Pride, Humility and Humiliation

 

Synopsis     2Sam 10:1-9     12/06/2018 

David was king over Israel. One day, David received the report that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, had died. David was found of the old king because he had been kind to David. So, he sent a contingent to console Hanun, the king’s son and heir.  

But Hanun was suspicious. So, he had David’s emissaries stripped and partially shaved to humiliate them. Hanun’s act deeply insulted King David. And soon enough, Hanun realized that David was offended. So, he sent for support from allies to the north. These included a large combined force from Aram and Zobah.  

David responded to Hanun by sending the entire army of Israel against Ammon. And he sent Joab as the general in command. 

David and Hanun 

For King David, it was an act of humility and respect to honor Nahash, the deceased king of Ammon.  

But Hanun was under pressure. He was a brand-new king. And his advisors fomented a distrust of David. So, he felt pressure to do something that showed his strength. As a result, his pride drove him to offend the king of Israel. 

Pride, Humility and Humiliation 

Some things seem to never change.  

How common is it for me to not want to receive help? And how common is it for me to refuse to acknowledge when I’m weak? And how common it is for me to “assume the pose” -like I’ve got everything under control.  

“A defense mechanism” – I tell myself. I don’t want to feel vulnerable. More specifically, I don’t want to be vulnerable. But really, it’s a deception that I perpetrate against those I say I love.  

I do these things. And yet, these are the very things that offend my friends and wreck my peace.  

So, maybe it’s true. Maybe the truth really would set me free. 

“Haughtiness brings humiliation, but the humble of spirit acquire honor.” Prov 29:23

Friendships Are A Gift

Synopsis     2Sam 9:3-13     12/5/2018 

King David had some time to reflect. And, it was on his heart to somehow bless Jonathan’s family, if any still remained. So, he inquired of Ziba, who appears to have been running much of Saul’s estate.  

Ziba reported that Meribbaal was still alive. And he was a son of Jonathan. However, Meribbaal was crippled from a previously reported fall that took place on the day that Saul and Jonathan were killed at the battle of Mount Gilboa. 

So, King David brought Meribbaal to Jerusalem. And David made provision for him to eat at the king’s table with him for the rest of his life. But he also made provision for Meribbaal by giving him all the land that had belonged to Saul.  

Blessing Saul’s House 

Ziba was a man with many children and servants. Although Jonathan was Saul’s first-born son, somehow Ziba had gained control over Saul’s estate.  So, King David set this right. He took all the lands and gave them back to Meribbaal and charged Ziba with taking care of the lands as Meribbaal’s tenant. Of course, Ziba only agreed to this because he had no choice.  

Additionally, David brought Meribbaal to Jerusalem and took care of him as though he was part of David’s family.  

Friendships Are A Gift 

It is wise to cultivate friendships. But it is important to remember that cultivating friendships means more that showing yourself friendly. Friendship implies affection. It hinges on mutual emotional investment and sense of personal commitment to the friend.  

The disposition to be friendly can and should be developed. But a true friendship is a gift from God. It can’t be forced. It can only be received as given.  

So, nurture and protect this special blessing when it comes.  

“Do not give up your own friend and your father’s friend; do not resort to the house of your kindred when trouble strikes. Better a neighbor near than kin far away.” Prov 27:10

God Gives the Power for Success

Synopsis     2Sam 8:8-9:2     12/04/2018 

When Israel had defeated the armies of Zobah and Aram, David took golden shields and other plunder from them. He consecrated all the plunder that he took from Zobah and Aram unto the Lord. He did likewise with all the plunder from the other nations that he had conquered. 

Toi was the king of Hamath. He had been at war with Hadadezer also. However, when he heard that King David had completely subdued Zobah, he sent a delegation to King David, with tribute. And David consecrated this money also to the Lord. 

David built up his administration with wise men. Through them he provided for justice and equity in accordance with the law of Moses throughout the nation.  

King David and Consecrated Plunder 

David was successful. He consolidated control over all Israel. After that, he began to expand the rule and authority of Israel to include the full expanse promised to Abraham.  

But he was careful not to forget God. He tithed to remember. He consecrated the spoils of war to God as a way of recognizing that God was the reason for his success.  

God Gives The Power For Success 

It’s been said that the real test of character comes when a person enjoys success. Will I remember who I am, and how I am, when the breaks have gone my way? 

So, if today you have plenty, remember that it’s the God of all Creation who has given you the power to be successful. 

“But when you have eaten and are satisfied, you must bless the LORD, your God, for the good land he has given you.” Deut 8:10

Expanding Influence

Synopsis     2Sam 7:26-8:7     12/3/2018 

David finished reflecting on the goodness that God had shown. And he completed his reflection with a prayer asking God to actually do the things that had been promised.  

After this, David began a time of expansion against the nations around him. In particular, he subjugated the Philistines. And he also defeated the Moabites. After this, David fought against Hadadezer, king of Zobah. 

Expanding Kingdom 

Once David had secured his seat of power in Jerusalem, he began to expand the boundaries and the influence of the Israelite nation.  

Accordingly, he established dominion in the south. First, he subdued the Philistines who lived along the southwest coast.  Next he defeated Moab in the southeast. Both of these nations were perennial adversaries. So, David attacked and defeated them first. And, he made these nations subject to paying annual tribute to Jerusalem.  

After this, David engaged in the north with Hadadezer, king of Zobah. He defeated Zobah’s forces. And he also defeated the Aramean soldiers that came from Damascus to help Hadadezer. In the end, he brought both kingdoms under his dominion.  

For David, it was a question of prioritization. He was able to expand the reach and authority of the kingdom because he had established a solid base.  

