Communion Basics

As we come to this Table weekly, we must be careful to remember the basics.

This Communion is meant to picture before us the Body of Christ, ripped and torn, as the bread is. The blood of Christ, flowed from His Body, as the wine flows into our mouths. This ritual act is meant to picture His sacrifice on the cross, and our resulting union with Jesus by the Spirit, who gives us faith to believe this. As we eat and drink the bread and wine, we profess that we need to receive Him as our life and nourishment. We profess that Jesus is the life. But this sacrament is not merely a profession of ours. Jesus instituted this meal, and He wasn’t just making a statement about what He believed. He was about to die.

Only those in Noah’s ark survived the flood. Only those in a house with blood on it survived the angel of death passing over them in Egypt. Only those united with Jesus Christ, with His blood covering their sin, only those in Jesus Christ survive the Father’s wrath against our sin. This is the picture that we act out here. And the acting isn’t empty symbol. Acting it out, taking and receiving bread and wine confirms the truth of it to us. This is true nourishment for our souls.

5/30/21

Sacrifice for a Nation

This is Memorial Day weekend.

God puts signs all over His world that point to His truth.  One of them I believe are soldiers who give their lives in war to defend their country and its values.  This level of sacrifice is awe-inspiring.  Take stock of all the privileges and blessings God has given you in this nation.  Remember HOW God has blessed you, partly through the sacrifice of so many – at Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, Normandy.  Then consider that this is a dim reminder of the one greatest sacrifice at the cross, which brought us every spiritual blessing from God.

 

The analogy is far from perfect, of course.  All those soldiers didn’t want to die; JC deliberately did.  Theirs was a physical death; His took the full wrath of God against all our sin.  They fought for an earthly nation; Jesus died to redeem eternal souls.  Their motives were mixed; Jesus was without sin.

 

This takes nothing away from their deep sacrifice.  We forget to be thankful for their sacrifice, to not value the gift of a strong and free nation that can come from such sacrifice.  We are tempted also, to forget gratitude for Christ’s deepest sacrifice, to not value our forgiveness and God adopting us, which assuredly comes from the cross.

5/30/21

Solomon's Legacy - 1 Kings 9-12 - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

Solomon Heard, and Building - 1 Kings 9

1. Text summary

God tells Solomon He will listen to his prayer and hear prayer from the temple, if Israel is faithful to Him.  Solomon gives Hiram shoddy Galilean cities, and he is mildly offended.  Solomon's building projects, forced labor, and shipping expeditions are listed.

2. Jesus

Jesus is the Solomon whom God answers.  He remains totally faithful, so God establishes His throne, and blesses His people because of His intercession.

Jesus gives good gifts (Eph 4:11ff), and builds His church well.

3. Application

a. Recall God's promises to you, and let them help to keep you faithful.

b. Building for God is a good thing, but be careful how you do it (forced labor?).

Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom - 1 Kings 10

1. Text summary

Sheba's queen visits Solomon and is impressed, with his wisdom and administration.  Solomon's trade made him very rich, but it was 666 talents of gold - the number of a man fallen short.

2. Jesus

Jesus is sought after for wisdom by the most prominent.

3. Application

Go to the ends of the earth, and spare no expense, to seek out the wisdom of Christ.

There are endless riches awaiting us in the throne room of God.

Solomon's downfall - 1 Kings 11

1. Text summary

Solomon follows foreign women to worship other gods.

God tells him his son will lose part of his kingdom, because of this.

Multiple local rebellions plague Solomon, and a prophet promises Jeroboam he will receive 10 of the tribes to rule.

Solomon reigns 40 years.

2. Jesus

Jesus is faithful to His bride the church, unlike Solomon.

Jesus keeps His kingdom and people - no one snatches them from Him.

Jesus reigns forever!

3. Application

Don't let any earthly or sensual desire lead you away from worshiping God.

You lose ground when you're unfaithful.

Kingdom Secession - 1 Kings 12

1. Text summary

Solomon's son Rehoboam sits on the throne, and immediately receives a demand from Israel and Jeroboam (!) to lighten the tax/labor burden on the people.  He refuses, and Israel's 10 tribes secede.  God tells him not to forcibly subdue and reunite the nation.  Jeroboam sets up idolatrous worship to keep Israel from reuniting with Judah.

2. Jesus

Jesus' burden is light, and gives no cause for rejecting Him.

Among His professors are often many who claim His kingdom but really follow other gods and agendas - liberalism.

3. Application

Civil rulers should keep burdens on people as light as possible.

Secession and national breakdown is real, and a judgment of God on a nation's disobedience.  Unity is strength, and secession is a divisive reduction of strength - seldom edifying.

Solomon's Reign Begun - 1 Kings 1-8 - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

Contested Succession after David - 1 Kings 1

1. Text summary

David's physical health ails.  His son Adonijah claims the throne.  David responds by decisively naming Solomon his successor as king.  Solomon sends Adonijah home, mercifully not killing him.

2. Jesus

Jesus has plenty of contesters for His throne.  They are "Idols for Destruction."  (See Herbert Schlossberg's book.)

