And our God promises to defeat all of the evil in the world. Through us. In us. In this world. God is moving in the midst of all that is going on. He wants to use us to advance His Kingdom in this world and that is just unbelievable!
Larry Crabb talks about how David "lived the new way"
* He didn't celebrate the death of Saul. He mourned the father-in-law who tried to kill him.
* He waited patiently for 7 years in Hebron as king over only one tribe---all the while knowing that God had appointed him over 12 tribes. He didn't make it happen.
* He invited Saul's house to his table---the lame Mephibosheth, grandson of Saul.
* He mourned wicked Absalom's death and cried out "if only it had been me."
66 Love Letters
These two stories in today's reading are so gripping. Grasped men who are grasping for straws. The story of Amnon in 2 Samuel 13:4: “O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.” Heart wrenching. Loving after something that can never be his. David's valley. Again. This time, a son out to get him, not a father-in-law. Oh the grief.
And Absalom slays the kings and takes the kingdom into his hands. And David grieves. Someone once said we can over grieve what we over love---wondering of that was the case for David. He could not let go of Absalom.
Wretchedness and Greatness. Here in this story.
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Father, may we never be afraid to listen to your promptings in our hearts for there is hope for our sin. Yes, there are wretched places. Yes, there is matchless grace covering like blankets of fresh fallen snow. Fall fresh on me.
PHOTO: The Valley. Hill Country. David is in another valley. And it is being filled with rain falling fresh from heaven on him. Going deep into the trenches of his heart. His dependence soaks it all in. Because David is "all in" now, or is he?
And Absalom slays the kings and takes the kingdom into his hands. And David grieves. Someone once said we can over grieve what we over love---wondering of that was the case for David. He could not let go of Absalom.
Wretchedness and Greatness. Here in this story.
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Father, may we never be afraid to listen to your promptings in our hearts for there is hope for our sin. Yes, there are wretched places. Yes, there is matchless grace covering like blankets of fresh fallen snow. Fall fresh on me.
PHOTO: The Valley. Hill Country. David is in another valley. And it is being filled with rain falling fresh from heaven on him. Going deep into the trenches of his heart. His dependence soaks it all in. Because David is "all in" now, or is he?
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