TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Amos 9:11-15
I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted. - Amos 9:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska. Julius Sterling Morton, an early settler and editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, actively promoted his love of trees. In 1872, he proposed a resolution to the State Board of Agriculture that April 10 be set aside as a holiday for planting trees. The resolution was accepted, prizes were offered, and more than one million trees were planted on that first Arbor Day. By 1920, 45 states and territories had joined in, and today Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states. National Arbor Day is now the last Friday in April. As Morton said: “Each generation takes the earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed.”

Planting a tree is an image of life, and it’s an appropriate picture in today’s passage of God restoring a remnant of His people. This, too, is part of the “day of the LORD.” Just as God Himself executed judgment, so God Himself will be the one to restore and rebuild “David’s fallen shelter” (vv. 11-12). These are also messianic verses, and the mention of Edom and “all the nations that bear my name” suggests that God’s plan for spreading His glory around the world included salvation for the Gentiles as well. That’s certainly what the apostle James thought when he quoted these verses as the basis for his agreement with Paul and Barnabas that the Gentiles should be included in the church (Acts 15:15-17).

The picture of restoration with which the book of Amos closes is beautiful and powerful (vv. 13-15). Though judgment is imminent and inescapable, better days are coming. Then, the seasons will run together in such abundance that it will seem as though the plowman is following the reaper. The exiles will return and rebuild their homes. People will tend gardens and plant vineyards. Peace and plenty will be the rule of the day. God Himself will be their Gardener (cf. John 15:1-4), replanting the nation, “never again to be uprooted” (cf. 2 Sam. 7:16).

APPLY THE WORD
Christian musicians have prayed in song for the coming of the “day of the LORD.” One song by David Meece on his Chronology album is entitled simply, “Come That Day”: “Come that day when the mighty gavel pounds the sky / And on that day every man will have to testify / And you will surrender your soul at His door / No man no better for rich or poor / There will be fire, there will be rain / There will be joy, there will be pain / Come that day, come that day, come that day.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Obadiah 1:1-9
We have heard a message from the LORD. - Obadiah 1:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The killing of Al Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, made headlines around the world earlier this year. An elite team of U.S. Navy SEAL commandos flew by helicopter into bin Laden’s mansion compound in Abbottabad, about 30 miles north of Pakistan’s capital city. In only 40 minutes, they succeeded in killing bin Laden and escaping with his body and a valuable trove of intelligence materials. After verifying his identity, they buried him at sea. In his address to the nation, President Obama said, “Justice has been done.”

The theme of justice, already familiar this month from our study of Joel and Amos, is also at the heart of the Old Testament’s shortest book, Obadiah. No specific biographical information is known about this prophet, whose name means “servant of the Lord” or “worshiper of the Lord.” From internal data, the book is usually thought to have been written around 586 B.C., which means that Obadiah was a contemporary of Jeremiah. Obadiah is the only book of the Bible entirely aimed at a foreign nation. Specifically, the book’s main point is that Edom would be judged by God for her participation in and gloating over Israel’s downfall (vv. 1, 8-9; cf. Isa. 34:5-17). Edom may also be read as a representative of all world powers and forces opposed to God’s plan and kingdom. Themes include justice, judgment, accountability, holiness, mercy, and divine sovereignty.

The Edomites were descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin, so there was a great deal of history between the two nations. Sela, also called Teman, was Edom’s capital city, and since it means “rock” or “cliff” it can probably be identified with the ruins of Petra, 50 miles south of the Dead Sea. A fortress city in rugged terrain, the city appeared unconquerable. Nonetheless, God promised to “make you small,” a fitting response to their pride (vv. 2-4). Friends and allies would turn on them. The nation would be so completely destroyed that there would be nothing left. Clearly, Edom’s fate would be of divine, not human, origin (vv. 5-7).

APPLY THE WORD
The Edomites found security and national self-esteem in their rocky fortress of a capital city. They thought no one could bring them down. God thought differently. The Edomites had put their faith in the wrong object. What about us? In what do we find security and self-esteem? We need to examine ourselves to make sure we’re finding these things in Christ alone. He is the Cornerstone. “The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:4-6).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Obadiah 1:10-14
You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune. - Obadiah 1:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Though brothers, Esau and Jacob struggled and fought from the very beginning. While in the womb, the twins “jostled” one another. During their delivery, Jacob’s hand grasped his brother’s heel. He took advantage of Esau by trading him a bowl of lentil stew for his birthright, and later deceived their father into giving him, instead of his elder brother, a special blessing and a double portion of the family inheritance. The two men eventually reconciled, but tension and conflict between their descendants continued down through the centuries (Genesis 25; 27-28; 32-33).