3. Application

a. Be careful of power vacuums.  The ungodly will pursue them to increase their own power.

b. Decisive leadership is critical at key moments.

Solomon Established - 1 Kings 2

1. Text summary

David charges Solomon to follow Yahweh, and to avenge David's enemies.  After David's death, Solomon executes Adonijah, Joab and Shimei, and exiles Abiathar the priest, installing Zadok instead.

2. Jesus

Jesus is the son who takes the throne, and does justice to establish His kingdom.

3. Application

a. Does David hold a sinful grudge that Solomon wrongly acts upon?  Or is this doing justice for the kingdom, to respect the kingly office each had besmirched?  I think it's the latter.  But he doesn't pray for (and get?) wisdom until after this...

b. Rebellion against King Jesus leads to death.

Praying for Wisdom - 1 Kings 3

1. Text summary

Solomon gets off track, allying with Egypt, and worshiping at the high places.  God mercifully comes to him.  Solomon asks for wisdom to govern, knowing good and evil.  God commends him for not asking for the life of his enemies, when he has already taken those lives - perhaps a mild rebuke to his actions in chapter 2?  Solomon goes and worships in the right place, then demonstrates wisdom in dealing with the two prostitutes disputing over a child.

2. Jesus

Jesus is the wisdom of God, who knows good and evil perfectly.

Jesus knows all things and the hearts of all men, so doesn't need ploys like this.

3. Application

a. Sometimes the best guidance or rebuke is to tell people what they wouldn't do (vs 11).

b. We should realize the responsibilities God gives us are beyond our ability without His help and grace.

Solomon's Reign - 1 Kings 4

1. Text summary

Solomon's reign was blessed, safe, and prosperous.  He was wise and just.

2. Jesus

Jesus is pictured here - His reign is even moreso blessed and prosperous.

3. Application

a. What is your role in Jesus' administration of His kingdom?

b. Do your part to provide for His kingdom tangibly, through tithes and service His people.

Alliance with Tyre - 1 Kings 5

1. Text summary

Solomon proposed an economic trade with Hiram, king of Tyre, to build the temple.  Hiram is happy to do it.  Solomon conscripts laborers from Israel to get it done.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus builds His church using the manpower and talents from nations around Him.

3. Application

a. Large national or church projects may be appropriate at times, but will exact a cost.

Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6

1. Text summary

The temple Solomon built, described in detail.

 - It's built 480 years after liberation from Egypt.  Is there a numerology point here - 12 x 40?

 - The floor is covered with gold.  Is there a connection to the new Jerusalem's streets paved with gold?  The New Jerusalem IS a temple in itself, of sorts: no temple needed...

2. Jesus

a. Jesus claims to BE the temple.  If destroyed, He can be rebuilt in 3 days (John 2:19).

b. Jesus was punished for our sins.  Here, Israel is punished for David's sin.

3. Application

a. When we build for God, beauty should be one of the standards.

b. We should mark time by the major acts of God in history.

c. Vss. 11-13 - the building itself needs some explanation, as the sacraments do in the new covenant.

Solomon's Palace and Filling the Temple - 1 Kings 7

1. Text summary

Solomon takes almost twice as long to build his own house.  7 is the perfect number - how long it took to build the temple.  13 is one short of double perfection (14).  Solomon fell short here.

Temple furnished.  Note the creation parallel: first the structure, then the filling.

Pillars with decorations

Basin/sea (10 of them, on wheels, emphasizing much and mobile water).

Utensils for sacrificial work.  Altar, table, lampstand.

Extra treasure David gave, left in the storehouse.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus brings about the new creation, as He did the old (John 1:1-2).

b. Jesus gives beauty, life, and utility.

Beauty in the pillar decorations

Life in the water

Utility in the pots and pans and other items needed for sacrifice.

3. Application

a. Don't spend more time and energy on your own comfort and convenience, than you do on God's glory.

b. Fill the earth and multiply - dominion mandate from Gen 1:26-28.  This involves beauty, utility, and life.

Solomon Inaugurates the Temple - 1 Kings 8

1. Text summary

Solomon brings the ark into the temple.

Solomon recounts the history of David wanting to build a temple, but providing for Solomon to do it instead.

Solomon recalls God's character and promises in prayer before Israel.

Solomon asks God to hear prayers from this temple.

Solomon blesses and charges Israel.

Solomon offers many sacrifices in worship.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus is the presence of God among the people, as the ark and temple were.

b. Jesus erects the true temple, as neither David nor Solomon could.

c. Jesus intercedes for Israel more effectively than Solomon could.

d. Jesus' sacrifice accomplishes more than all Solomon's do.

3. Application

a. Seek God's presence earnestly, in prayer and sacrifice.

b. Remember what your forefathers have done to bring you to God.

c. Leaders talking to their people should communicate a mixture of blessing and charging.  Encourage as often as you demand/exhort!

David's Later Reign - 2 Samuel 19-24 - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

David's Grief and Throne - 2 Samuel 19

1. Text summary

Joab cuts short David's grief over his son Absalom's death, pointing him to public duties.  David moves to unite Israel again.  Everyone scrambles to give homage to David, some obviously self-interested.  David has mercy on all.

