Real Salvation

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 22-24, Psalms 93

Salvation is real. It’s based on real events within human history. It’s an accurate record of God’s miraculous intervention on behalf of His chosen people which is why it retains such a hold on our imaginations. When I was in seminary, I remember debating fellow students and even some of my professors over the nature of salvation. They believed the events of the Bible to be largely mythological. They believed salvation to be a spiritual metaphor describing the basic human longing for freedom or liberation. They couldn’t conceive of a God who would act within history. They rejected the historicity of events like the Exodus or people like David or even the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. They began with the a priori philosophical assumption that miracles were impossible and therefore the Bible must be wrong or using hyperbole when it describes them. Everything must have a naturalistic or humanistic or scientific explanation. The problem with this approach is it doesn’t adequately explain why events like the Exodus remain so influential over the centuries.

In today’s reading, David composes a song of thanksgiving. It’s a song commemorating his victories over all his enemies. David is finally at peace. He has won all his wars. He has secured his line of succession. He has united the nation of Israel under his rule. And he rightfully gives God all the glory. As he writes his poetry, he draws on the image of the Exodus to describe all God has done for him. “The Lord thundered from heaven; the Most High made his voice heard. He shot arrows and scattered them; he hurled lightning bolts and routed them. The depths of the sea became visible, the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.” (2 Samuel 22:14-16 CSB) He goes on to talk about God lifting him out of the deep waters to bring him to a safe place. He talks about God’s deliverance from all his enemies and how God gave him victory after victory everywhere he went. Clearly, David has in mind specific battles in specific places against specific people. These are not abstract ideas. David isn’t just talking about spiritual metaphors. He is talking about salvation in the literal sense. A real God acting on behalf of His people within real time and space. And David relates his own experiences to the experiences of God’s people throughout their history.

The question I often posed to my fellow students and professors when we would debate is how we could honestly talk about God as “Savior” if He never actually saved anyone? Why would we call Him names like “Deliverer”, “Rescuer”, “Liberator”, etc. if He wasn’t actually engaged in the business of deliverance, rescue, and liberation? It’s baffling to me that people would worship a god who never actually does anything. I am honestly stumped why anyone would seek to follow such a god? Why would we believe or trust anything this supposed god actually said? How is this not just wishful thinking? How is this not just blind hope? No, I worship a God who saves. I worship a God who delivers. I worship a God who parted the Red Sea, saved David from all his enemies, and raised Jesus Christ from the dead. I worship a God who still intervenes miraculously to save His people even today.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-3, Psalms 94

The Futility of Revenge

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalms 90

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” - Gandhi

“Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever injury he inflicted on the person, the same is to be inflicted on him.” (Leviticus‬ ‭24‬:‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The principle of proportional justice cited by Gandhi comes straight out of the Old Testament from passages like the one in Leviticus. It’s specifically designed by God to bring an end to the perpetual cycles of violence and revenge that plagued the ancient world. Insults were met with assault. Assaults met with murders. Murder met with the elimination of entire families. The elimination of families led to open warfare between tribes. These are generational cycles in honor/shame cultures. The next generation shouldering the responsibility to restore the honor of their family by taking revenge on those who wounded their fathers and mothers.

We see a similar dynamic play out in the stories we read today. David led a highly dysfunctional family. He played favorites. Indulged the children he liked and ignored the children he despised. Mostly he appears to be an absentee father who seems consumed with running the Kingdom of Israel rather than securing his succession and teaching his children to fear the Lord. The results are tragic. Amnon rapes his sister. Absalom assassinates Amnon. David effectively exiles Absalom. Absalom leads a rebellion to overthrow his father, dragging the entire country into war. At every point, there are opportunities to choose a different path. Amnon could have asked David for Tamar’s hand in marriage. David could have brought Amnon to justice for the rape of his sister. David could have chosen reconciliation after Absalom’s exile had ended. Absalom could have chosen the path of peace rather than war against his father. Sadly, the desire for revenge got the best of them which led to all kinds of horrific consequences for them, their families, their communities, and the nation.

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬) The path Jesus offers is the path of non-violent resistance. He challenges his followers to break the cycles of revenge that so often enslave us and instead claim the moral high ground. He challenges them to overcome evil with good. Violence with peace. Hatred with love. There may not be a more radical teaching in all of Scripture! It would almost be too much except for the fact that Jesus Himself models this ethic in his suffering and death. Refusing to lift a hand against his oppressors. Refusing to call down legions of angels to fight on his behalf. Asking for forgiveness for us rather than revenge from the cross all because He trusted in His Father’s higher, greater plan. Do we trust God in this same way in our own lives?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalms 91 (No devotionals on Sundays)

Promises

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 89

David was a promise keeper. He promised his friend Jonathan that he would show kindness to his descendants. He took a vow that he would bless his children should he be given the opportunity. After years of being hunted by Jonathan’s father, David now rules over a united Israel. The temptation so many face in his position is the potential threats posed by the family members of the former king who might lay claim to the throne. Many in David’s position would either kill or banish potential rivals. We see it happen all the time around the world even today. David, however, operated by a different set of values. When given the chance, he sought out anyone left in Saul’s family in order to show them kindness. This included a lowly, orphaned, crippled, almost forgotten young man named Mephibosheth. Unable to go to war with his father and grandfather, he had to rely on the generosity of others in order to survive. David lifts him up and treats him like a prince. He gives him all the property of King Saul and invites him into the royal court. Even welcomes him at the king’s table! This act of kindness fulfilled his vow to his dear friend and I’m sure brought joy to David’s heart.

