SOAP 06/19/2015; 2 Samuel 14:32

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 14

S ) "³² Absalom answered Joab, 'Behold, I sent for you, saying, "Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, 'Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me still to be there.'" Now therefore, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him put me to death.'"

2 Samuel 14:32 (NASB)

O) In the previous chapter, Absalom had laid a trap that was two years in the making, so he could avenge his sister Tamar. His half brother, Amnon, had raped her. In his revenge plot, he killed Amnon. In the aftermath, he fled to Geshur. Earlier in today's chapter, Joab had manipulated things, to convince David to bring his estranged son back to the city, but David also kept him under house-arrest, refusing to see his son. Absalom tried a few times to get Joab's attention and, when it wasn't working, set his fields on fire. What really comes through the context of the backstory, is the desperation of Absalom. When he said, "let him put me to death." it is a clear comparison that the silent treatment he was receiving from his dad was worse than death. He would rather have died to end it, than have an unresolved conflict between them, resulting in estrangement and silence. Now, whether or not David should have killed Absalom is open for debate (considering what else happened), but what is clear through this much of the story is that silently ignoring someone is like a virtual death. It is pretending the person is dead - or worse than that, since the person knows they are not dead. This is enough to drive a man crazy. Perhaps it could even make him desperate to make his presence, his life, known whatever the cost. So desperate, that he might try to overthrow a kingdom (which is exactly what Absalom did).

A) Whether or not Absalom's coup was fueled by David's silence, is something the Bible never actually tells us. However, it is plenty clear that the silence of his dad was more painful than death. The context of the verse prompts me to talk primarily of my kids, but this applies to my relationship with my wife, of course (and every other relationship). I cannot ever ignore my children like this. Perhaps the most important element that comes from this story, for me to apply, is the restoration of my children when they have sinned but confessed and repented. Today's psychology will teach that people who are desperate for attention will often "act out" in order to get attention. Applying biblical context, I can clearly see how the Bible made this clear well before modern psychology. For my children's own sake (and perhaps my own), I cannot deprive them of relationship - especially when they have made a (big) mistake. Instead, I need to meet them with the gospel. This is the same gospel that saves me. This is the same gospel I need every day. I need to show them that the same gospel that makes us children of God and calls us to holiness, is also the gospel that washes us of our sins and restores us to God. If my children are hearing the gospel from anyone, they should hear it from me first.

P) Father, You are holy and have called me to holiness. I mess that up. So, in Christ You forgave me and then restored me, and made me a son. You called me to holiness again, and empowered me with the Holy Spirit. I messed that up, still. So, You again restored me... this process of the gospel humbles me. It is so clearly dirven by Your love and grace, that I can never doubt who You are. Thank You for the heart of reconciliation that You show me. Help me to have that same heart toward others, my wife and kids first, and certainly in every other relationship I have. Let the power of Your gospel be present in all aspects of my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/18/2015; 2 Samuel 12:21-23

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 12

S ) "²¹ Then his servants said to him, 'What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.' ²² He said, 'While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, "Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live." ²³ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"

2 Samuel 12:21-23 (NASB)

Disclaimer: I know that in this story, one of the most compelling questions is why the LORD would take the first son of David and Bathsheba. However, setting aside that question, I want to focus on what happened afterward and why. I think it is more important to address and consider the verses above, than to explore what might have been God's reasoning, because in our own lives we often will never learn why God does or allows certain things. Instead, we must focus on what we do during those trials and tribulations.

O) There are a few elements to break down in the aftermath of David's most notorious sin. First, David is told immediately about the consequences of his sin, that he will be at war constantly (v.10), and that "his companion" will take his wives before his own eyes, and the people will all know about it (vv.11-12). At this point, David has not even put up a fight. He didn't try to shift blame or lessen God's sentence against him. Immediately, we see him confess his sin (v.11). Second, when Nathan gave him the rest of the consequence, regarding the baby, we read that David did take some action. He had clearly accepted responsibility (we know, by his plain confession), but he still prayed to God about this, it would seem to be for the sake of the child itself, or possibly for Bathsheba. We don't know the particular words David spoke to God (although we have some more context in Psalm 51), but it is clear from the verses above that David was pleading with God. Because David used the word "gracious" in describing the LORD, it seems unlikely that David was trying to provide extenuating circumstances to the LORD. Instead, he was making a humble request. Lastly, we see a picture of grief that is actually echoed in New Testament scripture. David understood the temporal nature of life on earth. When his child was dead, he was dead. That was the end of that chapter, but David alludes to a reunion. Not on this side of the grave, but on the other side of the grave. David had no concept of The Resurrection (as it had not been revealed, yet), but he did know that his own destiny was the same as that of his lost son. In the end, his time on earth would also come to a close. But, he does not despair this fact. The picture painted, is that David was pleading for life to continue on earth as long as it was possible and willed by God. Short of that, he accepted God's terms for life on earth, and rested in the assurance of a reunion after death. This is very much what we read in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, as Jesus had revealed the rest of God's plan for His people, beyond life on earth.