2. Jesus

Jesus will have this kind of day when He returns - everyone claiming they know Him.

3. Application

a. Leaders often need to put aside their personal feelings to do what is needed.

b. The unity of the family or church or nation often needs to take priority over personal opinion or feeling.

Rebellion - 2 Samuel 20

1. Text summary

Sheba rebels against David.  Amasa, David's army general appointee in place of Joab, is late to muster the troops.  So David sends out Abishai and Joab.  Joab opportunistically kills Amasa.  He traps Sheba in a city and wisely deals with the woman who kills him for them.

2. Jesus

Jesus has rebels in His ranks, in the church.  There is plenty of strife and infighting among His leaders, too.  Sometimes people will fight Jesus' enemies, just because it is in their best interest to do so.

3. Application

a. Rebellion against King Jesus leads to death.

b. Don't dally in doing the King's business.

c. Don't advance by taking wrongly.  Wait for it to be given to you.

d. When you are on a hot crusade, take the time to listen to wisdom from unexpected places.

Imperfect Justice and Slaying Giants - 2 Samuel 21

1. Text summary

God via a famine sends David to the Gibeonites.  An injustice is left unresolved: Saul killed many of them, when Joshua had sworn to protect them.  David's goal is to have them bless Israel instead of curse Israel.  What would that take?  The execution of some of Saul's ancestors, they say.  David spares Mephibosheth, but hands over all the children of Michal, his former wife, who had 5 kids with another guy.  Another mother of some handed over weeps publicly, until David gives them all an honorable burial.

Philistines attack again, and almost kill David.  His men begin to kill their giants!

2. Jesus

Jesus brings a more perfect justice to men than David can.

Jesus doesn't flag in His strength, but His followers do learn to slay giants as He did the dragon.

3. Application

a. Demanding complete justice on earth is the sign of an atheistic and materialist mind.  It is evident in American political news today.

b. Don't just trust God for your salvation.  Learn to obey and fight the way He wants you to in the world, as a way of working out your salvation.

A Psalm of Deliverance - 2 Samuel 22

1. Text summary

A reprint of Psalm 18, mostly.

David was in trouble.

God thundered and delivered him.

God helps me defeat them - praise His name!

2. Jesus

Jesus was oppressed by enemies and delivered because of His innocence.

3. Application

a. When in trouble, we need to call upon God.

b. When brought out of trouble, we need to thank and praise God.

Recap of David's Reign - 2 Samuel 23

1. Text summary

Justice establishes a ruler.  Next to them, his men, established by merit and justice.  Although the last one mentioned, David treated very unjustly.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus is perfectly just in His rule.

b. Jesus has valiant followers who do great things for Him, though most of their names are unknown to us.

3. Application

a. Know God's standards for your life roles (vs 3), what good you're seeking (vs 4), and admit when you fall short (vs 5).

b. Dare to attempt great things, and do them for your King, not for your own fame or fortune.

David's Sin and Intercession - 2 Samuel 24

1. Text summary

David sins by taking a census.  This wasn't wrong in itself, but David may have been prideful, or trusting in the military, or planning a conquest God hadn't ordered.)  Later, he knows it was wrong.  God lets him choose between 3 consequences for the nation, and He chooses plague, since it would come directly from God's hand.  David intercedes for the nation when he visibly sees the angel striking people down.  God stops him, and David buys the plot of land where he stopped, and it is where the temple will be built!

2. Jesus

a. Jesus also interceded for His people just outside the city of Jerusalem.

b. Jesus was punished for our sins.  Here, Israel is punished for David's sin.

3. Application

a. A leader's mistakes or moral compromises will drastically affect the people.

b. Many times an act that isn't wrong in itself, is wrong for us to do with the wrong motivation.

c. Financial sacrifice can be a consequence of sin, or in this case, a proper means of restitution after repenting of sin.

d. Near the end of a phase of life (David's reign), it's important to reflect on what you have learned (23:1-7), and to look ahead to what is coming (temple site).

Family Carnage for David - 1 Samuel 13-18 - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

David's Family Horrors - 2 Samuel 13

1. Text summary

David's son Amnon rapes his half-sister.  David says nothing, so her brother Absalom plots and takes revenge.  He flees out of the country.  David gets over Amnon's death and wants Absalom back.

2. Jesus

Jesus deals justly with His house, unlike David here.

Horrific things happen in Jesus' church, as they did in David's house.

3. Application

a. Deal with the elephant in the room, or things will go very badly.

b. Taking wrongfully, sexually, results in hatred of self and/or the desired (vs 15).

c. Don't put yourself in situations where you are vulnerable to attack.

Absalom's Return - 2 Samuel 14

1. Text summary

Joab devises a plan, like Nathan's, to get David to bring Absalom back home.  It works, but when he returns, David won't see him.  Absalom is very popular and handsome, and uses it to get an audience with his father, who receives him without punishment.

2. Jesus

Jesus never offers reluctant forgiveness or partial reconciliation like David does, here.  He paid it all and welcomes us fully into fellowship with Him.

