Journey Thru The Bible! (2 Samuel 1 - 3)

Click on the above Scripture to read today’s Bible text!

The book of 2 Samuel reads like an exciting novel and provides us insights into the life of one of the most celebrated and famous men of Israel – David. But, the amazing thing is that it doesn’t always talk about his good side, it also discloses his sinful side as well. Although David was considered by God as “a man after God’s own heart,” David still had some serious personal issues which, as we’ll read about later, lead to adultery, murder, family rebellion, and a great deal of bloodshed.

As we read the first 3 chapters of 2 Samuel, here are a few of my thoughts:

1)Respect for God’s appointed leaders is an act of honor towards God! One of the most amazing and admirable qualities I see in David is his respect for God’s chosen leader – King Saul. As we read last week, throughout the latter part of 1 Samuel we see how cruel, wicked, prideful, and vengeful King Saul had become, especially in his attitude toward David. David had done nothing to deserve King Saul’s anger and the command that called for his execution. In spite of King Saul’s horrible degrading demeanor and poor leadership qualities, David respected Saul simply because God chose him to be the first King in Israel. David had respect for God’s appointment of Saul, as well as for the position Saul held.

When Saul died in battle, an Amalekite thought he’d receive some praise and glory from David and falsely claimed to David that he had done him a favor and killed Saul after he was wounded. Out of respect for Saul’s appointed position by God and due to the man’s lack of respect for Saul, David orders the man to be killed!

This ought to be a lesson to all of us today! We need to respect all who have leadership and authority over our lives! As Christians, we know that God is intimately involved in our lives and that he “orders our footsteps.” There isn’t anything that happens in our lives that is consequential, it is all out of God’s divine and sovereign purpose and will. If so, then those who are in leadership and authority in our lives are put there by God! Like David, whether they possess good or poor leadership qualities, it doesn’t matter! We must show honor and respect to them because of God’s involvement to place them as leaders in our lives, plus the fact that we should show respect for the position.

If you’re not respecting those who have been placed in leadership by God in your life, then decide right now to do the God-glorifying act of seeking God’s forgiveness for showing a lack of respect, perhaps apologize to your leader, and do your best to honor them because…
- God put them there!
- The position deserves the respect!

2) A man or woman of integrity receives the praise of people! In everything David did, he acted with integrity! In chapter 3, out of respect for Abner, he throws a major funeral march and service to honor his greatness! Even though at one time Abner was an enemy of David’s, they made amends and decided to work together! Unfortunately, Joab (David’s army commander) murdered Abner in revenge of his brother’s death, David gave Abner a royal funeral procession! And, look how the people respond!

In 3:36 it says, “This pleased the people very much. In fact, everything the king did pleased them!”

David acted in the integrity of his heart, and the people loved it! Everyone loves a person who’s honest, merciful, gracious, hospitable, and respectful of every individual. We all love people like that, and we admire them! That’s the kind of person David was. It ought to be the kind of people everyone of us should seek to be!

What ingredients or characteristics in your life do you feel keep you from have a testimony like that? Do something about it. Let’s become the people like David, like Jesus, like God! Amen!

Have a wonderful day in the Lord!