The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, while the Israelites were the descendants of Jacob. Because of the family ties, Edom’s actions were like betraying a brother (v. 10; cf. Ps. 137:7). Instead of honoring kinship bonds or even extending the common cultural courtesy of hospitality, they had broken and dishonored the relationship and treated Jacob like a total stranger. In modern terms: What they should have done when passing their brother on the street was to offer greetings and assistance. Even ignoring him would have been rude. But they had gone so far as to rob him—how shameful!

Edom’s specific sins are itemized here. They stood by and did nothing when Judah was being conquered (v. 11). They actually rejoiced in their brother’s downfall (v. 12). Out of opportunism and pride, they participated in the sacking of Jerusalem, taking advantage of the moment to “seize their wealth in the day of their disaster” (v. 13). Worst of all, they set up roadblocks to catch escaping refugees, no doubt hoping to curry favor with the Babylonians by turning these prisoners over to them (v. 14). Like battlefield scavengers, they “bravely” helped themselves to the spoils of the Babylonian conquest.

This list of things they should not have done suggests an opposite list of what they should have done. They should have spoken up in support of their brother. They should have helped rather than rejoicing in Judah’s troubles. They should have acted in humility, not pride. And they should have had mercy on the Israelite refugees rather than turning them away.

APPLY THE WORD
Edom’s pride led them to behave like bullies, kicking the people of Judah when they were down. God, on the other hand, expresses a special love for those who are poor and weak. That’s why there are provisions for aliens and strangers in the Law of Moses (Ex. 23:9), and why “pure and faultless” religion means to “look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27), and why He is pleased to use us, weak and foolish though we are, in His plans (1 Cor. 1:26-29).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Obadiah 1:15-21
The day of the LORD is near for all nations. - Obadiah 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
World-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking has decided there is no God. In an interview, he suggested that “God” could be defined as “the embodiment of the laws of nature. However, this is not what most people would think of as God. They made a human-like being with whom one can have a personal relationship. When you look at the vast size of the universe and how insignificant an accidental human life is in it, that seems most impossible.” In his book, The Grand Design, he wrote he’s concluded that the universe was not created by a supernatural God but by a wholly natural Big Bang. The idea of a creator is “not necessary.” “Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing.”

For all those who say in their heart, “There is no God” (Ps. 14:1), a day of reckoning will come. “The day of the LORD is near for all nations” (v. 15). On that day, people will reap what they have

sown. Just as Edom had sat drinking and carousing among the ruins of Jerusalem, so also will the nations be forced to drink the cup of God’s wrath on the day of judgment (v. 16). As Paul wrote: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction” (Gal. 6:7-8).

Thankfully, the day of judgment is also a day of deliverance for those who love the Lord (v. 17). Righteousness will triumph over sin and evil. In terms of the judgment on Edom, in a bit of divine poetic justice Obadiah said that it would be the Israelites themselves who would execute judgment on Edom, specifically that the returnees from exile would occupy the former land of Edom (vv. 18-20). In the end, Mount Zion would emerge not as a place of defeat and exile and destruction, but a place of victory and deliverance and power. “And the kingdom will be the LORD’s” (v. 21).

APPLY THE WORD
If we all reaped strictly what we’ve sown, there would be no hope for any of us. Because Jesus died in our stead, however, we no longer owe a penalty of death if we trust in His name (John 3:16). When we take communion, we do so in remembrance of Him—His body, broken for us, and His blood, shed for us (1 Cor. 11:23-26). From which cup will you drink? The cup of God’s wrath, or the cup of communion? Choose love and rejoice!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 1:1-16
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. - Luke 12:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to developmental psychology, children in the “egocentrism” stage believe that everyone in the world sees only what they see. As a result, children in this stage will routinely hide by covering their eyes and declaring, “You can’t see me!” Because they can’t see anyone else, they reason that no one else can see them.

As we begin this month’s study of the book of 2 Samuel, we see something like this egocentrism in the way the Amalekite reported the death of Saul. At first glance, things seem straightforward: a messenger from battle travelled a great distance to offer the news that Saul and his son were dead. The Amalekite declared that he himself happened upon a dying Saul and then heroically killed the king to save his honor in the face of the Philistine enemies. The Amalekite was now bringing the royal crown and armband as evidence.