3. Application

a. Stories often help us see our own lives more clearly.

b. "Frenemies" like Joab can point out where we need to change.

c. Popularity is a political force to be reckoned with.  You ignore it at your peril.

d. There are immoral ways to force people to pay attention to you.

e. Don't forgive partway.  It isn't forgiveness to say they are forgiven but never talk to them again.

Absalom's Coup - 2 Samuel 15

1. Text summary

Absalom campaigns to be king, while David is clueless or passive.  When Absalom proclaims himself king, David flees Jerusalem, knowing Absalom has the superior force.  He prays Absalom's counsel will be thwarted, and God answers by sending Hushai to him, who is loyal to David, and to whom Absalom will listen.

2. Jesus

Jesus went INTO Jerusalem by the same Olive Mt. route on His triumphal entry.

That familial rebellion led to His death, not His escape.

He also prayed to God on Olive Mt. as rebellion and coup were imminent.

3. Application

a. There is a time to retreat faithfully, to regroup and fight later.

b. God answers prayer, especially in hard times.

c. Keep close eye on your areas of responsibility (David didn't!).

Ahithophel's Revenge - 2 Samuel 16

1. Text summary

Mephibosheth's servant lies about Mephibosheth's loyalty, to curry favor with David.  Shimei reviles David as he flees, for opposing Saul.  David rejects Abishai's desire to kill him.  Absalom follows Ahithophel's advice.  (The latter is Bathsheba's grandfather, probably with a grudge - 2 Sam. 11:3 & 23:34.)  Absalom lays with David's concubines, making clear he is taking the throne and rejecting any truce.  This fulfills God's prophecy to David in 1 Sam 12:11.

2. Jesus

Jesus knows who is loyal to Him and who is not.

Many revile Christ today, and He lets them for a time.

Many violate Christ's people today, and He lets them for a time.  Their day will come.

3. Application

a. In high-pressure situations it can be hard to see clearly, keep your emotions in check, and be fair to others.  David goofs up to take all Mephibosheth's estate from him just on Ziba's word.

b. Ahithophel wrongly avenged David for violating his granddaughter.  Be content with earthly justice, even when it is imperfect.  God had already taken David's son.

Ahithophel's Downfall; David's Chance - 2 Samuel 17

1. Text summary

Absalom listens to David's spy instead of Ahithophel, by God's direction, so Ahithophel commits suicide.  Absalom waits and gathers all Israel to attack David, giving David time to retreat and defend.  The son of Nahash the Ammonite, who Saul defeated, sends David help and food.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus had a traitor commit suicide when things didn't go his way, too.

b. In many nations, Jesus is not on the throne but on the outskirts, rallying allies and support, while His enemies hold power.

c. Many of Jesus' willing supporters today, were His enemies in the past.  Saul of Tarsus comes to mind.

3. Application

a. Don't be so proud that if your opinion isn't received highly, you kill yourself, or dive into self-pity.

b. Use times of peace wisely, as David did, to prepare for harder times.

Absalom's Death - 2 Samuel 18

1. Text summary

David's forces defeat Absalom's, and Joab kills Absalom when he could have taken him prisoner.  David had asked for gentleness to him.  Is it bad news or good news?  For David it is bad.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus dies like Absalom to preserve the nation.  But Jesus is innocent.  Good Friday is a day of grieving and rejoicing both, like this day.

b. But then, some WANTED to see Absalom (and Jesus) dead...

3. Application

a. There is a time to see your superior is motivated wrongly, and do the right thing, instead of the ordered thing.

b. There is a time for gentleness and a time for force.

Roundup of Local and State Politics

I went to an informative political meeting last night.

Our county GOP gave four candidates for governor a few minutes each for speeches.

Most people I know are agreed, we need to defeat Governor Whitmer in 2022.  That was the main point last night.  The unasked and unanswered question is - HOW?  What kind of candidate and message will Michiganders prefer to Whitmer's governance?

Here's my quick take on each candidate:

Ralph Rebandt is a pastor from the suburbs of Detroit - anger is not a solution, and we need solutions.

Bob Scott is a local from Livingston County - not well-spoken, and a bit kooky and conspiratorial.  It never works with the average Joe to say Whitmer WANTS to crash the economy.

Garrett Soldano started a popular Facebook group against MI Covid restrictions that got shut down, and he co-chaired the Unlock Michigan petition.  Well-spoken, but his whole message was opposition to Whitmer.  Invoked Trump and the Owosso barber.

Ryan Kelly is from Allendale.  He had the best wide-ranging and specific speech.  Anti-Communism, Critical Race Theory, cancel culture, BLM, and transgender agenda.  Invoked God and Reagan.

It's very early in the process, but hearing each candidate speak, and the response of the crowd of 150-200, helped me sort some things out.

1. Anger is the main mood.  Soldano and Kelly were by far most popular, and were 90% against things angrily, especially Whitmer, which got the most applause.