David had so many reasons NOT to keep his promise. Circumstances had changed. His responsibilities had grown exponentially. The decisions he made impacted not just himself but an entire kingdom. Political expediency suggested he secure his kingdom by eliminating any potential threats both internally and externally. I am sure David received counsel to kill every one of Saul’s remaining family members. But David trusted God. He knew God was the source of his power and authority. He knew God had raised him up to the throne. He knew God would protect him and keep him. And because he had full confidence that God would keep His promises, he was set free to keep his promises as well no matter the potential cost.

This is the key to keeping our promises. If we trust God is in control, we don’t need to be anxious. We don’t need to be afraid. We don’t need to worry or fret over “what if.” If we believe God is faithful, we are set free to make promises and keep promises. We are set free to honor our word even if it costs us something. We are set free to walk with integrity no matter how difficult it may be. With God at our right hand, we will not fall. He will not let our foot be moved nor will He let us slip. He is our strength. He is our wisdom. He is our guide. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalms 90

Worship

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 4-8, Psalms 88

What is worship? According to the dictionary, it is an act, feeling, or expression of reverence or awe for a deity. A divine being of infinite worthiness who has a right to demand our total allegiance and obedience. Worship is typically accompanied by sacred rituals and rites designed to humble the human being. The goal being to highlight the vast gulf that exists between the human and divine or heaven and earth. Anyone profaning these rituals or making a mockery of worship places themselves at significant risk of angering God. And before we protest that God has no right to be angry with us when we make mistakes, we have to remember who God is and who He has revealed Himself to be. God is perfectly holy and righteous and just. He is infinite in power and majesty. His splendor fills the heavens. His glory fills the earth. He is not to be trifled with or taken for granted. He is not to be dismissed or ignored or set aside. He is not to be treated with anything less than total respect and honor.

Think about what you felt when you read through 2 Samuel 6 today. It’s not an easy passage for us because we cannot begin to fathom the Lord’s anger burning against someone enough that it would cost them their life. Sure, we might understand God getting mad at us in the abstract. We can grasp the concept. But to strike someone dead on the spot? For putting a hand out to steady the Ark of the Covenant? What is with God? We are in good company. David didn’t understand it either. It’s why he refused to bring the Ark into Jerusalem at first. He was afraid of God. He was afraid of what God might do. He didn’t have the proper respect for who God is and what God is all about. But then David hears that God has blessed the household of Obed-Edom. The same God who struck Uzzah down now blesses an entire family over the course of three months. What gives? Maybe it’s now safe to bring the Ark to Jerusalem? Actually, what David has learned is the proper reverence and awe of God. Look at the difference between verses one through five and twelve through nineteen. David’s first attempt was more of a military parade with the Ark of the Covenant at the center like a pagan talisman of sorts. David does what is convenient rather than what is required by putting the Ark on a new cart. It’s more a celebration of David and his mighty men than it is a worship event. Contrast that with the second attempt. Sacrifices are made every six steps. David is dancing in a linen robe with all his might before the Lord. The blow the ram’s horn and gather all the people of Israel. When they arrive at the tent, David offers up all kinds of burnt offerings and blesses the people in the Name of the Lord. Clearly, he’s learned something.

What about you? How do you engage in worship? When you worship, is it about God or about you? Do you approach worship with a critical eye? Always on the lookout for worship music you don’t like or preaching you don’t agree with? Is your heart open or is it guarded? Do you find yourself judging those around you? You need to be careful lest you arouse the anger of God. Much better to follow David’s latter example. Much better to give God the worship He deserves and demands. Much better to abandon yourself in the presence of God and let go of your need to be right or your need to be entertained or your need to agree theologically with everything that is said. I love how David puts it at the end of chapter six when his wife critiques him, “I will dance before the Lord and I will dishonor myself and humble myself even more.” That’s a man with a heart after God. May we have that same heart as well.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 89

Lament

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 1-3, Psalms 87

Lament is a powerful spiritual practice. It breaks down the barriers that exist between us and our enemies. It tears down the dividing walls of hostility that separate us from our opponents. It creates common ground for us and those with whom we disagree. For example, imagine how different things might be if our political leaders could all step back and lament the many things going wrong in our country rather than spend so much energy casting blame? Imagine what could happen if families or neighbors or co-workers would lament together rather than so quickly rush to judgment or act on false assumptions? Imagine what would happen if social media became a space for common lament rather than act as a catalyst for outrage?