A deeper look reveals some problems with his story. Today’s reading follows on the heels of 1 Samuel 31, and there the biblical narrator tells us that Saul killed himself, followed by the suicide of his armor-bearer (1 Sam. 31:4-6). No mention is made of a prolonged death, a wandering Amalekite, or the need for someone else to finish off the king. In short, it appears the Amalekite lied, thinking he could deceive David and earn a reward as the one who brought news that David could now ascend to the throne.

The text doesn’t tell us what really happened with the Amalekite or how he obtained the king’s memorabilia. But he hadn’t realized one important fact when crafting his false tale of heroism: that the king’s blood was precious to David and God alike. On numerous occasions, David himself had the chance to kill Saul, but instead spared his life (see 1 Sam. 26:10-11). Now David turned to the Amalekite and used his artful story against him: “Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” (v. 14). In the end, the Amalekite’s lying words not only exposed his deceit to the careful reader, but also brought David’s judgment upon his head.

APPLY THE WORD
Do we operate with spiritual “egocentrism,” thinking that if we deceive ourselves or others, then God will be fooled as well? We’ve all been tempted, as the Amalekite was, to twist a story to make ourselves look better. Jesus reminds us, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2). May this month’s study of 2 Samuel turn our hearts toward truth, so that we can pursue an honest relationship with God and others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 1:17-27
There is a time for everything . . . a time to weep . . . a time to mourn. - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4
TODAY IN THE WORD
By definition, a lament is more than a spontaneous outburst of sorrow. It denotes a more thoughtful expression of grief, one that might be recorded, circulated among others, and memorized. The Bible contains numerous laments, including certain psalms or the entire book of Lamentations. In today’s reading, we encounter a lament within the narrative of David’s discovery of Saul and Jonathan’s death, and from this lament we learn a number of things about godly sorrow.

First, we see the appropriateness of thoughtful expressions of grief. There is a time for spontaneous mourning over loss (v. 11), but here David took the time to craft a poetic expression of grief, and even “ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow” (v. 17). The lament, Scripture teaches us, invites us into the prolonged ache of the loss of loved ones. Thoughtful expressions of grief do not betray our theology of hope, but are part of the human process of mourning.

Second, David’s lament does not shy away from speaking of the tragedy. Verses 19 through 22 explicitly recount the death of warriors and the bloodshed, tumult, and destruction of war. The defeat and loss were real, and David’s words recognized that reality, reminded others of it, and encouraged a healthy sorrow over it. Ignoring tragedy around us does not help the healing process.

Third, notice that David mourned over both his friend and his enemy. Given the repeated abuse David suffered under Saul in 1 Samuel, we would not be surprised if David’s lament mentioned only Jonathan, but it does not. Saul, along with Jonathan, is both mourned and praised in David’s poem. Death, no matter whose, is a tragic thing, and lamenting the insatiable jaws of death is an appropriate response from God’s people.

Finally, David’s lament moved him to expressions of love. The poem proclaims David’s love for Jonathan, “my brother,” who was “very dear to me,” and whose love was “more wonderful than that of women” (v. 26). Indeed, thoughtful expressions of grief demonstrate the depth of our love for the one we’ve lost.

APPLY THE WORD
Are you dealing with grief, or know someone who is? What kind of thoughtful expression of grief might you offer? If facing your own loss, consider penning a personal lament to express your loss and love. If you know someone grieving over the loss of a loved one, consider writing a thoughtful letter that not only expresses sympathy, but enters into their grief with them, reminding them that sorrow over death is appropriate, even as we await its final destruction in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 2:1-11
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah. - 2 Samuel 2:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A couple enjoying a hiking vacation in the Rocky Mountains encountered a surprise: there in a rocky outcrop on a mountaintop grew a fragile, yet vibrantly-colored flower. In all the wrong conditions, hidden from the view of most people, this tiny sign of life grew. Their photograph of that hidden growth now brings beauty and an invitation to hope to countless guests in their home.

Another picture of such fragile, hidden hope lies in today’s reading: David’s kingship. Having first sought God’s direction, David moved his entire family, along with his loyal followers, out of Philistia and into Hebron. The people of Judah came to David and anointed him as their king. Even though David had already been anointed secretly in 1 Samuel 16:13, here in Hebron he was declared king publicly for the first time.