2. Rebandt and Scott were given the least time.  Scott, with reason.  But Rebandt's "anger is not a solution"  message addressed directly what the crowd needed to hear.  Because angry opposition is obviously what they wanted to hear.  And he was not given the time to expand his case.  I realized how much party operatives can mold messages and campaigns, giving more or less air time to the message they think the people want to hear.  Do they ever consider what needs to be said?  A statesman's call is to direct energy in the populace in constructive directions, not pander to and amplify energy and let it run wild.  I didn't see much of the statesman last night.  I saw a party hoping to turn out the vote based on anger.  Yikes.

3. About 25% of the crowd wore something supporting Trump.  The most popular candidate invoked him directly.  The party needs to stop looking backward in anger, tied to a deeply unpopular president, and find a fresh face, or it is doomed.  The emcee said at the beginning that if 51% of the country (GOP voters, she meant!) are split 50-50, we can't win.  This is also very true.

4. Speaking well is essential to leadership.  Flaws in this distract from the message and passion the speaker wants to convey to the audience.  No flaws enhance the message and impression of the speaker.

5. On race.  MLK's dream regarding race has come true in the Republican party, and this was evidenced last night.  From what I could tell, there were less than five minorities in the whole crowd, which is typical of Livingston County.  One is a school board member, two were African-Americans I didn't recognize.  But MLK's dream was not that there be a proportionate number of minorities represented equally throughout the country.  That is absurd.  

It turned out one of the African Americans was a candidate for Secretary of State.  She was very articulate and called for election integrity.  Not once did she or the emcee introducing her mention her race or gender.  The crowd responded as positively to her as the other speakers.  They judged her by her message, not her identity.

This is how America should be.

6. Detroit police chief Craig has not surfaced as a candidate, despite rumors a couple weeks ago he was on the verge of announcing.  He would dwarf these candidates.  So my family was speculating last night what has happened.  Did the GOP filter him out as not sufficiently conservative?  Is he waiting until later?  Did he decide against running?  No idea.

7. Christians need to remember to keep their ultimate hope in the Lord, not a political candidate to defeat bad politicians.  Going to a meeting like this isn't inherently idolatry, but it can express it, if your heart is misdirected in that way.  Saying, as I do right now, "I hope Craig runs and that he's conservative," or, "I hope Rebandt wins," does not mean my ultimate hope is not in Jesus Christ to save and restore Michigan and all the nations.

Anger is Not a Solution or Salvation

I recently heard John Stonestreet, the main speaker/writer at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, exhort a group of college students to change their engagement with their phones and with the news.  His problem (and mine) is the expectation of instant anger at whatever news we hear.  

He was addressing the immediate assumption that any police shooting is the fault of the police and probably racist.  In most cases, we find out weeks later that the shooting was really justified, but the immediate anger at the police remains, for most of the populace.  

As an aside, some of the media outlets we Christians consume, those most friendly to our world view, cultivate this anger in us very deliberately, too.  They seek out news stories they know will incense their audience, over the transgression of our values in the culture.

On both fronts, this is a bad development.  It distorts our assessment of where our culture is (on the left, and the right).  It fosters anger at our neighbor, instead of love for our neighbor, the second-greatest commandment.  It is fundamentally reactive cultural engagement.

My point here is to apply all that to our spiritual lives.

The Pentecost season is beginning, when we focus on our growth and sanctification by the Spirit.  

So, first, do you define your spiritual life by your cultural and political opinions?  That should be a small factor in assessing your spiritual condition, although aligning our values with God's Word is essential.  But what about the way you treat your spouse and children?  How you interact (or don't) with your fellow church members?  Can we carry on a cordial and helpful Christian relationship with brothers and sisters who have a different view of the covid vaccine, mask mandates, foreign policy, January 6 incident, etc.?  

Second, and my main point today.  As with bad news in the world, do NOT assess your spiritual condition only in reaction to your sins or failings.  The hope of the gospel is that God's grace overcomes our failings.  Even our "systemic" ones!  The lie of the 1619 Project is that our country was founded on slavery.  In a similar way, we can believe the Satanic lie that, because we personally sin so much, there's not much hope for us.  Or for our children!  It is just not true.  God's work in Christ will overwhelm all the sin you see in your children, or in yourself, from day to day.  Eden will be restored - even improved!

We need to 'fess up fully to our sins, personally and as a nation.  But do not react in anger to your or your family's sin, thinking that that anger will fix it.  The solution is not a radically new social project of equality.  And the solution is also not some personal resolution of yours, founded in anger, to radically restructure your OWN life.  Our strength is not found in anger at a leftist agenda.  It is found in the joy of the Lord!

We have to start at the cross, trusting God to help us.  We walk in step with the Spirit, who is with us.  Restoration is possible with God, not with a particular political agenda.  (I say this acknowledging there are right and wrong answers in politics, according to the Bible!)

Return to the Gospel daily.  It is our ballast on the ship in a raging storm of cultural, political, and personal turmoil.

2 Samuel 7-12 - David's Victories and Failures - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

God's Covenant with David - 2 Samuel 7

1. Text summary

David proposes to build God a temple for the ark he just moved.  God says through prophet Nathan, "No, I will build you a house: Your descendants will always sit on the throne."

David worships God for this, and asks Him to do it.

