, I've never suffered threats to my life. Surely, if David was able to forgive such an attempt, I should be able to forgive anything (especially with the Holy Spirit within me, reminding me of the gospel). This story is a reminder, though, to seek wisdom from God before attempting reconciliation after such serious conflicts. The hope, is that every Christian should desire reconciliation. This is, after all, the nature of our ambassadorship (see 2 Corinthians 5:19-20). David recognized later (see the next chapter from our verse above), that reconciliation was simply not possible. Coming back together is always ideal, but without Christ, it is not always possible.

P) Father, thank You for the plan of reconciliation. You started with individuals. In my own life, You brought me back to You, through the Holy Spirit drawing me, and the gospel work of Jesus Christ. I ask first, that every conflict I ever have, has the gospel message at it's core. I pray for the reconciliation of people to You, first and foremost. Beyond that, Lord I pray that Your will is accomplished and I am able to reconcile with people after there have been conflicts between us. However, I recognize that this is not always possible, outside of Christ. So, I pray for wisdom as well. Open my eyes and ears, to see what You will have me do when I'm seeking to resolve conflict. Give me wisdom in my own conflicts, and certainly if I am trying to give advice to others. Above all else, I pray for Your will to be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/08/2015; 1 Samuel 21:10-12

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21

S ) "¹⁰ Then David arose and fled that day from Saul, and went to Achish king of Gath. ¹¹ But the servants of Achish said to him, 'Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying,

"Saul has slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands"?'

¹² David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath."

1 Samuel 21:10-12 (NASB)

O) David's reputation preceded him, and it got him into trouble. Although he had not yet ascended the throne, it seems it was common knowledge that he would be. In fact, the language used would suggest that it was merely a formality. After all, the people no longer sang Saul's praises, but David's. From v.12, we see David feared Achish, seemingly because of the report given about him. Whether this made him a target for physical danger, or a target for political machinations, we know enough of David to know he wanted neither of these. He eventually acted crazy to escape, and wrote a psalm after this (see Psalm 34).

A) David was fiercely loyal, and continually refused to take the throne from Saul. Even still, his reputation had outgrown him and caused him trouble. In my own life, it's hard to gauge my reputation. I would hope people speak well of me, but Jesus also warned against that. The main lesson to learn from this story, is that my fears are only relieved in God. Having a good reputation can make me a target, just as easily as It could open doors or afford me grace. A good reputation should never be my goal, because what other people know about me will never be as important as what I know about my God.

P) Father, You are my Deliverer. You are my Hope and Salvation, and are able to save me from every trouble- even the troubles I might cause to myself. You are perfect in Your fatherhood, so I choose to trust You implicitly when You discipline me. Open my eyes and ears, to learn the lessons You would teach. Protect me from dangers, physical or otherwise, according to Your will. In every season, I will seek You first, to protect and keep me. Be glorified in my life, and in my reputation. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/07/2015; 1 Samuel 19:23

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 19

S ) "²³ He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah."

1 Samuel 19:23 (NASB)

O) There is a lot of mystery to this passage. The chapter started with David being afraid of Saul, for his life. Jonathan (best fried to David, and son of Saul) interceded and Saul vowed to spare David's life. Then, after a big win in battle, Saul's jealousy of David became murderous again. David fled to Samuel, and Saul sent messengers to arrest him. Three times, the would be captors were overwhelmed by the Spirit of God. Instead of capturing David, they would prophesy. Finally, Saul himself came, but as we read above, he fell into the same fate as the others. This whole story shows the sovereignty of God. No doubt, God was intervening to preserve the life of His anointed king of His people (although David had not ascended the throne, yet). Exactly what these men all said in their prophecies is unknown. We don't know exactly what it looked like, when it happened, but it was powerful enough that they were unable or unwilling to arrest David. Some of this will have to remain a mystery (as the Bible does not give a lot of details), but one thing is clear. God is sovereign. He determines who will have authority. God can protect and provide in subtle ways or not-so-subtle ways.

A) Every time I am confronted with the mysterious nature of God, in the Bible or personally, I am humbled. Maybe God was forcing Saul to keep his vow (and indeed, Saul never killed David). Maybe there were things God needed Saul or David to hear, and He used the people who kept coming to speak those words for some reason we'll never know. Whatever the case, I must remember that authority is established by God (which we also read in Romans 12:1), and that the overwhelming Spirit of God is enough to still even the most murderous hearts. In light of this, I am humbled. For this, I am thankful.

P) Father, Your nature is too vast for me to even understand how much I don't know. Your reasons are complex sometimes, and the many facets of a situation are seldom clear to me But, I trust Your wisdom, Lord. I trust Your will. I pray that in Your sovereignty and perfection, Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You for such a heart-changing Spirit, that You have poured out into the world. In my obedience, I pray You are glorified. In my failures, I pray Your grace is magnified. Open the eyes of the blind, and the ears of the deaf, to see Your goodness as Your Spirit moves. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.