Notice the formidable obstacles that stand against God’s chosen king. His kingship, although public, was over Judah, just one tribe among twelve. In fact, it would be over seven years before David would reign over all Israel. In the meantime, David would face tribes with divided loyalties and encounter outright rivals.

David first attempted to bring unity in his kingdom with the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead, long-time loyal supporters of Saul and his kingship (see 1 Samuel 11). In a winsome appeal, David mixed praise, blessing, and invitation. He praised them for their conscientiousness in burying Saul; he twice called for God’s blessing upon them; and he extended a genuine invitation to join the people of Judah in acknowledging him as God’s anointed king. This narrative gives us a model of charitable dealings with potential enemies.

Finally, we are shown a rival to David’s kingship. Abner, powerful and shrewd commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s remaining son, Ish-bosheth, and made him king over all Israel. David may finally have been anointed publicly, but the odds seemed against him: few supporters, many potential enemies, and a powerful rival seeking his downfall and destruction. Yet God’s fragile sign of hope had emerged.

APPLY THE WORD
Today’s picture of that fragile, emerging hope evokes a similar picture in God’s plan of redemption: the coming of our Savior-King as a vulnerable child, born to poor peasants, surrounded by those who wanted Him dead. Is this not the way of God’s kingdom? Today’s reading teaches us that despite the seeming odds, God’s kingdom will advance, His gospel will go forth, and His King will prevail. Give thanks to God today for the picture and promise of His kingdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 2:12-3:5
The war . . . lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. - 2 Samuel 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Representative combat was a common battle strategy in the ancient world. Rather than having entire armies fight, the outcome of the battle could be determined by a smaller battle between the best soldiers from each side. The nation whose champions won the battle would be the victors over the other side. (See 1 Samuel 17 for a biblical example.)

We see in today’s reading a failed attempt at such representative combat. Having been told previously of the clash between the house of David and Saul, we now arrive at that inevitable conflict. Abner and his pro-Saul forces crossed the Jordan and moved to Gibeon, a town just a few miles from the Davidic territory of Jerusalem. Ultimately, Abner’s men were defeated by Joab and his men. The summary statement at the end of chapter 2 details the definitive results.

Yet note that the narrator chooses not merely to summarize the end results; instead we are shown particular details of the battle. First, Abner suggested representative combat—each side would choose twelve men to fight. That did nothing but leave twenty-four dead soldiers on the field. Next, an all-out battle commenced. Asahel, brother of Joab, pursued Abner until eventually Abner killed Asahel with a backward thrust of the spear. Finally, at Abner’s request, Joab called his men back from battle. The final tally revealed that Joab lost twenty men; Abner lost 360.

Why all these details? In part, Scripture is showing us the foolishness and cost of sin. Abner knew that David was God’s chosen anointed king (look at 2 Sam. 3:9-10), yet he initiated aggression against David’s forces, cost the lives of over 380 men, and perpetuated a civil war that “lasted a long time” (3:1). Moreover, we are told that as this conflict continued, “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” Is this not the way of God’s kingdom? It grows stronger while its opponents grow weaker. And yet the irrationality of sin compels us to fight against God’s action and will in the world. Let the story of Abner be a lesson to us today.

APPLY THE WORD
How often do we acknowledge something of God’s truth and yet fail to live in accordance with it, even fighting against it, causing great pain in our lives? Spend some time today meditating on the Lord’s prayer, giving particular focus to the clause “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” If there are ways your life does not display Christ’s kingdom here on earth, acknowledge God as King and seek the Spirit’s help to align your life with His will.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 3:6-21
May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD promised him on oath. - 2 Samuel 3:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the prosperity gospel, true Christian faith always results in material abundance. But in the words of one biblical scholar critical of such teaching, the prosperity gospel makes God, “The Vending Machine God: put in faith and out pops blessings—money, homes, cars, beautiful spouses, clever kids, good neighbors, big churches, and plush vacations.” Put another way, the prosperity gospel offers a material answer to the egocentric question: “What’s in it for me?”

In many ways, Abner was a man driven by the question, “What’s in it for me.” The narrative begins with a seemingly innocuous reference to Abner’s relationship with one of Saul’s previous concubines, Rizpah. Ish-bosheth stingingly accused Abner of relations with her. In the ancient world, the one who took over the dead king’s harem asserted claims of succession over the dead king’s throne. Apparently Abner was plotting to take control, and Ish-bosheth tried to put a stop to it.