2. Jesus

Jesus is the Everlasting ancestor of David who still sits on David’s throne. 

3. Application

When God makes a promise we should accept it with gratitude and praise. When we want to do something for God, we should note first what He promises to do for us.

Victory in Jesus - 2 Samuel 8

1. Text summary

David defeats Gods enemies.

2. Jesus

Jesus will put all His enemies under Him. 

3. Application

When we feel defeated, we need to remember Gods future defeat of His enemies. 

David's Kindness - 2 Samuel 9

1. Text summary

Instead of wiping out his domestic enemies, David feeds Mephibosheth from his own table.

2. Jesus

Jesus mercifully welcomes us into His house, and feeds us at His table, though we were His enemies, and are spiritually lame.

3. Application

Realize your inability to hide from or fight against God.  Throw yourself on His mercy in Christ, and He will love and prosper you.

More Nations Defeated - 2 Samuel 10

1. Text summary

David tries to be kind to Ammon but is spurned.  They attack preemptively with Syrian mercenaries, and lose.  The Syrians try again themselves and are defeated by Joab and Israel.

2. Jesus

God extends the offer of peace to the nations in Christ, but they tend to reject it and fight against Him instead.

3. Application

Don't fight alone, so you can help each other.

Extending mercy to others can lead to messes and trouble, but it's still worth it and right.

David's Sins with Bathsheba and Uriah - 2 Samuel 11

1. Text summary

David doesn't go out to war with the army.  He sees a woman, hears it's a wife of a commander, then summons and sleeps with her.  She gets pregnant.  David brings Uriah home to get him to sleep with her to cover it up, but it doesn't work.  So David orders Joab to have Uriah killed in battle.  He does, but sends a message back with a Scripture reference to leaders being taken down by a woman!  David marries Bathsheba.

2. Jesus

Jesus is an anti-David, here.  He is faithful to His bride.  Any death of His people He orders is just and not self-serving.

3. Application

a. To avoid temptation, stay at your post and do your duties diligently.

b. David happened upon beauty, but it was not his to take.  Don't pursue forbidden things you happen to notice.

c. Confess your sin instead of covering it up.  You'll have to sin more and more in the end. 

d. There is a way to rebuke one higher up than you: indirectly.  As Joab does to David.

e. Things may be going fine for us, but something we have done displeases Him.

Nathan's Rebuke and the Result - 2 Samuel 12

1. Text summary

God sends Nathan to David to rebuke him.  He tells a story to soften the blow at first.  God condemns David for killing Uriah and taking his wife (not, interestingly, for extra-marital relations!).  David repents.  Nathan declares forgiveness and consequences: Bathsheba's child will die; Israel's enemies (probably Hittites!) are blaspheming God over this.  David declares hope on seeing his son again, when he dies, so grieves lightly.  Solomon is born to Bathsheba.  Joab/David defeats and subjugates the Ammonites.

2. Jesus

Jesus is Nathan, convicting us of sin, as He does in many of His teachings.  

He is also David's son, who dies for the sin of His people, though innocent.

He is also the beloved son of God: Jedidiah.

He is also the conquering king (Psalm 110:5-7).

3. Application

a. When your sin is pointed out, repent, don't argue, evade, etc.

b. Diplomacy in pointing out sin is often more effective than the hammer approach.

c. Forgiveness doesn't mean there are no consequences to our sin.

d. Scandal in the church reinforces unbelievers' view of our hypocrisy.

e. The text highlights the connection between David's private and public life.  Your character will affect your more public roles.

God Pouring Love on You - Pentecost Communion

Romans 5:1-5

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Pentecost was a pouring.  Every week I stand up here and pour wine into a cup in front of you as I say the words Jesus did as He established this sacrament.  God poured out His cup of wrath on Jesus.  Jesus asked for it to be taken away, but it was not possible.  Because He poured wrath on Jesus, He pours love on you.  He poured the Spirit on the apostles at Pentecost, and they proclaimed boldly the Gospel to a listening world.  So God pours His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

 

Just as bread and wine enter our bodies to nourish us, so the Spirit must enter our hearts to revive us from death.  Let the Spirit now take you to Jesus and to His Father.

 

The Spirit and the Bride say “Come.” All those baptized in Christ’s name & in good standing with His church are welcome at His table.

5/23/21

Let the Spirit Sanctify You

Acts 2:22-38

Pentecost is the last major Christian holiday in the Christian calendar year.  It completes the work of Christ for our redemption.  Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit now to apply that redemption to us, to work in us the salvation Jesus accomplished.

 

Classic theology moves from God the Father creating, to God the Son redeeming, to God the Spirit sanctifying.  The first thing the Spirit does is point to Jesus and convict men to repent and turn to Him in faith.  There is nothing we need more as Christians than the HS working in our hearts to renew our faith, to stir us up to live holy and devoted lives for Him. 

 

Do your thoughts turn often to your sins and then to your Savior?  That is the Spirit doing that in you, by God’s grace.  Let us turn to Him, now.

Let us confess our own sins before Almighty God.

