THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Samuel 21-24
“The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness.” (2 Samuel 22:25)
Is this true… is this God’s inspired truth or just David’s perspective?
All scripture is God-breathed, but what exactly does that mean?
Does it mean that every word is true and accurate… including inaccurate words?
My goal is not to undermine faith in scripture, but to better understand it.
David is actually wrong here, it is not according to his righteousness.
The drama of his life is proof that he is not clean in God’s sight.
How was David a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22)?
Because God’s heart is gracious, not because David’s heart was righteous and clean.
We must be SO careful when we read scripture, to remember God’s grace in it all.
Ultimately Jesus reveals the true and accurate picture of God.
He is a God of grace, not of legalism and ‘eye for eye’ justice (as Israel thought).
The Spirit inspired David to write what he thought about himself and God.
He did this to reveal how God graciously works with sinful, flawed people.
He stoops to our level, so that He might restore us to His level!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for misunderstanding and misrepresenting You. May Your Spirit continue to reveal the truth of Who You are, as we see You through Jesus!
David sought the face of the Lord at the start of this reading.
David built an altar to the Lord and the Lord answered his prayer at the end of today’s reading.
However, there were times inbetween that David went his own way, a way contrary to God’s desires.
We live in His presence at all times and in the all times there are valleys of highs and lows – when we feel close to God and when we have drifted away. Yet God remains the same and His grace embraces us once again as His child.
I need to take hold of God and pull – living in His presence at all times. He is the wind beneath my wings giving me the ability to live for Jesus. His grace enables me for when I fall, He picks me up. I need to be able to say the words of David daily
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[e] and the horn[f] of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
1
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.