Then came Abner’s “theological” tirade against Ish-bosheth. Whatever Abner’s initial intentions, he now vowed to “do for David what the LORD promised him on oath” (v. 9). Apparently Abner knew of God’s promise to David, and he now committed himself to help fulfill it. He met with David, arranged for the return of David’s first wife Michal (a political move more than a romantic one), met with the Benjamites and elders of Israel to convince them to side with David, and then celebrated a partnership meal with David.

All seemed well. Abner was referencing God’s word, committing himself to it, and using it to convince others of their duty to God and king. But don’t miss the underlying motives. Abner was largely interested in what was in it for himself. Sure, Abner would trust in God’s word to David, and even work to bring it to fulfillment. But why? Verse 12 reveals the motive when Abner says to David, “Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you.” Only when Abner saw the possibility of personal gain did he start theologizing about God’s promises and quoting God’s word.

APPLY THE WORD
How many of us do the same thing as Abner? We cite God’s Word when it agrees with us or promises something we want, but ignore it when it proves inconvenient. Has God become for you a “Vending Machine God?” Do you use your relationship with God as a means to further your own security, possessions, reputation, or desires? Consider memorizing one of the following verses: Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:19; or 1 Timothy 6:6.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 3:22-39
All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them. - 2 Samuel 3:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Charles Dickens’s novel, Little Dorrit, William Dorrit was a gentlemen who found himself in debtor’s prison. Through a remarkable turn of events, Mr. Dorrit later discovered that he was an inheritor of a large fortune. He and his children were released from prison and reentered society as a wealthy family. All seemed to be going well for the Dorrit family when they discovered their new money had been lost in a fraudulent investment scheme. Just when things seemed to be moving in the right direction, a new turn of events threatened disaster.

A new turn of events threatened David’s kingdom as well. Abner had come to David promising him the northern tribes in return for a place in David’s kingdom. David had agreed and sent Abner away “in peace” (vv. 22, 23). Just when things seemed to be coming together for David, Joab stepped in and threatened disaster for the hope of a united kingdom. Acting from personal vengeance over his brother’s death, and using David’s peaceful promise as a cloak, Joab summoned Abner and ruthlessly murdered him in private.

Would all be lost? Would Joab’s blood vengeance thwart the promises God made to David about his kingdom? Surely the northern tribes would cry foul at the murder of their top general! And yet, even in the face of such circumstances, God’s plan slowly continued to move forward. David responded with genuine grief over Abner’s death. He made public declarations of his innocence; he called curses upon Joab and his family (also involved in Abner’s death—see v. 30); he called for a public funeral to mourn Abner’s loss; he wrote a lament in Abner’s honor; and even in private he refused to eat out of respect for Abner’s death.

This led to the surprising result: “All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them” (v. 36). Despite Joab’s selfish action and his growing power, Scripture subtly reminds us that God’s promises cannot be thwarted. The northern tribes were coming around; a united kingdom was beginning to develop.

APPLY THE WORD
It’s a lesson we’ve seen already, but one Scripture wants repeated for our benefit: God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail, despite the seeming resistance of others (or ourselves!). When you look at the injustice and suffering in the world, do you begin to doubt God’s promise of healing and restoration? Pray that God may give you eyes of faith to see the small, subtle ways in which His will is surely advancing in our world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 4
Wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood! - 2 Samuel 4:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
When kids bully others, the goal is usually to control someone else. Some bullies seem strong and demanding, but according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry many bullies are themselves victims of bullying or abuse at home. What appears to be an exercise of strength turns out to be cowardly opportunism: find someone smaller or younger, and victimize them for your own selfish ends.

Baanah and Rekab from today’s reading exemplify such self-promoting cowardice hidden behind the appearance of strength and courage. The storyline is summarized quickly: These two brothers took the life of Ish-Bosheth and presented his severed head to King David in hopes of a reward. Much like the messenger of 2 Samuel 1, Ish-Bosheth’s murderers use the guise of advancing the Lord’s promise in order to secure a premier place in David’s kingdom.

But notice several important details Scripture offers concerning Baanah and Rekab. First, their act of killing Ish-Bosheth was hardly courageous. We are told in verse 1 that Ish-Bosheth had “lost courage.” A few verses later we see that the only other royal heir of Jonathan was a cripple (v. 4). In the face of a weakened house of Saul, Baanah and Rekab kill Ish-Bosheth while he was defenseless, sleeping in his bed. They may have exerted force, but they were cowards at heart.