Lament is not weakness. It is not an implicit acknowledgement of guilt. It is not passive. It is an active, strong, gracious way to deal with hardship and suffering and the pain that results from the power of sin in our world. David laments over the death of Saul not because Saul was godly or deserving or had earned it. David weeps over him because Saul’s failure breaks the heart of God and tragically impacts the people of God. David weeps over Jonathan because of the death of a dear friend who was also a rival for the throne. David weeps over Abner because of the injustice of his death due to the ravenous violence of his subordinates. David weeps because the divisions and fractures and fights among God’s covenant people are the consequences of generations of sinful choices. He weeps because they are reaping what they’ve sown through the time of the Judges where each person did what was right in their own eyes. David sees all of this and more and longs to set a different tone. He longs to take Israel in a new direction. It’s why he stayed his hand over and over again when he could easily have struck Saul down. It’s why he made peace with Abner rather than fighting to the bitter end. David understands God’s heart and how God laments over the violence and divisions among his people.

Lament is a challenge for us. We struggle to step back and weep together over the state of things. Instead, we seem far more focused on blaming others. Far more focused on attacking others. Far more focused on absolving ourselves and protecting ourselves from any sense that we have contributed to the brokenness of our world. I think about some of the business that will come before our denomination this summer. One of the major issues will be the presentation of a “lament” over the history of racial strife in our nation. A group of pastors and elders have been working hard to put it together and already there are some who are rising against it. Before they’ve even seen it! They are afraid it will serve as an implicit acknowledgement of guilt. They are afraid it will stir up even more strife and dissension. They are afraid it will cast blame. Why we cannot simply sit in the dust and ashes of our sinful condition and lament the brokenness of our history and our world is beyond me. It is yet another sign of how far we have to go to really understand the heart of God. How can you begin to practice lament in your life today?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 4-8, Psalms 88

The Problem with Popularity

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, Psalm 30

More and more studies are being conducted measuring the impact of social media on our mental health. The results are scary. It is becoming clear that prolonged social media use presents like addiction with similar accompanying symptoms. (Neglect of personal life, mental preoccupation, escapism, etc.) When people attempt to stop using social media, they go through something akin to withdrawal. The more we use social media, the less happy we seem to be and the more socially isolated we become. The comparisons social media invites between our lives and those we are connected to is not good for our well-being. Furthermore, social media is specifically designed to trigger dopamine “highs” in the brain. Dopamine release is triggered by unpredictability, small bits of information that can be digested quickly, and most importantly, reward cues. (i.e. number of “likes” on FB, number of “followers” on Instagram, number of “retweets” on Twitter, etc.)  

I think about the number of people I know who draw at least part of their self-worth off of the number of friends they have on Facebook. The number of times people hit the “heart” button on an Instagram pic. The number of retweets and “likes” a pithy phrase draws on Twitter or the number of “views” on a YouTube video. Young people seem especially susceptible. But it’s not just social media. I think of the number of church leaders I know who draw their self-worth off the number of people who show up on a weekend for worship. I think of the drive there is in most churches for numerical growth. I know some pastors who seem to live or die based on whether they make OutReach Magazine’s Top 100 list every year. I think of the uncritical assumptions too many Christians make that larger churches must be doing something “right” and smaller churches must be doing something “wrong.” Or they flip the script. I think of the number of folks I know who criticize large churches simply because they’re large. I can’t tell you the number of conversations I’ve been in over the years where such criticisms were leveled largely out of jealousy, envy, or spite.

Why are we so obsessed with numbers? Full transparency, it does seem to be a particularly American phenomenon. I travel the world fairly regularly. I’ve been to China, South Korea, Mexico, Ethiopia, Uganda, etc. I’ve interacted with pastors from all over in lots of different settings. In my experience, they just don’t seem as hung up as we are on numbers. That isn’t to say they ignore them. They pay attention. They evaluate. They are wise and discerning. But there isn’t the emotional attachment American Christians, and especially American pastors, seem to have with attendance, buildings, and budgets. It’s like we get a dopamine “high” every time the sanctuary’s full.  

Perhaps this is why I find the story from 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 so convicting. David wants to number his people. He wants to know the size of his army. He wants to measure his power. His influence. He wants to feel secure, safe, and in control. The images I have in my head are of third-world despots throwing military parades to show off their strength. David is clearly feeling insecure and in that moment, Satan strikes. He comes along and tempts David according to 1 Chronicles 21 and God allows it to happen according to 2 Samuel 24. The results are tragic. “Gad delivered the message to David: “Do you want three years of famine, three months of running from your enemies while they chase you down, or three days of the sword of God—an epidemic unleashed on the country by an angel of God? Think it over and make up your mind. What shall I tell the One who sent me?” (1 Chronicles‬ ‭21‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭MSG‬)‬ God is going to teach David a lesson in humility.

