Sonshine!

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (Psalm 8, 19 and 39)

These Psalms were the first songs written by David the shepherd boy who was secretly anointed king, but remained under the stars by night, watching his flock. It is also the season of David’s life when he proves himself proficient in the tools of his trade and slays a giant with the same weapons that vanquished wolves, bears or anything else found to threaten his livestock. Saul becomes jealous of David’s success and fame, but desires this musician’s talent to sooth his restless soul and calls him near to play and sing.

Under the canopy of stars David finds comfort in the knowledge that the creator of such majesty loves him (and you) best. He recognizes the futility of life but asks for guidance and value as earthly existence quickly passes away. God’s design, the sun and stars, that sustains the earth and all that is in it, speaks voiceless words of truth and comfort. David needs no other assurance but the knowledge of a Creator, Sovereign and Almighty God. This early dependance on God alone for fellowship, protection and provision in his times of loneliness and isolation proved formative.

Our character is carved by our encounters in faith, whether they be days of prosperity or tribulation. It is a choice to worship the One True God, maker of Heaven and earth, or wallow in pity and be blown about by the winds of time.  I choose my Rock and my Redeemer.

Love,

Gretchen

He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king. I Chronicles 29:28 (Psalms 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13)

Before I lay David’s story to rest in our journey through the Bible chronologically, I would like to look at the songs of petition and praise he wrote and his circumstances and possible state of mind and heart.

David spent his early adulthood as a fugitive, running, hiding and hungry. He knows an enemy not only threatens the body, it attacks every aspect of being. An adversary mocks, jeers, slanders, and spreads lies. It is hard to see God when faced with overwhelming peril and discouragement, and such was the case of this young king waiting for his crown. In times of duress David’s writings show that he wondered if God heard his cry. He defended his righteousness but also writhed in desperate humiliation and shame for his own sin.

There are two kinds of people, Godly and wicked. No one can be both. David lived this truth. The righteous can rest in joy and peace knowing oppression will not last forever and justice will have its day. David called out for the destruction of those who worked to harm him, but over and over he forgave and respected Saul. He knew betrayal but he found his need met in an Almighty God, a Friend and Comforter, and proceeded forward in the strength of God’s character.

David, the Bible’s poet, eloquently sings of a God of action. He does hear, He hates evil and He defends and protects those who trust and obey. And an even greater story is that God’s Grace and Mercy know no boundary.

Have a Marvelous Monday,

Gretchen

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. I Chronicles 22:13 (I Chronicles 22-29)

Solomon was God’s choice as David’s successor, but there was no guarantee of success because everyman makes his own decisions. David has much to say to his son to prepare him for his future responsibilities, most importantly, follow God and let faith guide and sustain you.

In order to create a smooth and stable transition of power, David has his son Solomon crowned king and for the remaining years of his life they serve together as co-regents.  David has long desired to build a fitting house for the LORD, but God refused. However, he knew his son would fulfill this dream. He used his final energy to prepare for this future Glory to God. He selected the site, amassed materials and drew plans. Not only did David prepare for the physical temple, he set up a rigid organization of administration and worship, everything from janitors to choristers.

It is tempting to read Old Testament stories through a lens of predestination, but David’s words to Solomon depict and man who understands ‘freewill’ determines outcome. His father’s heart longs to leave an inheritance of strength, achieved by faith and obedience.

As each one of us travels through time we accumulate much, but what is worth leaving? David had one thing of great value, The God that never abandoned him and provided for his every need. That God is what he wanted his son to have most. Now that’s what I call a legacy!

Love,

Gretchen

But the king replied to Araunah,”No I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24 (Chapter 23:8-24)

At the end of David’s life he decided to take a census. Counting heads was nothing new to the children of Israel. God had instructed they be counted when they left Egypt and once again when they crossed the river into Canaan. There are many good reasons for a king to know how many people he reigns over. Budgets are based on needs and projected taxes, and armies are called according to population. It is not clear why David ordered this accounting, but one thing is obvious! God didn’t like it! Was David overly proud of his accomplishments? Was he becoming secure in his own power rather than God’s?  David was forced to chose one of three calamities as a consequence for his action. He chose a plague that killed thousands, and in the end, Gad, God’s prophet, told David to make a sacrifice. David complied.

The angel that was wreaking death was found on the threshing floor of Araunuh and David knew this would be the place of his forgiveness. David humbled himself completely before the LORD and bought this place from the farmer. Araunuh tried to give it to his king, but David refused and paid a fair price.  Once again David found grace in the midst of his sin and failure.

There is more to the story of this altar.  It is very near the place where Abraham trusted and obeyed God by offering Isaac as a sacrifice, and later, the site became home to Solomon’s temple. Grace changes everything!

Love,

Gretchen

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.” 2 Samuel 22:17 (Chapters 20-23:7)

These words are taken from a song of praise, a Psalm written by David during his early victories as king. Now he is old and as he reflects on his successes and failures he finds God worthy of praise and sings the song of his joyous youth once again. This passage is also written in Psalm 18 and parallels Moses’ song in Deuteronomy.

These are the final words of the poet, (as king he gives final charges to Solomon, his successor) a man of human failures, but a heart that always sought God and ALWAYS found Him.

Happy Thursday,

Gretchen

You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 2 Samuel 19:7 (2 Samuel 19)

Absalom had been nothing but a bitter, rebellious, trouble making son. Not a suicidal man, but his choices could have no other outcome; he must die and he did.  In grief David isolated himself, leaving the victors unsure of their place in the king’s judgement of right and wrong. The nation descended into chaos leaving David vulnerable to intrigue and treason inside Israel and outside powers seeking an opportunity to destroy his monarchy.