Next, notice their ultimate intentions. If they had wanted to assist David in building his kingdom, they could have done this simply by offering their support. Instead, they ride through the night to present David with the head of Ish-Bosheth in hopes of some reward. They were not only cowards but selfish opportunists.

Finally, we see David’s response. While the death of Ish-Bosheth may have aided his political rise, David condemned it as injustice. He ordered Baanah and Rekab put to death and to act as a public lesson that no amount of kingdom advancement can justify such injustice. David is the contrast to these men. Innocent blood can never be justified by the ends, even if those ends were promised by God Himself.

APPLY THE WORD
Do we seek to advance God’s kingdom in the world because it is right, serving God when opportunities arise? Or are we selfish opportunists who seek honor from others as we “work” for God’s kingdom? Do we justify using or abusing others by saying it’s for the good of the church? Pray especially today for the ministers and leaders in your church that they would be strong against the temptation to promote themselves instead of the glory of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joel 3:1-8
They scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land. - Joel 3:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
During the revolution in Egypt that forced out President Hosni Mubarak earlier this year, opportunistic thieves managed to steal or loot about 1,000 relics from museums and archaeological sites across the country. Mostly they were looking for gold or mummies, according to the government, and no major artifacts were taken. Many items were recovered near their original locations, dropped or left behind as the thieves fled. Nonetheless, the United Nations and other organizations expressed concern about the security of the many valuable historical objects located in Egypt.

The nations in today’s reading were also opportunistic; they tried to take advantage of Israel’s misfortune to make a profit. This conduct earned them God’s judgment. “In those days” (v. 1) is another indeterminate time marker, and we already know that the “day of the Lord” is not a single day. The reminder of the theme and images of God’s judgment seems to foreshadow the plague of locusts, the impending Assyrian/Babylonian conquest, the fall of thoseempires, and the end of history as well. In all historical contexts, the fact remains that God is sovereign over all nations (v. 2). He is not merely a “local god” working with one nation, but the one true God whose plan encompasses the destinies of all peoples.

The enemies of Israel were charged with not helping God’s people in their time of need (vv. 2-6). Instead, they tried to take advantage of Israel’s distress for their own benefit—appropriating land, looting temple treasures, and even going so far into callous evil as to trade children for alcohol and sex. Yes, God had been the one to punish His people for their sins, but that was no excuse for others to pile on! To do so showed disrespect for the Lord, and He promised to “swiftly and speedily return on your own heads what you have done” (v. 4). In an act of poetic justice, He would make it so that the people they had sold into slavery would return home, and their own children would be sold to a far-off country (vv. 7-8).

APPLY THE WORD
God’s justice and mercy are not moral abstractions, but they take place in and through meaningful relationships. Though He was angry with His people for their wickedness, they were still “my people” and this was still “my land.” He stood ready to forgive those who answered His call to repentance. He promised to save a remnant and restore blessings in the future. Because God has taken the initiative and made it possible for us to have a relationship with Him, we have hope!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 6
I will celebrate before the LORD. - 2 Samuel 6:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
In C. S. Lewis’s classic novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Susan learned that the one whom they were about to meet, Aslan, was a lion. Somewhat uncomfortable with this notion, she wondered if he was safe. Mr. Beaver responded: “Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king I tell you.”

Today’s reading exemplifies the uncomfortable theme about the dangerous holiness of God’s presence. David had gathered a moving party to transport the ark of God back to Jerusalem. Considerable attention is given in verse 2 to remind us that the ark is the very sign of God’s presence (see also Num. 10:35-36). This was a momentous and celebratory occasion to be bringing the presence of God to the capital. Then tragedy struck: the oxen pulling the ark stumbled, Uzzah reached out to stabilize it, and God struck him dead.

Why would God do such a thing? Wasn’t Uzzah trying to help? Shouldn’t God give him a break? David’s own anger and fear (vv. 8-9) may echo our own. But we should remember that God had already given clear instructions about how to transport the ark, including dire warnings against those who did not follow his instructions (Num. 4:15-20). Any son of a priest would know that, yet Uzzah foolishly disregarded those divine instructions and paid the price. Ours is no tame, domesticated God.

The remaining part of our reading balances the awe-inspiring holiness of God with His goodness and blessing. Terrified to bring the ark to Jerusalem, David sent it to the house of Obed-Edom, where God showered blessing for three months. In response, David decided to resume the ark’s transport to Jerusalem. On the way, David danced before God “with all his might” (v. 14), now understanding the joy of God’s presence when coupled with obedience.