70,000 die from the plague. This is horrific and impossible to understand. How could God do such a thing? At the same time, we have to remember that such events take place at the mysterious intersection of God’s will and human freedom. David’s decision has consequences and because David is king, the consequences impact his people. The same is true for us today. The decisions our politicians make impact real people in real life and can cause real pain and suffering. David decides to number his fighting men and around the same time, a plague begins. It is brutal. Virulent. And it kills. Somewhere in David’s mind, in the prophet Gad’s mind, probably in Joab’s mind and the minds of so many others, these events are related. The plague is perceived as God’s punishment on Israel for David’s sinful choices. And perhaps it is. We cannot dismiss the possibility out of hand for God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He has clearly told His people over and over again that there are consequences...real, life-threatening consequences...for sin. God’s justice and righteousness will not be mocked. 

So how do we respond to such a text? First and foremost, it should lead us to humble confession. Repentance. It should call to mind all the times we too have placed our faith in numbers or our mental health and well-being in the number of likes we get from social media. We are not immune. So we confess our sin before the Lord. Second, it should lead us to the cross. To the place where the penalty for our sin was paid. To the place where God’s judgment was fully and completely and utterly satisfied by the death of our Lord. We are not condemned. We need not feel shame. God has done for us what we could not. Third and finally, it should inspire us to live for Him. To live from that place of grace knowing God has torn down the dividing wall of hostility that exists between us and made peace with us by the blood of His cross. We are forgiven so we can forgive others. Grace was extended to us so we can extend it to others. Love was shown to us so we can show love to others. We are secure in God’s hands.  

Readings for tomorrow: Psalm 108-109

No One is an Island

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57

President Harry Truman once said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” Truer words were never spoken. Over the course of my life, I’ve had seasons where I tried to do it all myself. Tried to achieve it all myself. Tried to shoulder the burden all myself. Tried to hoard all the credit for myself. Those are some of the worst seasons of my life. Seasons where I experienced burnout and depression and frustration and anger. Seasons where I was exhausted and on the verge of giving up. Those seasons fed the unhealthy “hero complex” that lurks inside me, a vestige of growing up as the oldest child in an alcoholic home, and it threatens to poison everything I do. Thankfully, God confronted me years ago through a wise and discerning counselor. He told me clearly that He “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” and He challenged me to embrace obscurity, anonymity, and insignificance. To let go of my need to be the best. To let go of my need for recognition. To let go of my need to perform or appear perfect. He charged me with celebrating those around me. Lifting others up. Decreasing so that others might increase. Taking the lowest place so that I might rejoice as those around me might be loved more than I, esteemed more than I, and preferred over me in all things. The result? A profound sense of personal freedom. The building up of the church into the community she was designed and created by God to be. Greater Kingdom impact through those I’ve been able to equip, encourage, help, and celebrate over the years.

I imagine David must have felt the same way. It’s why he made sure to give credit where it was due. First and foremost to God. 2 Samuel 22 is a beautiful song of praise declaring the wonders and glories of God. David takes no credit for himself for his life. He gives it all to God. He understands it was God who lifted him up out of the shepherds fields. It was God who gave him victory after victory in his life. It was God who anointed him king and made him ruler over Israel. It was God who made his name great and secured a future for his household. Secondly, David understood none of what had taken place would have been possible without the strong leaders God put around him. The Three. The Thirty. The mighty men who accomplished incredible feats of valor and led his armies in battle. Without them, David would have been nothing. David would have come to nothing. So he makes sure to spread the credit around. He makes sure their names are recorded in the history books so they are never forgotten. He even chronicles some of their most famous exploits, deeds that rival his own. David is clearly in a humble place here at the end of his life.

What about you? Do you give credit to God for all He has done in your life or do you believe your achievements are due to your own strength, talent, and wisdom? Do you honor God for all He has given you or do you hoard the credit for yourself? When people take a glance at your social media feeds or engage in conversation with you or observe the way you act; what do they see? Someone who’s all about self-promotion? Or someone who deflects and gives glory to God and others? Do you find yourself clinging to titles and position and authority? Or do you leverage your influence in service to others? Do you celebrate those around you? Constantly lifting them up? Or do you remain silent as those around you get the credit? Jesus once said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Is that how you understand your life? Is that how you understand your calling from God?

No one is an island unto themselves. No one accomplishes or achieves on their own. The cultural idea that we each have to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps is nonsense. It’s a myth. All of us have help along the way and the humble man or woman readily shares the credit with God and with those around them.

Readings for tomorrow: None

Tribal Rivalries

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalms 5, 38, 42

Human beings are a tribal people. We tend to take our stand with those closest to us - our family or clan - against those who are distant from us. The Somali’s have a proverb that says, “Me against my brother. My brother and I against my family. My family and I against my clan. My clan and I against my tribe. My tribe and I against my nation. My nation and I against the world.” This rings true to me and not just in places like Africa or the Middle East where ethnic tribal loyalties have been a part of life for thousands of years. We see it in America as well where we tend to gather with our political “tribe” or social “tribe.” We will do anything to protect our tribe, including the use of ungodly means to achieve our tribe’s ends. Every day I watch as people intentionally use deception or anger or verbal abuse or violence against those who are not of their tribe. They shade the truth. Leave out facts. Ratchet up the hate. Assume the worst. Attack their enemy. And tragically, it sometimes instigates or results in violent acts.