A) This is applicable every single time I sin, that my confession and repentance should be immediate. I should humbly accept responsibility, even if I do ask the LORD for mercy in the consequences of my sin. This is applicable every time I am fasting and praying, asking God to intervene in some circumstance. While the outcome is unknown, I should continue to do what I can, but when the outcome is manifested, my focus should shift forward. This is also applicable with the passing of friends and family, when they die. This was very much my experience when my mother was sick and in the hospital. I prayed for her healing, hoped for her healing. But, I also understood that life is still short. When her Lord took her to be with Him, I was deeply saddened for my own loss, but I rejoiced at her gain. I was able (in Christ alone) to shift my focus to our pending reunion. She will not return to me, but one day I will go to be with her in the presence of our Lord.

P) Father, Your grace is so humbling. The way You designed, authored, and executed the gospel is so perfect that it is difficult to grasp. When I have sinned, and I am reminded of my need for the grace of the gospel, I am thankful once again for the reconciliation that You desire by Your own will. I know that the consequences of my sins are still in place sometimes, because You discipline me as a son. For that reason, I thank You when I must face those consequences and also when You remove them. You are good either way, and so I am thankful. Please help me to keep an eternal perspective, whenever I am making supplications to You. Whether fasting is paired with my prayers, or not, I know that Your will should prevail. So, I pray that Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You for the grace and peace I had while my mom was sick, and when she passed to be with You. I pray that I am carried by the same grace and comfort, in whatever tragedy I may face again. Open my eyes to recognize Your glory in every circumstance. Be glorified through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/17/2015; 2 Samuel 10:2-3

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10

S ) "² Then David said, 'I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.' So David sent some of his servants to console him concerning his father. But when David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites, ³ the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, 'Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent consolers to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?'"

2 Samuel 10:2-3 (NASB)

O) Hanun the son of Nahash believed the words of these princes. He humiliated David's messengers, shaving half their beards and splitting their clothes down to their waists (which is kind of funny to visualize), and sent them away. This sparked a war, where the Ammonites even had to seek the help of the Arameans, to no avail. David's commanders had a good battle plan, and pursued the defeated armies until both nations were defeated. This result also cost Hanun his alliance with the Arameans. All of this, because he took bad advice. These princes assumed that David was trying to be deceitful, covertly gaining information under the pretense of condolences. They assumed David was like other kings. Instead, they should have considered who David had been to Nahash. Had Hanun considered David's actions in light of his past, perhaps there would have been no war.

A) There is a warning to consider who people are, and not project stereotypes or act out of fear (as Hanun did), but there is another warning as well. David had pure motives that were perceived as duplicitous. The simple truth is, people will do this because they know the deceit in their own hearts, so they will suspect others of the same kinds of deceit. In Christian culture, words like authenticity, honesty, and transparency are used a lot but I'm afraid they might not be taken as seriously as they should. As a result, the world sees Christians as hypocritical, judgmental, or fake. The world has learned that Christians say one thing, but believe or do something else. Obviously, because of struggles with sin, that can happen, but too often the struggle against sinful nature is misunderstood, which may simply be the result of thousands of years of actual hypocrisy. Whatever the case, I am committed to living a plainly honest life. Nevertheless, I must understand that there will be plenty of people who reject this premise, when they interact with me. The more someone knows me, the more they will see how genuine my character is (I hope they see it, at least). But, if they have to rely on the advice of others, I should not always expect them to believe I am who I say I am, when all they know about me is that I am a Christian. The best way to overcome this, is through real relationships with people. This can be hard to come by (availability and opportunity being the biggest challenges, sometimes), but it's worthwhile if it can prevent war (even if it's just a war of words).

