I believe that how Jesus died makes a difference. As I have been working to write a response to the second chapter of “Crucifixion” by Fleming Rutledge I have struggled to identify a personal application to share. Last night at a small group leaders huddle we explored the concept of emptying the jar that comes…
Cruciform
Who is the most important person who ever lived? What is the most important thing about that person?How you answer those two questions communicates a great deal about how you view the world and how you approach life. A new book is challenging me to rethink my own answers to those questions. The book is…
Division – 2 Samuel 20
This is a gruesome chapter in the history of Israel that vividly illustrates the violence of the times. David is returning from across the Jordan to Jerusalem while attempting to reunify his kingdom. The king and the kingdom are vulnerable, and an opportunist named Sheba rises up to take advantage of this weakness. David wisely…
Competition – 2 Samuel 19
In the previous chapter we left David mourning for his son who had been killed in battle. The fact that his son Absalom determined to kill him seems to have no impact on David’s emotional response to his death. Fortunately, Joab understood the impact this would have on attempts to reunify the nation. Joab is…
All In – 2 Samuel 18
Hushai’s advice to Absalom provides David with the opportunity to organize his troops. David has much practice in preparing for war. He divides the troops under his three commanders and announces that he will lead them out to battle. We are not told who speaks up, but David’s men suggest that he stay behind. Their…
Decision making – 2 Samuel 17
The last chapter ended with Absalom sleeping with David’s concubines in public view. Having solidified his position with the people of the city Ahithophel has a second recommendation. I had always thought of Ahithophel as a wise old man, but in this story, he shows himself to be a warrior. He recommends that Absalom allow…
Crisis and Character – 2 Samuel 16
Crisis amplifies character and David’s kingdom is in crisis. As David flees Jerusalem, we are presented with a diverse cast of characters. Ziba Saul’s son Jonathan has a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a boy. David brings the boy into his palace and appoints a servant, Ziba, to watch over Mephibosheth’s lands and…
Two Examples – 2 Samuel 15
This has been an interesting chapter to work through. While writing my comments I noticed that I assumed motives for the characters that are never described in the text. I am certain that most of us do this most of the time when reading scripture. As you read through the text and this blog notice…
Failed Reconciliation – 2 Samuel 14
What do you do when one of your sons has raped his half-sister and then been murdered by another one of your sons? David finds himself in a difficult spot and Joab steps in to try and help him. Ultimately, the help Joab provides is unsuccessful. This chapter plays out in three acts. In the…
Inaction – 2 Samuel 13
This is one of the most disgusting chapters in the Bible. In it, Amnon, the oldest son of David, rapes his half-sister, Tamar. David becomes furious and does nothing. Absalom, her brother, becomes furious, initially does nothing, and waits for an opportune moment to take revenge. Absalom murders his half-brother Amnon, and David overwhelmed by…