Nothing is new under the sun. David and his son Absalom fight a civil war. Though brief, it shatters the peace of a nation. The seeds of disunity are sown. The twelve tribes of Israel - once united under a Davidic kingship - now find themselves at odds with each other. Jealousy over who has the better claim on David creates fractures. Harsh words are exchanged, resulting in a second rebellion under a man named Sheba. Once again, lives are lost. People are murdered as political loyalties shift amidst the chaos. Topping it all off is the somewhat strange story of the Gibeonites. You may remember, Israel had taken an oath not to hurt them during the conquest. Saul in his misplaced zeal had tried to wipe them out. This created generational bloodguilt that needed atonement. In ancient near east culture, sin carried communal consequences. Justice could potentially be delayed for generations. It wasn’t just the individual who was held accountable but the whole family or clan or tribe or community. In this particular case, David seeks out the descendants of Saul and hands them over to the Gibeonites. They are executed before the Lord in order to atone for the bloodguilt of the household of Saul. Eye for an eye. Tooth for a tooth.

We may not understand why the ancient Israelites prosecuted justice in this way. We are thousands of years removed from their world but we too have our own issues with justice. We too struggle with the communal consequences of sin. How else can we explain the generational tension that exists between different ethnicities in our country? The genocide of the indigenous tribes. The chattel slavery of African-Americans. The gang warfare between different European groups. The indentured servitude of the Chinese. The internment of the Japanese during WWII. The list is long. And though we have made progress when it comes to equal rights, we have yet to fully atone for our sin. We have yet to extend forgiveness. We have yet to engage in a process of truth and reconciliation. This is why the tensions persist, stoked by those who are invested in keeping the conflict alive.

So where do we go for healing? Where can our nation go for healing? We must return to the Lord. Like David says in his Psalms, “I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again- my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:11 NLT)

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57

The Cost of Unforgiveness

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 16-18

Refusing to forgive someone always comes at a cost. The cost of intimacy when one holds a grudge against another. The cost of a relationship if the wound is too deep. The cost of a future you might have had with that person. The cost of peace as an entire family or community is disrupted.

We see the bitter cost of unforgiveness on display in our story today. The most obvious, of course, is the cost to Israel over David’s unwillingness to forgive Absalom and Absalom’s unwillingness to forgive in return. Their bitterness turns to open warfare, resulting in a civil war that will cost thousands of lives. However, buried deep within in this passage is another story of unforgiveness that factors into the equation. It’s the story of Ahithophel. I’ve always wondered why this man saddles his donkey, rides home, and commits suicide after his advice is not taken. It seems like such an extreme reaction. But when one digs deep, one finds an answer potentially revealing itself. In the list of David’s mighty men from 2 Samuel 23, we meet Ahithophel’s son. His name is Eliam. Eliam is listed in the same list as Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s first husband. The plot thickens when we read in 2 Samuel 11:3 that Bathsheba is the daughter of Eliam. If it is indeed the same Eliam, this means he gave his daughter Bathsheba to his friend and comrade in arms, Uriah, in marriage thus signaling the closeness of their relationship. Now imagine you are Ahithophel and you are watching the events of the last few chapters unfold, helpless to intervene. You watch as your king - the king you have loved and served your entire life - rapes your granddaughter and murders her husband. You’ve most likely had to console your son in his rage and grief. Is it any wonder he joined the rebellion against David? And then when his counsel is not followed and he becomes convinced he will not be able to avenge the honor of his family, he goes home and takes his own life.

It’s a tragedy on Shakespearean levels. All because the parties involved refused to break the cycle of violence and shame and unforgiveness. Now I think about the many examples I see in my own life. Thankfully, they don’t reach the kind of level that David and Absalom’s or David and Ahithophel’s conflict reached. They don’t result in the death of thousands or a civil war but they do result in the death of marriages. The death of friendships. The death of small groups. The death of churches. I’ve watched as hurt, pain, disappointment, and unmet expectations turn into deep wounds that refuse to heal as both parties continue to withhold the forgiveness God demands. I’ve watched the bitterness and anger build until one party has to separate or leave or file or walk away. It’s never clean and never easy. The brokenness is often perpetuated in future relationships because when we refuse to forgive, we become enslaved to our pain. The pain of David would mark the rest of his reign, resulting in him giving his son Solomon a hit list as he lie on his death bed of people to kill. All because he refused to forgive.

