September 17, 2010

2 Samuel 13

“When will the hurting stop?” You may recognize the question from the children’s cartoon The Terrible Thunder Lizzards.” We are entering the narrative of David’s life where I feel like asking that question the whole time. But it comes partly from the discipline of the Lord upon David, as we discussed yesterday, and partly from his own passivity. To this point in his life, David, for the most part, has been a paragon of a man who focuses on the glory of the Lord. He has been derailed. He gazed where he should not have and now is caught in the quagmire of its consequences.

Did he not wonder about Amnon’s request? Why did he not discipline his adult son for the rape of his half-sister? Why did he not wonder about Absalom’s request to take Amnon to a party? Why did he not seek to discipline Absalom? Partly it is because of the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah to cover his sin. Partly it is because he probably felt guilty. His passivity was probably because of his guilt. How could he ever look his son’s in the eye and instruct them concerning bridling their lust when he himself did not. How could he ever bring discipline upon Amnon when He himself had not received the punishment the law required? How could he ever rebuke Absalom for the revenge murder of Amnon when he himself had committed murder in order to cover his sin. I think David gave up. He became passive when he should have been active. The result? The sword strikes his household just as the Lord foretold.

Where is the glory in this? Let us fix our eyes upon the glory of the Lord. Yes, we may have blown it in the past resulting in a quagmire of consequences. But let us not increase the quagmire because of our own guilt that produces passivity. We must still forget what lies behind and press on for the upward call of the Lord Jesus. That is what honors Him, and He deserves all honor! Indeed we serve a glorious King. Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor john

2 Corinthians 10

The Lord Jesus Christ is mighty. What an understatement! Why, He pulls down strongholds. He casts down arguments. He destroys everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. He punishes disobedience. He sees beyond the outward into the heart. He knows our thoughts. One would almost expect that when we enter into His presence that we would burst with the power of His majesty. And so we might, if those were the only things true of Him. He is also meek and gentle. Meekness is patience and mildness, not having an inclination toward hot headedness. Gentleness is strength under control. He knows our frame. He knows how we are made, for it is He who made us. He knows how to correct our faults. He is able to correct our faults. He can do it gentle. He chooses to do it with our co-operation. Am I willing to listen to Him for my faults and to yield to His gentle power that will tear down the strongholds that exist in my spirit and mind. When I am, He begins to show His mighty gentle power in my life to set me free from that which binds me. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!

--Pastor John