April 23, 2006 - II Samuel 16-18 and Luke 17: 20-37
David's life was a soap opera after his sin with Bathsheba. God did use him and bless him, but he was never free from the consequences of his sin. This was the result of lies, deception, and stress brought on by broken relationships. God does not want our lives to be soap operas. He wants us to have healthy relationships that bring us happiness and fulfillment.
In chapter 16 we see several situations that caused pain for David. Mephibosheth turned against him, even though David had been so kind to him. Shimei cursed him in public. Absalom took David's concubines so everyone would know that he was abhorred by his father. All of these things were discouraging to David. That is what happens when people take sides. God does not want our lives to be "us" and "them" situations. He wants us to live in unity and love.
Chapter 17 tell us about Ahitophel's suicide because Absalom did not take his advice. How sad! He let pride and ambition lead him to do such a stupid thing. We must not let this happen to us.
Chapter 18 tells us about the death of Absalom. Joab killed him, even though David had ordered him to be spared. This act caused David more grief and heartache, because he could not be reconciled to his son. God does not want us to kill our enemies. He wants us to love them, and He wants us to make up with them if possible.
Luke 17 tells us several important points about the second coming of Christ. We should not just be waiting for the knigdom to come. We should know that the kingdom is near to us. If we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we can be a part of the kingdom now. However, one day He will return. He will come like a flash of lightning. There will be no time to get ready then. We must accept Him now. That is the only way to be ready. Those who are not ready will be left behind. Don't be left behind.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 19-20 and Luke 18:1-23.
In chapter 16 we see several situations that caused pain for David. Mephibosheth turned against him, even though David had been so kind to him. Shimei cursed him in public. Absalom took David's concubines so everyone would know that he was abhorred by his father. All of these things were discouraging to David. That is what happens when people take sides. God does not want our lives to be "us" and "them" situations. He wants us to live in unity and love.
Chapter 17 tell us about Ahitophel's suicide because Absalom did not take his advice. How sad! He let pride and ambition lead him to do such a stupid thing. We must not let this happen to us.
Chapter 18 tells us about the death of Absalom. Joab killed him, even though David had ordered him to be spared. This act caused David more grief and heartache, because he could not be reconciled to his son. God does not want us to kill our enemies. He wants us to love them, and He wants us to make up with them if possible.
Luke 17 tells us several important points about the second coming of Christ. We should not just be waiting for the knigdom to come. We should know that the kingdom is near to us. If we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we can be a part of the kingdom now. However, one day He will return. He will come like a flash of lightning. There will be no time to get ready then. We must accept Him now. That is the only way to be ready. Those who are not ready will be left behind. Don't be left behind.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 19-20 and Luke 18:1-23.