What about you today? Who do you need to forgive? Who have you been withholding forgiveness from? Where do you need to let go of bitterness and anger and release the grudge you are carrying? In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask God to “forgive us our sins AS we forgive the sins of others.” Our experience of God’s forgiveness is intimately tied to the forgiveness we offer others. Trust the Lord. Follow His way. Extend forgiveness to those who’ve hurt you and be set free.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 26, 40-41, 58, 61-62, 64

Cycles of Revenge

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 13-15

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” - Gandhi

“Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.” - Leviticus‬ ‭24‬:‭20‬

The principle of proportional justice cited by Gandhi comes straight out of the Old Testament from passages like the one in Leviticus. It’s specifically designed by God to bring an end to the perpetual cycles of violence and revenge that plagued the ancient world. Insults were met with assault. Assaults met with murders. Murder met with the elimination of entire families. The elimination of families led to open warfare between tribes. These are generational cycles in honor/shame cultures. The next generation shouldering the responsibility to restore the honor of their family by taking revenge on those who wounded their fathers and mothers.

We see a similar dynamic play out in the stories we read today. David led a highly dysfunctional family. He played favorites. Indulged the children he liked and ignored the children he despised. Mostly he appears to be an absentee father who seems consumed with running the Kingdom of Israel rather than securing his succession and teaching his children to fear the Lord. The results are tragic. Amnon rapes his sister. Absalom assassinates Amnon. David effectively exiles Absalom. Absalom leads a rebellion to overthrow his father, dragging the entire country into war. At every point, there are opportunities to choose a different path. Amnon could have asked David for Tamar’s hand in marriage. David could have brought Amnon to justice for the rape of his sister. David could have chosen reconciliation after Absalom’s exile had ended. Absalom could have chosen the path of peace rather than war against his father. Sadly, the desire for revenge got the best of them which led to all kinds of horrific consequences for them, their families, their communities, and the nation.

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭39‬) The path Jesus offers is the path of non-violent resistance. He challenges his followers to break the cycles of revenge that so often enslave us and instead claim the moral high ground. He challenges them to overcome evil with good. Violence with peace. Hatred with love. There may not be a more radical teaching in all of Scripture! It would almost be too much except for the fact that Jesus Himself models this ethic in his suffering and death. Refusing to lift a hand against his oppressors. Refusing to call down legions of angels to fight on his behalf. Asking for forgiveness for us rather than revenge from the cross all because He trusted in His Father’s higher, greater plan. Do we trust God in this same way in our own lives?

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 3-4, 13, 28, 55

Sexual Abuse

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 51

It is estimated by the World Health Organization that 1/3 of women worldwide are victims of sexual abuse. A 2017 poll taken by ABC News and the Washington post reports that 54% of American women have reported receiving unwanted and inappropriate sexual advances, most of which are never addressed. Sexual abuse and harassment seemingly impact every sector of society from Hollywood to major media outlets to corporations to our government to the church. Every case is tragic. Every case is heartbreaking. Frankly, a reckoning is long overdue especially for the church. For far too long, the church has protected clergy who abuse or who tolerate abuse. High profile cases in the Roman Catholic Church are matched by similar high profile cases in the Protestant world such as Hillsong, Sovereign Grace, Bill Hybels, etc. In my own denomination, I have led commissions to remove five different pastors for various forms of sexual abuse over the years. Though necessary, I hated every moment of the work. I hated what it did to the victims. I hated what it did to the congregations. I hated what it did to the pastor’s spouse and children. The fallout from these situations is incredible and far-reaching.

The story of David and Bathsheba is perhaps one of the most famous stories of sexual abuse in the Scriptures. David, flush with his success on the battlefield and drunk on his own power and privilege, decides to stay home rather than head off to war like most kings in his position. As he stands on the roof, proudly overlooking all he has accomplished, he catches a glimpse of the beautiful Bathsheba bathing beneath him. He heart fills with lust. He covets this beautiful woman and who’s around to stop him? The army is off at war. Her husband is one of David’s mighty men which suggests David knew Bathsheba already. Perhaps this was a secret desire he’d been entertaining for years? He calls for her. Commands her to come. With her life on the line, she obeys and conceives a child from their one night stand. Now comes the coverup. David sends for Uriah but Uriah refuses to cooperate. So David orchestrates his murder. Then, to top it off, he takes Bathsheba into his harem.

It’s a horrible story. One we cannot and should not reduce to a morality tale. Bathsheba is raped. Uriah murdered. A child dies. All because of David’s insatiable lust and appetite for power. Left to his own devices, David might have gotten away with it. But God was watching. God is always watching. “For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.” (2 Samuel‬ ‭12:12‬) God sends Nathan the prophet, David’s own brother you’ll remember, to confront him. Nathan risks his life to stand up to David. Call him out. Expose his sin.  

A few years ago, legendary Bible teacher Beth Moore penned a poignant essay on her blog about her experiences with men over the years. It’s a heartbreaking read. She shared how it felt to be dismissed, ignored, put down, disrespected, and objectified. Her words are honest. Direct. Forthright. She offers them in a spirit of Christ-like confrontation and love. They must be heard and she’s not alone. There are women who occupy the pews every Sunday who’ve had similar experiences and they too must be heard. Their stories must be shared. And men who occupy places of privilege and power must humble themselves to listen and to repent if necessary.