David made many attempts to right wrongs and avenge innocent blood, but the rift that began between Judah and the other ten tribes ends in a divided kingdom one generation later. It’s easy to place all the blame on David’s sin, but many sought their own selfish agenda, knowing it cost others everything. Sin destroys, without exception!

These stories are not designed to build theology and they are mentally exhausting to explore and comprehend. So why does the Bible show this ugly side of a ‘Man after God’s own heart’ who choses to reward rebellion and punish loyalty? Because it is real. The story isn’t perfect, but God’s determination to rescue and redeem man is! David found grace…….every time! You can too! (David wrote nearly half of the book of Psalms, song after song of God’s amazing love.)

There is nowhere in the universe God cannot find you, bring you back and sort out your mess to His Glory.  Just let Him!

Love,

Gretchen

Like water spilled on the ground which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, He devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. 2 Samuel 14:14 (Chapters 13-18)

The warrior king proves to be a poor domestic leader.  David’s son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, setting off a festering rage in her brother Absalom. David does nothing to console or punish those involved, and eventually, Absalom avenges his sister’s shame by murdering Amnon. This infighting among David’s children became the most troublesome issue of David’s reign.

The words above are part of a defense given to David, in the form of a fake law-suit, to make the point that Absalom should be allowed to return home. It had its intended effect, but the relationship between father and son never recovered. Knowing that Solomon was the intended heir to the throne, a bitter Absalom attempted a well planned coup. This resulted in his death, further grieving David and weakening his strength as Israel’s leader.

The complexities and tragedies of human relationships are splayed across the dysfunctions of David’s household, but through the mire of man’s disaster, God’s perfect plan of redemption and restoration can be seen. It is God’s sole purpose, to restore all that is broken and make it whole again. Do not allow your mind to imagine otherwise. Cling to hope, live in faith and let love do its work.

Love,

Gretchen

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.”  2 Samuel 12:13 (2 Samuel 10-12, I Chronicles 19)

David’s kingdom continued to expand. While his army was waging springtime campaigns, David remained in his palace where a rooftop stroll introduced him to lust for a married woman, Bathsheba. He slept with her and she conceived. David tried to disguise his sin, but Uriah, Mr. Bathsheba, was of noble character, so David resorted to murder and Uriah perished. God sent Nathan, His prophet, to rebuke David.

From this moment on, the course of David’s life is one of a bitter harvest for what he sowed. This man, described as a man after God’s heart, showed that he did indeed, long to enjoy a relationship with God. David repented and God was gracious and forgave, but his actions created a domino effect of consequences that brought tragedy and grief to his household.

Sin cannot be undone. It can however, be forgiven and washed away. David resides in Heaven, the scripture says he did not die. He lives eternal because he was forgiven. However, he brought shame on the heads of others. David, who loved God first, submitted himself to God’s justice and God was faithful.

David made a mess of things, but the One who wove the universe together had everything under control. From David’s throne came our Savior, Christ the King.  Don’t underestimate Grace!

Love,

Gretchen

David asked, “Is there anyone still left in the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9:1

In the years of Saul’s jealousy and persecution of David, David had an advocate and protector, Jonathan.  Jonathan was Saul’s son, heir to the throne, but knowing God had another plan he accepted it and loved David. They made a covenant, 1 Samuel 20:16 and after David established his house in Jerusalem, he endeavored to honor his friend.

On the day of Saul and Jonathan’s death, Jonathan’s five year old son, Mephibosheth, was whisked away to safety by his nurse, as it would have been customary for the new king to completely annihilate the previous king’s household to prevent any uprisings. While fleeing, the ‘would have been’ prince suffered an injury that permanently crippled both his feet. Mephibosheth and his servants took refuge in Lo Debar. The name means “no pasture.”  It was a low, dry, barren place no one would want to populate..

Mephibosheth was a grown man when word came for him to present himself to the king.  It is certain that he understood this summons to mean death, but instead, David made him equal to own sons, with all the rights and riches he would have enjoyed had his father become a king. He was changed from desert, poverty and to a child of the king!

King David had every right to wipe Saul’s existence for all generations, off the face of the earth, and yet, he chose not to, because of a promise made to his friend.  This is called Mercy.  THEN! David invited Mephibosheth to his table as one of the family, never to live in fear again. He became a new creature. This is Grace.

It is a beautiful thing when men set aside their entitlements, real or assumed, to live and respond like Jesus. In this season in which we celebrate Immanuel, our God who left the divine wonder of Heaven to live among us, then die so that we could live, peace among ALL men should be our objective.

Blessings,

Gretchen 

O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28 (2 Samuel 4-8, I Chronicles 3, 11-14,)

Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son who challenged David’s throne, is stabbed to death in his sleep. Again, David does not tolerate murder and serves justice and disgrace on the guilty.  Israel is now united under one king and Jerusalem is conquered and renamed, City of David. The fortress is strengthened and a palace built. The Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem and David makes plans to build a temple, a permanent home for the Ark. God has other plans and sends word that the Temple will be the next king’s legacy. David offers sincere praise for God’s faithful provision and redemption. 

David was very successful. He took an insignificant nation and turned it into a mighty kingdom, possibly the most powerful on earth at the time. God denied him the privilege of establishing a permanent home for the Ark, but instead, gave a greater promise. David’s house will be forever. Even though David did not build the Temple, he drew the plans, provided materials, wrote liturgy and music, and organized duties for worship. He left his mark and Jerusalem became both a religious and political capitol for God’s people.

David’s humble obedience makes possible divine resources, a blessing he would not have had otherwise. God’s power in our lives is often minimized by our inability to comprehend the possibility of what He alone can do when we simply trust and rely.

Love,

Gretchen