Portadown Independent Methodist Church

The Scriptures devote a considerable amount of time to the life of David after he sinned with Bathsheba. And, the David after is noticeably different to the David before. While God has forgiven David, David is still reaping the natural consequences of his sin. This is painful but necessary reading. May we read and learn.

We use this word love so much that we might never really stop to define it. When we do, we can find that what we mean by it and what God means are two very different things. Not only do the definitions differ, but the outcomes differ also. That is exactly what this chapter shows us - the  devastating consequences of getting this word wrong, as illustrated in the life of Amnon. When we set it beside the life of the Lord Jesus, the contrast could not be more striking.

Woven throughout 2 Samuel, we have a number of references to Joab (David's nephew and the commander of his army). Joab displayed many instances of loyalty to David. Sadly, this included when David asked him to do wrong. In those moments, Joab choose the easier path - of going along. This meant he kept his position and prestige - however, the easy road turned hard. We never read of him repenting - and his life comes to a truly tragic ending.

The notion that someone who loves and delights in God will lead a kind of charmed life can run pretty deep in our hearts. Given our preferences of physical comfort and safety, this is hardly surprising. However, the notion is flatly contradicted in the Bible. No least in the life of Uriah and most of all in the life of the Lord Jesus. That is the subject of this message.

In 2 Samuel 12, we read of David's repentance and God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness is astonishing, requiring the death of His Son Incarnate on the cross. David can now know the smile of God, which boggles our minds. However, God tells David that his sin will still have consequences in this life. Herein lies a solemn warning to us all. Indeed, the unfolding of these consequences is a grace to David and to us - to humble us, subdue us, warn us, and teach us of God's holy nature.

As we study this section of David's life, we are faced with a searching question - what would we have done, if we'd known David and became aware of his sin? What do we do, when a brother or sister in Christ is overtaken in a fault (Gal. 6:1)? 2 Samuel 12 gives us the answer to the question, "What did God do?" God sent a spiritual man, who was close to David, to confront him with God's Word. Far from being an end in itself, however, this confrontation was a means to the end of David's restoration. Nathan models for us the sensitivity required in a delicate task like this. After approaching David with God's Word in such a sensitive manner - we rejoice to see David respond with repentance. 

After his sin involving Bathsheba, David found himself in a horrible-pit - facing the displeasure of God. Rather than repenting and calling upon God for deliverance, he continued to dig the pit yet deeper. Under strong temptation to cover-up his sin, he would sin in yet more grevious ways - making a bad situation worse. Therein lies a warning. Mercifully, we discover that the grace of God can reach down to the bottom of a pit, no matter how horrible it might be.

So many of the chapters thus far in 1 & 2 Samuel have painted striking and impressive portraits of David - showing his kindness and grace. In the biblical gallery, though, there hangs a disturbing portrait - when David falls. That's where we are is this message - 2 Samuel 11. Often, David has given us hints and clues as to what the Messiah will do. Here, David screams about why we need such a Messiah.

The author of 2 Samuel sets the events of chapters 9 and 10 right beside each other. In both, David is showing kindness. In one it is accepted and changes Mephibosheth's life forever. Now, in chapter 10, it is rejected. Not merely ignored - rejected. We find David to be slow to anger ... In all of this we are, again, pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ and the folly of rejecting His offer of salvation.

Often, the path of obedience is clear. That, however, doesn't make it easy. And yet, the beauty of the Gospel is that there is power to walk this path. That is what we see in 2 Samuel 9. Having been amazed by God's grace to him - David now amazes someone else by his grace to them. 

Reading through the Old Testament isn't always very encouraging. Israel has enemies, and their enemies seem to enjoy many victories over them. In 2 Samuel 8, however, God, through His anointed king, David, wins unprecedented victories. This coincides with the promise regarding David's descendent. It gives us a clue as to what he will accomplish - a complete victory over the enemies: sin, death, and Satan. This chapter points us to King Jesus.

It is amazing how little it takes to get a reaction from our hearts. A single word can lead to a conversation that lasts 30 minutes. However, our hearts aren't always so quick to respond to God's kindness; we can be slow to praise. In the latter part of 2 Samuel 7, we see David react to the news that God will establish his house forever. It's a fitting response, from which we can learn a lot.