What would such repentance look like? Psalm 51. These are David’s own words as he falls on his face before the Lord and confesses his sin. It acknowledges our brokenness. Acknowledges our sin. Begs God for a clean heart and a right spirit. These are sacrifices God will never despise.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 32, 86, 102-103, 122

Suspicion

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75

Human beings can tend to be naturally suspicious. Especially those who have been hurt before. It is hard to earn trust and when it is lost, it is almost impossible to regain. There is an old Nigerian proverb that says, “Any animal that escapes from a trap will be suspicious of every bent stick.” This rings true to me especially in our culture today. The rise of social media has led to an exponential increase in bullying and abusive behavior. The hurt and pain so many suffer online bleeds over into their everyday relationships. It creates a posture where we assume the worst rather than the best of each other. We question each other’s motives and/or character rather than offer trust. We are quick to pounce on mistakes rather than extend grace. The result is a toxic emotional system which perpetuates pain and suffering on a local, national, even global scale.

There is nothing new under the sun. In our reading for today, King David reaches out to King Hanun of the Ammonites to offer his condolences after his father dies. Sadly, Hanun is deeply insecure and perceives a threat where there is none. In an effort of self-protection, he shames David’s messengers and sends them back home. This represents a significant act of aggression in the Ancient Near East so David goes to war. He defeats the Ammonites in a major battle that costs the lives of thousands of soldiers. All because one man reacted with suspicion to a compassionate gesture.

In one of my favorite all time passages, the Apostle Paul writes, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬-‭8a‬ ‭ESV‬‬) Those who are in Christ are set free from a life of suspicion. We are set free from a life of caution and distrust. We are set free from the burden of being guarded and self-protective. We are set free to love. Love unconditionally. Love generously. Love sacrificially just as Jesus did. And as the Apostle John so famously said, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” So let me challenge you to set aside any and all of your suspicions. Step into the freedom Christ won for you on the cross. Step into the freedom Christ offers you through His Spirit. Embrace the way of love and watch how it changes your relationships with those you love and the world around you.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 65-67, 69-70

Promise Keeper

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

David was a promise keeper. He promised his friend Jonathan that he would show kindness to his descendants. He took a vow that he would bless his children should he be given the opportunity. After years of being hunted by Jonathan’s father, David now rules over a united Israel. The temptation so many face in his position is the potential threats posed by the family members of the former king who might lay claim to the throne. Many in David’s position would either kill or banish potential rivals. We see it happen all the time around the world even to this day. David, however, operated by a different set of values. When given the chance, he sought out anyone left in Saul’s family in order to show them kindness. This included a lowly, orphaned, crippled, almost forgotten young man named Mephibosheth. Unable to go to war with his father and grandfather, he had to rely on the generosity of others in order to survive. David lifts him up and treats him like a prince. He gives him all the property of King Saul and invites him into the royal court. Even welcomes him at the king’s table! This act of kindness fulfilled his vow to his dear friend and I’m sure brought joy to David’s heart.

David had so many reasons NOT to keep his promise. Circumstances had changed. His responsibilities had grown exponentially. The decisions he made impacted not just himself but an entire kingdom. Political expediency suggested he secure his kingdom by eliminating any potential threats both internally and externally. I am sure David received counsel to kill every one of Saul’s remaining family members. But David trusted God. He knew God was the source of his power and authority. He knew God had raised him up to the throne. He knew God would protect him and keep him. And because he had full confidence that God would keep His promises, he was set free to keep his promises as well no matter the potential cost.

This is the key to keeping our promises. If we trust God is in control, we don’t need to be anxious. We don’t need to be afraid. We don’t need to worry or fret over “what if.” If we believe God is faithful, we are set free to make promises and keep promises. We are set free to honor our word even if it costs us something. We are set free to walk with integrity no matter how difficult it may be. With God at our right hand, we will not fall. He will not let our foot be moved nor will He let us slip. He is our strength. He is our wisdom. He is our guide. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75

The Worship God Demands

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 5:11-25, 6, 1 Chronicles 13-16

What is true worship? Is it a feeling? A style? An experience? How do we know if we’ve engaged in true worship? Is it because we leave feeling inspired? The preacher’s message warmed our hearts? We’ve eaten the bread and drunk of the cup? The music for the morning matched our musical tastes? What are the hallmarks of true worship? Authenticity? Sincerity? We’re able to identify something we get out of it? 

Sadly, all of the above are true. Worship in 21st century North America has turned largely inward. It is focused, evaluated, planned, produced for the human experience. It caters to the preferences and tastes of the worshipper. It is designed primarily to make the human being feel inspired, motivated, and connected. This “inward turn” is as true for the small church as it is for the mega-church and every church in between. And it’s why we see so many American Christians bounce from church to church to church over the course of their lives. Long gone are the days when one would invest their entire lives into one community come what may. Long gone are the days when American Christians would heed the biblical command to actually practice forgiveness and reconciliation when relationships get hard. Long gone are the days when American Christians would die to self, laying aside the consumer tendencies of taste. Preference. Personal favorites. As a result, long gone are the days when the American church produced robust, courageous, bold, self-sacrificing disciples of Jesus who would give their lives for the sake of the gospel and the Kingdom of God in this world. Not that it never happens, it just is more the exception rather than the rule. 

