2 SAMUEL Take-Aways

LEADERSHIP

Before David Becomes King: David never desired Saul's death nor was he impatient to come to the throne. Ordered the execution of an Amalekite for killing Saul who was anointed by God. 2 Sam 1:16 David trusted God to take care of the evil king and never took those matters into his own hands. David equally mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan even at an all-time low of defeat and let the story play out while the houses of David and Saul while the houses warred against each other.                                     After David Becomes King: A 30-year-old David reigns over 40 years. David defeated Moab and killed 22,000 Arabians. 2 Sam 8. Struck down the entire army of Hadadezer. Killed 700 Syrian men in chariots, 40,000 foot soldiers. 2 Sam 10: 12. 2  God gave David victory wherever he marched. 2 Sam 1:14. David made peace with the Ammonites---his heart's desire, never trusting in chariots and horses but only in the name of his God. 

FAMILY

Mephibosheth   David offers kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. 2 Samuel 9. To whom may I show God's kindness? Emptying himself into strangers. 

OBEDIENCE

Rebuked By the Prophet, Nathan: When kings morally go to battle in war, David stays home. David takes Bathsheba. Secretly inspires to kill her husband, Uriah, and take Bathsheba to be his wife. Nathan confronts David 2 Sam 11:12: You did it secretly but God will move before the sun. David's response to being found out after an affair and murder. "I have sinned against the Lord." 2 Sam 11:13. Our merciful God put away David's sin. David didn't die but the baby did.                                                           Betrayed By His Senator: Ahithophel is now a conspirator standing with Absalom. David prays these words in 2 Samuel 15:31 --- confuse the counsel of this senator. David didn't pray against the person but against his words, against the advice of his soul. David prays with the strong knowledge of a Sovereign God Who holds all words and hearts in His Hand.                                                     Insults from Shimei: Gallant David and his men walking through a prosaic valley could have retaliated against Shimei throwing rocks, throwing words. What if God told him to say this. "It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today." 2 Samual 16:12. What if?                                                                                   Rebuked by Joab: The messengers brought news of defeat of Absalom, David's son. Joab was victorious. Joab finds a king in tears not triumph. "You love  those who hate you"---father-in-law and sons. "You hate those who love you"---the ones risking their lives. Wake up. 2 Samuel 19:6. David rises from this.                                                                                                                   Rebuked Once More by Joab: I've sinned greatly by doing this. I beg You, my God, to take away my guilt. I have done a very foolish thing: to number my fighting men. I Chronicles 21:8. A swift, surrendered heart. Ownership of his life. Quicken our hearts to be as swift a runner as this seasoned heart of David. 

COVENANT  I Chronicles 22:1 shows this restored community that everything in their lives, the victories and the failures, points them to the covenant made. Our ultimate priority is putting God first and rebuild the temple. And where is the temple today? Cross reference: 1Cor. 6:19-20. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Not our own! Bought with a price! Therefore worship God alone. Am I trying to make my life better or more concerned about drawing near to God? Keep the charge. "Set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Arise and build.