5/23/21

2 Samuel 1-6 - David Begins Well - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

David Reacts to Saul's Death - 2 Samuel 1

1. Text summary

David gets news of Saul's death, kills the Amalekite who killed Saul, and laments his and Jonathan's death.

2. Jesus

Jesus takes the crown rightfully, from wicked rulers, too.

3. Application

It is right to honor the dead for their virtues, even when they were deeply flawed people.

Civil War - 2 Samuel 2

1. Text summary

David goes to Judah with God's guidance, and they anoint him king.  He makes an overture to Israel, too, but Saul's commander makes Saul's son king instead.  Bloody civil war breaks out.

2. Jesus

Jesus' rule is challenged by God's own people's leaders - the Sanhedrin.

3. Application

When we resist submitting to God's way, things get ugly, messy, and painful.

Peace Foiled by Revenge - 2 Samuel 3

1. Text summary

Saul's commander Abner joins David, but is killed by Joab.

David renounces the act strongly. 

2. Jesus

His people often do things against Him for their own selfish reasons.

3. Application

Don’t let revenge, greed, lust, etc. let you act against the interests of the Kingdom of God.

Asassination Rejected- 2 Samuel 4

1. Text summary

Saul's sons' raiders assassinate him to get on David’s good side.  David executes them for such wickedness. 

2. Jesus

Jesus will also reject many who claim to be serving Him, but are really in it for themselves (Matt 7).

3. Application

Don’t live by the world’s ruthless politics.  Make it better whenever you can. 

David Rules Israel Well - 2 Samuel 5

1. Text summary

Israel anoints David king, too. He takes Jerusalem, on the Israel/Judah border, still Philistine controlled.  Tyre recognizes David.  Philistines attack and David defeats them twice.

2. Jesus

Jesus' rule will be honored by all the kings in the end.  He fights and defeats His enemies for us. 

3. Application

Bring people together when you have the chance, as David did Judah and Israel by establishing a new capital at Jerusalem. 

The Ark - 2 Samuel 6

1. Text summary

David brings the ark to Jerusalem but moves it on a cart instead of how God said to in the Bible.  God strikes down a man who tries to steady it.  David waits three months and then tries again doing it the right way.  David’s wife Michael doesn’t like his leadership style but David leads people well and gives food. 

2. Jesus

He leads His people into God’s presence to worship Him, and feeds them. 

3. Application

Make SURE you worship God how He wants. Sometimes this conflicts with normal (Michal's) expectations.

1 Samuel 27-31 - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

David with Goliath's People - 1 Samuel 27

1. Text summary

David gets refuge among the Philistines.  He makes their king think he is attacking Israel, when he is really attacking Philistines.

2. Jesus

Jesus went to the Gentile country, often, too.  Sometimes to escape from Israel pursuing Him.  His mission contrasted with David's as one of life for them, not death.

3. Application

a. There are times it is safer for a Christian among pagans than with some of God's professed people.

b. Deceit is justified on occasion, if it means self-preservation, or protecting the weak and defenseless.  Be very careful how you apply this!

The Witch of Endor - 1 Samuel 28

1. Text summary

The Philistines attack.  God doesn't answer Saul, so he seeks a witch for a seance with Samuel.  Samuel gives him no good news: God's Word is coming true: the kingdom taken from you and given to David - you and your sons will be dead and with me in a day.  Saul eats a counterfeit passover with her and leaves.

2. Jesus

Jesus goes only to God for counsel and support, in Gethsemane, even in the deepest troubles.

3. When desperate for help, don't go to God's enemies.  Keep waiting on Him.

Trying and Failing to Fight God's Enemies - 1 Samuel 29

1. Text summary

After more than a year with the Philistines, David is drafted to fight with them against Israel!  He goes, but the other generals don't want him.  He protests, either to maintain the right image, or try to get into the battle and turn on Philistines, or both.  But they turn him away and he goes back "home" to Ziklag.

2. Jesus

Where David (and we) was unable to fight for Israel sometimes, Jesus did fight effectively to save us.

3.  Application

There are times to seek to be a subversive element among God's enemies.

Tragedy Averted - 1 Samuel 30

1. Text summary

David gets home to find it destroyed and all their families kidnapped, and their stuff taken by Amalekites.  He grieves, seeks guidance, and goes. An abandoned slave of the Amalekites takes David to them, and he routs them, recovering everything.  He insists the third of his troops that were too tired to keep up and fight, get their share of the plunder, too.  David sends some of the plunder to Judean cities.

2. How is Christ in the text?

This is Christus Victor, plundering the strongman who was holding us captive.  Freeing us from bondage and death by the accuser.

3. Application

When you are merciful and generous to others, good things come to you, too.  (David was kind to the Amalekite slave, and generous to Judea.)

In hard times, find strength in your God (verse 6).

Saul Dies - 1 Samuel 31

1. Text summary

Israel loses the battle with the Philistines.  Saul and his sons are killed, his head and armor made trophies in pagan temples.  Some Israelites recover his body to honor him.

2. How is Christ in the text?

This is the death Jesus takes on Himself, sparing us from what we deserve.