P) Father, You are good and true. You instruct me in good works and true words. I know, because Jesus warned me Himself, that the world will hate me for His sake, Father. But, I also know that the world is ripe for the gospel. I know that one of the most effective ways to spread the gospel and make disciples, is through real relationships with others. So Lord, please prepare the hearts of the people in my life. Soften their hearts to the truth. Open eyes and ears, to perceive who You are and what You have done. Be glorified to them. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/16/2015; 2 Samuel 9:7-8

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 9

S ) " ⁷ David said to him, 'Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.' ⁸ Again he prostrated himself and said, 'What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?'"

2 Samuel 9:7-8 (NASB)

O) David was speaking to Mephibosheth, the only remaining son of Jonathan and the only remaining offspring of Saul. Normally (and this explains why he was the last alive), when a new king would take over a throne, he would extinquish any family of the previous royal family. This would reduce the possibility of someone trying to usurp the king's throne. In this case, Mephibosheth had been hidden (see 2 Samuel 4:4) for fear of his life. When we read the accounting of Saul's household in 2 Samuel 4, though, it would appear David may not have ever intended to end his line. So, when he learned that someone was still alive from Saul's family, he took care to bless the man and ensure his prosperity the best he could (as we read more from today's chapter). In the above verses, the words of Mephibosheth reminded me of Psalm 8, where David himself was confronted by similar realizations when considering himself to his King.

A) Mephibosheth had done nothing at all to earn the grace of his king. He must have had a hard life up until that point. He was crippled since 5 years old, his true identity stripped from him. He was forced to deal with a handicap that was not his own fault, while dealing with the fact that he was supposed to be royalty, until the mistakes of someone else took that away. This is very similar to my spiritual state (and that of all mankind since Adam himself). For as long as I can remember (indeed since birth, but practically speaking it is since I can remember), I have been spiritually handicapped by sin. I was supposed to be royalty among all of God's creation (as was all of mankind, given dominion over the creations of God). The harsh reality is that, regardless of who caused it, I was spiritually a dead dog. This term especially applies, since I wasn't even born a Jew (see Matthew 15:21-28). Life handed me a hard lot. It wasn't as hard as some, and harder than others. Looking at a macro-level, it would still be easy to be bitter and resentful. However, like Mephibosheth, I need to recognize the present, simple reality of the situation. I was a dead dog, but my King regarded me differently. I was restored because of the name I have in Christ Jesus, and no one can revoke the promises of my King.

P) Father, God my King, what am I that You should regard a dead dog like I was? Because of who Your Son is, because of the grace I receive through Your plan of redemption, I am allowed to be blessed. I am allowed to, not only be made alive again, but no longer considered a dog. In Your sovereign will, Your perfect grace, You took this dead dog and made Your servant into a living son. You did more than resurrect my dead spirit, and more than restoring a prodigal son. You took what was not, and made it be so. You restored me to a place that I had no real rights to have in the first place. I am humbled in the presence of You, my Lord, my King. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/15/2015; 2 Samuel 8:9-10

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 8

S ) "⁹ Now when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer, ¹⁰ Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold and of bronze."

2 Samuel 8:9-10 (NASB)

O) This story is given among a list of David's victories as king. This is a historical example of the phrase, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." The gifts that Toi sent would have been both a tribute and a sort of a thanks, for David's victory over Hadadezer. This might also have served as an attempt to strike up an alliance. We don't know much about Hamath from Scripture, but it seems the attempt wasn't very successful. Solomon appears to capture Hamath later. Having said that, the way such conquering could have gone, it's possible that the people of Hamath welcomed the protection and provision that could have come, being part of such a wealthy and successful kingdom as Solomon's was. Whatever the case, they did not remain independent.

A) This passage will have much different impacts, depending on which role I think I have. If I am in the place of David, I should recognize that people will try to befriend me when I'm doing well. If I am in the place of Hadadezer, I should remember that people who oppose me might not have allies, per se, but that doesn't mean I have only one enemy. If I am in the place of Toi, then I need to remember that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but not for long. Whatever the case, this passage (and the history that followed it) is a clear reminder that politics and relationship management is messy and hopeless. Scheming with people always leads to more trouble. So, my heart should be set to authentic relationships with people. Manipulations will always backfire. Ultimately, I must trust God to protect and provide, and I must remain humble and transparent in every relationship. This echoes the heart of Christ, who commanded that we love our enemy as well as our neighbor. This gets closer to the second most important command (see Matthew 22:37-40).