In 2 Samuel 7, we learn that God's Covenant with David includes great blessings. As we read through these, we can be nodding our heads in agreement - they are truly great blessings. And then we arrive at v. 14, which speaks of chastening. The subject hasn't really changed, however. God blesses His people by chastening them. God loves them enough to put them through grevious chastening that they might emerge out on the other end purified, for His glory.

In this amazing OT chapter of 2 Samuel 7, we read of God’s Covenant with David; and we see why this chapter became the basis of so many Messianic hopes. What is happening in David’s life is a glimpse at what is yet to come. A descendent of David’s will have a great name, He will provide great blessings for all who trust in Him; and will ultimately lead them to a place which is too great to describe.

2 Samuel 7 is a significant chapter in the storyline of the Bible. David now lives in a nice house. Meanwhile, the Ark of the Covenant, where God dwells, is in a tent. David proposes to build a Temple; the prophet Nathan seconds his motion. However, God vetoes the project. It's His house, and He gets to decide. He has His purposes and His timing - He choose a tent so show His desire to walk with His people. The stunning goodness of God's plans and purposes comes shining through: He is going to build David a house - a dynasty; that will last forever. From this will come the Word made flesh, Who 'tented' among us, that through His life, death, and resurrection He might indwell His people - walking with them through every valley and trial. This chapter displays the stunning goodness of God; and implores us to come to God, in the Son, and to live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and be led by the Spirit.

As David makes his 2nd attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, his approach is very different to the first time. His fresh awareness of God's holiness produces reverence. This time he proceeds with carefulness, sacrifice, and humility. He finds that a true awareness of God's moral brilliance and transcendence doesn't dampen or dilute his joy. Rather, it deepens it. The God who enters Jerusalem to dwell there is the holy, holy, holy God of Creation - who David can approach and dwell with, by means of sacrifice. This causes a volcano of joy to erupt in David's heart.

2 Samuel 6 is one of the most shocking passages; where Uzzah dies as a result of touching the ark. Even King David is stunned by it. Here, we explore what took place and are reminded that God is holy, holy, holy. If we're shocked at this - what words can describe our reaction to the events of Calvary? Where a man who never put a food wrong, dies - suffering under the wrath of God? In our shock at this scene; we realize that the more clearly we see God's holiness, the more clearly we see the depth of His love.

This is a chapter of breakthroughs. In a world of set-backs, here we see the God at work, through His anointed, for the blessing of His people. The 11 tribes who had resisted David’s rule come to recognise him as their shepherd-king. They immediately recognise the benefits. David wins a decisive victory over the Philistines, Israel's long-time foes. He names the place Baal-perazim, “God of the breakthrough.” David also takes the fortress city of Jersualem from the Jebusites.  For centuries, they had held this citadel - during Joshua's time, and the Judges, and Saul. This points us to the greater David, the Lord Jesus, who will enter the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey and die on a cross. In so doing, he will breakthrough and defeat the greatest enemies of humanity - death, and sin, and hell. All who receive him, benefit from these victories. One day, they will walk the streets of the New Jerusalem; where King Jesus will reign, God’s presence pervade, and sin and death be banished.

The Word of God is inspired (breathed out) by God (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, it is good, holy, and precious. It provides us with a special revelation from God - showing us His nature and ways. It exposes sin in our hearts (Heb. 4:12). It points us to the Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:39). However, the human heart is so deceitful that it can use God's Word in all kinds of self-serving ways; even as a cover for selfish deeds. In 2 Samuel 4, we see the danger of this - and the devastating consequences. It gives us a longing to see the glory of God so clearly in Scripture, that we prostrate ourselves before Him - that we might "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:2).

In the game of Jenga, the removal of blocks weakens the tower until it sways, teeters, and crashes down. In the opening chapters of 2 Samuel, the House of Saul has been weakening. With the defection and death of Abner, it is balancing precariously. Now, when Ishbosheth dies, it's crashes down. It reminds us: every man or movement that rises against God's anointed will ultimately crumble and collapse. God is just, and judgement will come. However, this passage reminds us - it often comes slowly. Why? God, in His kindness, gives space to repent (2 Peter 3:9). In this passage, we see something beautiful: David loved these men who rejected him; he did good to them, he prayed for them, he blessed them. Each went to their grave having tasted kindness they didn't deserve from David's hand. When the Lord Jesus came, he taught us to "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). And, that's exactly what he did, when he died on the cross for his enemies.