David’s understanding of godly joy is clear in his conversation with Michal. While she mocked David’s lack of professional decorum and dignity, David defended his choice of joyous worship before God even if it meant embarrassing himself before the people.

APPLY THE WORD
Today’s reading gives us two images of God necessary for a full picture of His character—the danger of His holiness if it is not heeded, and the joy of his presence when He is obeyed. Which of these images do you need today? Does your life flout God’s will without any sense of conviction? Be reminded of Uzzah. Do you struggle to express the joy of the Christian life? Ponder the words and actions of joyous David.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. - 2 Samuel 7:13-14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Relationships between kings and deities in the Ancient Near East often displayed a similar pattern. First, the deity would grant some favor to the king such as success over enemies. In return, the king would then construct a temple-house for the deity out of gratitude for the deity’s assistance. Finally, the deity would make promises of future blessing for the king’s work.

Understanding the typical ancient context of king-deity relationships is important for our reading today—precisely because of the difference we see. David had been given “rest from all his enemies” (v. 1). In response, he wanted to build God a temple. But instead of David constructing a temple and God responding with promises of future blessing, we are given a picture of a God who blesses first, even before His house is built. We learn a number of important lessons about the kind of God we serve.

First, God recounted what He had done for David: “I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone” (vv. 8-9). At no initiative on David’s part, God blessed him with His very presence and leadership over Israel.

Second, God promised what He would do for David and for Israel. The grace God had already shown would be extended. Verses 9 through 11 promise stability, security, freedom, and renown, highlighting God’s tender care for His people.

Finally, God proclaimed what He would do for generations to come, and here in verses 12 through 16 we see the crux of God’s word to David. While he would not be permitted to build God a house, God would build a “house” for David. God would establish a future offspring who would one day build a temple. God promised that David’s house would “endure forever before Me” (v. 16). Moreover, this offspring would be God’s son who would never lose God’s love (vv. 14-15). Today’s passage is saturated with God’s grace—past, present, and future. He blesses not because of anything David or Israel had done, but simply because He is good.

APPLY THE WORD
While the promise of 2 Samuel 7 is fulfilled in David’s son Solomon (see 1 Kings 6), it has its deeper fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the offspring of David who builds the true temple of God (Mark 14:58) and bore the rod of punishment on our behalf (1 Peter 2:24). As you ponder today’s picture of God’s grace to David, to Israel, and to us in Christ, offer a prayer of gratitude to the God who freely blesses.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 7:18-29
How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you. - 2 Samuel 7:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Any parent knows the challenge of teaching children good manners. Through repetition and example, they remind children to answer someone when spoken to, to look at someone when talking, and to say “Please” when asking for something. Perhaps most common of all, parents can be heard encouraging their children to say “Thank you” when someone gives them something. If cultivating good social manners in ourselves and others is important, how much more important is it to cultivate the spiritual discipline of gratitude before God? Today’s reading provides a lesson.

After hearing God’s word through the prophet Nathan, David “went in and sat before the LORD” (v. 18). In a posture of humility, David recognized his own unworthiness for all God had done for him, and all God had promised in the future. In other words, David began his prayer with a humble heart of gratitude.

David then moved into expressions of admiration for God’s grace, His blessing, and His very nature, proclaiming: “How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you” (v. 22). Even while recounting all the blessings experienced by Israel, the focus remained on God and His character. Isn’t this a genuine expression of gratitude? The focus is not on us or our experiences, but on the God who brings that blessing to us.

Having acknowledged his unworthiness and having marveled at God’s character, David petitioned God to keep His word just spoken. “And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised” (v. 25). Even this is not a self-centered request, for David explains why he wants God’s word to hold true: “so that your name will be great forever” (v. 26). When God keeps His promises, others will praise His name.

Finally, notice the basis for the prayer: David’s entire motivation is God’s present and future grace (v. 27). David’s prayer shows us what our response to God’s grace should be—a humble expression of gratitude and praise.

APPLY THE WORD
How might you respond to God’s blessing in your life? Spend some time today meditating on God’s grace: past, present, and future. Using David’s prayer or other expressions of gratitude found in the Psalms, try to write your own hymn of praise and thanks to our God of grace who blesses us far beyond what we deserve. Then post that prayer in a place where you will see it and be reminded this week of God’s hand in your life.