3. Application

Honor the dead, even if they were deeply flawed.

Sometimes God's people lose battles, are driven to flee, or are martyred.

David Flees form Saul - 1 Samuel 20-26 - Bible Notes

1. Text summary

2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

Jonathan Helps David - 1 Samuel 20

1. David appeals to Jonathan for protection from Saul.  Jonathan doesn't think Saul is hostile to David.  David sets up a reasonable test to find out, and they agree to meet later under radar to confer.  Saul is so mad about David's absence he tries to kill Jonathan.  Jonathan tells David, and sends him away in peace.  The elaborate ruse is described in detail to emphasize that they have to hide from Saul.  

2. Jesus

Royalty like Jonathan must swear allegiance to the son of David, Jesus.

Jesus found Himself on the run from Israel's leaders, too.

3. Application

a. Covenant loyalty to God's anointed (between David and Jonathan) must often be hidden from the tyrannical rulers.

b. God's people are often naive (like Jonathan at the beginning) as to how hostile civil leaders can be to Christ and Christians.  They must stand up for, and profess faith in, the son of David, as Jonathan does to Saul, at peril of their lives.

David's botched escape plan - 1 Samuel 21

1. David gets food and a weapon from a priest, but Saul's spy sees it.  David flees to Gath, but they talk of killing their enemy.  He has to feign madness to escape.

2. Jesus

a. Jesus went to the Gentiles, too, but it was a deliberate mission more than fleeing Israel.  They also send Him away (Mark 5.17).

b. Jesus recalls this event when he is criticized for "breaking" the Sabbath.  Sometimes God's anointed doing God's mission is like the ox in the ditch, allowing you to "break" (do work on) the Sabbath.

3. In many situations, you'll need wisdom to know if you should apply this Biblical command, or that other one.  It is often a society straying from God that will put you in that situation.

David's Refuge and Leadership Challenge - 1 Samuel 22

David finds refuge at the cave of Adullam.  Many go to him, disgruntled with Saul.  His spy rats on Ahimelech and kills 85 of his priestly family, at Saul's command.  Abiathar, of Ahimelech's family, flees to David, who takes responsibility for it: he saw the spy see him.

2. Jesus

a. Many go to Jesus discontent with this life.  He leads them to the truth and they follow, or fall away.

b. Rulers opposed to Christ will target His undershepherds and kill His people.

3. Application

To lead, you need to turn discontent into a positive direction.  David does this.

To lead, you need to take responsibility, even for actions that were not yours.

David Acts Like a King - 1 Samuel 23

1. An Israelite town near David is attacked by Philistines.  David wants to defend it, but it's risky, as Saul could come after him.  He asks God, who says to do it.  His men push back, due to the risk.  David asks again, and God says, do it.  They get out of dodge right after, expecting Saul to trap them.  Jonathan comes and encourages David: even Saul knows you're going to be king!  Israelites then rat on David's location to Saul.  Saul almost catches him, but gets word that Philistines are attacking Israel elsewhere.  "Oh, yeah, that my real mission as king: defend the nation from its enemies, not stamp out threats to my rule."

2. Jesus

Jesus risks saving His people, though it meant Himself being apprehended and executed.

Jesus as our King defends us from enemies, instead of protecting His own power.

3. Application

a. There are times to sacrifice our safety to help others.

b. Encouragement is more important than you realize.  Go out of your way to do it, like Jonathan did for David.

David Spares Saul - 1 Samuel 24

1. Text summary

Saul pursues David again.  David has a chance to kill him, but refuses.  He points it out to Saul right after the fact!  Saul acts sorry, but David stays away from him.

2. Jesus

Jesus was pursued to death by Israel's rulers, too.  He could have rained down fire and judgment on them, but gives them a chance to repent instead.

3. Application

a. Don't use violence to advance your agenda, only for self-defense.

b. It's okay to avoid someone who sins against you, even if they repent, if you're unsure of their sincerity.  Forgiveness in the heart is required - erasing all consequences is not.

Abigail and David - 1 Samuel 25

1. Text summary

David asks Nabal for a little compensation for guarding his shepherds from raiders.  Nabal spurns and insults David as a rebel.  David heads off to kill his whole family.  Nabal's wife Abigail intercedes quickly with food and wise words.  David listens; Nabals falls into a coma and dies a bit later.  David takes Abigail as his wife.

2. Jesus

a. Abigail is the bride of David, as the church is the bride of Christ.  She is bound to a tyrant, evil husband (Satan) before David comes along.  David frees her without military vengeance, at the cross, sacrificing His own desires.

3. Application

a. Beware of passionate emotions that fly you into a rage or impulse.  They are probably misleading you.

b. Listen to wisdom, and be willing to change your course accordingly.

c. Don't be afraid to take what God gives you, as David took Abigail.  Not opportunistically in a way that exploits others!  But don't refuse God's rewards or advancement.

1 Samuel 26

See chapter 24.  The fact that it is the same clues you in that we are in a chiasm.

Chapter 25 was the center: David taking a wife, as Isaac taking a wife was the center of the book of Genesis.  Chapters 24 and 26 are similar bookends.