P) Father, You are my protection and provision. Pleasing You is infinitely more important than pleasing men. In the same way, I have only You to fear, and I cannot worry about how others perceive me or treat me. Give me the discipline to lay down earthly ambitions. In every relationship, help me keep a mindset of service and love. Be glorified in my life, as I love my neighbors and my enemies. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/14/2015; 2 Samuel 7:29

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 7

S ) "²⁹ Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever."

2 Samuel 7:29 (NASB)

O) God had made his covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever. Ultimately, this is confirmed in the reign of Jesus Christ, but in the immediate, God had also promised to establish one of David's sons as the next king. David's response to this was a prayer of thanksgiving, and the verse above closes his prayer. He started his prayer in humility, understanding that the LORD is sovereign, and does as He pleases. Next, when David asked God to bless his house, he meant his family line. Continuing "forever before You" was meant in reference to the throne of Israel (as this was the promise made to David, specifically). David confirms that the LORD keeps His promises (You, O Lord GOD, have spoken). Finally, David left it to God to define "blessing." Many people have many definitions of that word, but David was interested in being blessed with God's blessing, i.e., whatever God would call "blessing," is what David wanted.

A) This cannot be taken out of context, because David prayed this in response to specific promises about his throne in Israel. However, if I choose to leave the "blessing" under God's definition, this verse perfectly translates as a prayer I should pray. There are few things as important to me, than my family continuing to serve the LORD after I am gone. If they are blessed with the LORD'S blessing, then I can die now a fulfilled husband and father.

P) Father, You have graciously saved me, because of Your lovingkindness and compassion. Let Your will be done. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/13/2015; 2 Samuel 6:21-22

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 6

S ) "²¹ So David said to Michal, 'It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel; therefore I will celebrate before the Lord. ²² I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished.'"

2 Samuel 6:21-22 (NASB)

O) Michal was a daughter of king Saul, and was actually David's first wife. With that in mind, it is easy to imagine what factors might have contributed to her bitterness. David was her husband, but (maybe from her perspective) he had alienated himself and been exiled for a long time. While away, he had taken other wives. When he finally came back, it was because her father was dead, along with most of her family. She knew that the people were enthralled with David, including the young women (see v.20), so she spoke harshly about David dancing in the streets before the ark of the LORD (as he had just recovered it). It is commonly held that David was wearing nothing but underwear, but we don't exactly know that. He wore a linen ephod (v.14), but the Bible also says he was wearing a robe (see 1 Chronicles 15:27). I don't think that Michal was angry with David for wearing something inappropriate, per se. I think she used that as an excuse for her anger over other issues. it seems more likely that she was angry at his joy. She saw him dancing and despised him (v.16). In David's response, he still addressed the topic she brought up. He pointed out that his dancing wasn't before his "servants' maids" as he was accused (v.20), but before the LORD. At that point, I think David struck a little closer to the heart of Michal's grievance by pointing out that God had chosen him over her father. Finally, in v.22, David summarized his bigger point. He knew that some would love him, some would hate him, and his goal was to humble himself in his worship of the LORD his God.

A) There were a lot of areas of David's life that were a mess. I can't ever exalt any men in the Bible too high, because they all had significant problems (which is a great encouragement, that God can, has, and will use flawed people, because His grace is enough). But, one thing I've always loved about David, was his heart to worship. David was in the highest profile position; as a king, every eye was upon him. Yet, he paid them no mind when he was genuinely worshiping the LORD, overcome with joy and thanksgiving. This is the example of worship I want to follow. I want to set aside my own dignity, and let go of any concern for the esteem others place on me. My value does not come from the appraisal of others, but from the LORD my God. How He sees me should be my only concern. So, just as David knew he couldn't really control his public image, but only made humbling himself in his own eyes his goal, I also will make it my goal to be humble in my own eyes, worship the LORD with sincerity, and leave the rest out of my mind.

P) Father, You are worth all of my humiliation. I cannot be embarrassed when I am pleasing You. In my worship, especially, help me to set aside any concern I might have for how others are seeing me. Whether I am lightly esteemed or distinguished, neither should be of any consequence to me. Instead, help me to focus on humility and true worship. If I am moved to dance with joy, let me dance before You without hindrance. If I am drawn to my knees with tears in my eyes, let me prostrate myself without hesitation. You are worth the sacrifice of my public image. Be glorified in my unabashed worship. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.