So what is true worship? It is the worship God both deserves and demands. Believe it or not, God cares deeply how He is worshipped. In 1 Chronicles 13, we see what happens when God’s people - with sincere and authentic devotion in their hearts - fail to worship God in the way He commands. The people have gathered. They’re excited to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. They call the priests. They call the Levites. They plan a huge celebration.  The whole nation is present to witness this incredible moment. They build a new cart to carry the ark in the procession. David and all of Israel are celebrating, singing, dancing before the Lord with all their might. But then an ox stumbles. Uzzah, seeking to protect the ark, puts out his hand to keep it steady. The Lord strikes him down. One can imagine the shock of the crowd. In an instant, all the music and dancing and celebration stops. Silence. Long, prolonged, awkward silence as the people come to grips with what’s just happened. David is angry. He pouts for three months, refusing to come to grips with the fact that he himself is somewhat responsible for what happened. His decision to do what was convenient (build a cart to carry the ark) rather than what God demanded (Levites carry the ark on their own shoulders) is ultimately what cost Uzzah his life. Fast forward to 1 Chronicles 15. A different picture emerges. David is ready. He is humble. He submits to God’s will. He decrees that “no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever.” (1 Chron. ‭15:2‬) Once again, the celebration commences. Singing. Dancing. Music. Right sacrifices. God is pleased. God accepts the worship David offers because it is singularly focused on honoring God. 

What does true worship look like in our context today? Obviously, none of us know where the Ark of the Covenant resides. (Except Indiana Jones, of course!) The ceremonial laws that governed Old Testament worship have been fulfilled in Christ. Does this set us free then to worship as we choose? To do what feels good? To set the needs of the worshipper above the clear, biblical command to worship God and Him alone?

Pastors/worship leaders...is the primary thrust of your worship planning to bring honor and glory to God? To set Him high and lifted up? Or is it to meet the needs of your people? When you evaluate worship, do you measure it in terms of attendance and the emotional engagement of God’s people or the clarity of the gospel message preached through music, Word, and Sacrament and the experience of God through the Holy Spirit?

People of God...is your primary goal in worship to get something out of it? To walk away feeling inspired, emotionally uplifted? Do you evaluate your own experience based on whether you liked the songs that were sung or felt moved by the experience? Do you evaluate the message based on its applicability to your own life?  

Please hear me clearly...I am not saying these things are all bad or even that they should be divorced from our worship experience. I am simply saying they are secondary to our primary duty in worship which is to worship God as He both deserves and demands. This, in fact, is the chief end of our existence. 

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 15, 23-25, 47

Raw Material

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 1-4

Human beings are the raw material God has to work with to bring about His will. Perhaps nothing illustrates that truth more than today’s reading. Political intrigue. Civil war. Assassinations. Israel was in chaos as different parties jockeyed for influence and power. An Amalekite lies about killing Saul in order to curry favor with David and ends up being executed. Abner tries to preserve Saul’s legacy by marshaling Israel on Ish-Bosheth’s behalf only to split with his master over a perceived offense. Joab and his brothers have it out for Abner, perhaps seeing him as a potential rival for position and power in the new kingdom. The sons of Rimmon take matters into their own hands to bring about the end of the civil war and gain favor with David only to suffer the same result as the Amalekite who killed Saul. It’s a brutally honest account of the politics of the day and the only silver lining is that God is using even this sinful raw material to fashion His will for His people.

The same is true today. Our politics aren’t much different. Human beings haven’t made much progress. The intrigue and jockeying for power and influence and position continues. The civil war between Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and progressives is as brutal and hateful as it has ever been. Thankfully, mass violence has yet to break out in our country but we certainly see it in different parts of the world. Last evening, I was supposed to board a plane for Ethiopia. We were heading to the northern region to a city called Dessie to train church planters but violent protests broke out as one particular tribe pushes back against the decisions of the national government. Two aid workers were killed. All US State Department personnel were evacuated from the area as fears of a resumption of hostilities in the area grows. Our only hope is that the same God who was at work in ancient Israel bringing about His will through the sinful choices of human beings is still at work in our world today.

I love the line from Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬) All things. The good. The bad. The ugliness of life. God uses it all according to His sovereign power and wisdom to bring about His will for you, for me, for the world in which we live. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in. No matter what choices you made that brought you to this place. No matter what forces you find arrayed against you. No matter what lies in your control or outside your control. Trust that God is taking the raw material of your life to make you more and more into the image of His Son and prepare you to spend eternity with Him.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 6, 9, 10, 14, 16, 21