Expanding Influence 

If I want to live an impactful life that influences others, then I have to focus on those things that I can best control. It’s only once I have achieved that, thatI can effectively expand to new fields of endeavor.  

Complete your outdoor tasks, and arrange your work in the field; afterward you can build your house.” Prov 24:27

Gratitude Begets Gratitude

Synopsis     2Sam 7:15-25     11/29/2018 

God promised that David and his descendants would rule on the throne forever. And King David was struck with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.  

King David the Grateful 

David practiced gratitude. In fact, he almost always practiced gratitude. When he was being chased around the desert wilderness, he practiced gratitude. And when he killed the giant Goliath, he practiced gratitude. In the same way, when his family was saved from Amorite raiders at Ziklag, he practiced gratitude.  

But on the day when God promised David that his throne should remain forever, he didn’t practice gratitude. He couldn’t chose it. Instead, David was overwhelmed with gratitude.  

Gratitude Begets Gratitude 

Look, there is no rule that says I must be grateful. Clearly, I have alternatives:  

I could hang on to my childish entitlement – thinking that I’m owed something. And then I’d cultivate a disposition to be disappointed every time things didn’t go exactly my way. 

Or I can practice gratefulness – even when I don’t feel grateful. And if I do, then eventually my eyes will open to the reality that I have been ridiculously blessed. And when that moment comes, I’ll feel the gratitude of King David. I’ll feel a sense of gratitude that transcends any choice to be grateful, or not.  

God’s Promise To You

Synopsis     2Sam 7:4-14     11/28/2018 

David lived in the new capital city of Jerusalem. And at this time, Israel was at peace with all the nations around them. So, David began to reflect on the fact that he lived in an extravagant palace but that the Ark of God dwelt in a tent. 

As a result, David inquired of Nathan the prophet, who initially encouraged him to build a temple. But then the word of the Lord came to Nathan. And in this revelation, God made clear that He did not need a house to dwell in. He reminded David that he had started as a lowly shepherd. And he made clear that God alone had seen David through all the trials and challenges of his life – not the other way around.  

God went on to promise a future peace for Israel. And he promised that David’s line would reign forever on the throne of Israel. He promised there would be a certain son of David, whom God would personally call “son”. And that man would call God – “my father”. And it would be this son who would ultimately build a house for God to dwell in. 

God’s Promise To David 

David’s heart was for God. So he always looked to know what was best for God. And even though God made it clear that David was wholly dependent on God for every good thing in his life, God saw that David’s desires were honorable. So, it was written of David, that he was “a man after my own heart”.  

Because of this, God made promises to David. Among these he promised that one of David’s heirs “would be a son” of God. And this one would call God, “Father”. Accordingly, it would be this son of David who would ultimately build a house for God to dwell in.  

And David received these promises as gifts given. 

God’s Promise To You 

So I come to this story as a Christ-follower. And I find the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus. Additionally, I find in Jesus this promise that I might dwell with the Father through the Son.  

And so Jesus said, “This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” (Matt 6:9) 

It is in this moment that I realize that God’s promise to David was also a promise to me. And I realize that God in Jesus has made me an heir to this throne of grace and glory. And I realize that my life is full of all the meaning and purpose of David’s life.

For this reason, I realize that I too was born to be a man after God’s own heart.  

“Then he removed him and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’” Acts 13:22

Abandoned To God

Synopsis     2Sam 6:17-7:3     11/26/2018 

David led the procession that brought the Ark of God into Jerusalem. And, once the ark was installed in its tent, David provided a portion of food for every man and women in the city. So together, the Israelites rejoiced in their new capital.  

But Michal hated David. During the procession, she felt he acted without a sense of dignity. So, she despised the abandoned way he danced in the procession before the Ark of God. But when she mocked him, he defended himself. Specifically, he reminded her that God had chosen him to lead Israel over her father and his house. Accordingly, it was no surprise that Michal went on to die childless. 

Meanwhile, David and all Israel entered into a period of peace with all of the nations surrounding it. And so, David began to imagine building a temple building for the Lord where the ark could remain. And initially the prophet Nathan encouraged David in his plan.  

David Abandoned Himself To God 

David was unconcerned about the way in which people saw him. That’s why he worshipped God by dancing “with all his strength”. Additionally, he offered bountiful sacrifices. So, he did not focus on his “personal dignity” because he focused entirely on pleasing God.  

His focus on worshipping God made him indifferent to anyone who might disparage his display of affection. And in the same way, his abandon to God gave others the freedom to also fearlessly praise God.  

Abandoned To God 

So, God called me to abandon myself to Jesus. He wants me “Sold out”.  

I was born to be fearless no matter what others will think. I was born to honestly testify of how I find God’s goodness in prayer. I’m called to share the good news, especially with my self-assured, well-educated friends who need to know that faith can be intellectually fearless and even unassailable.  

God has called me to praise Jesus – even at mass. Yes, even at mass. The God of all Creation invites me to raise holy hands and worship in His True Presence. So, I will not be cowed into a staid and sanitized caricature of authentic worship. I will no longer spend my hour with God daydreaming about afternoon dinner and my upcoming, favorite television program. Like David, I will praise Jesus with my whole being in each of the moments of mass.  

“Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ” Gal 1:10

Remain Teachable

Synopsis     2Sam 6:6-16     11/26/2018     

David longed to bring the presence of God to Jerusalem. So, he made provisions to transport the ark of God to his new capital city. He and the priests began transporting the Ark on a cart drawn by oxen. This was the way that the Philistines had sent back the Ark after its capture decades earlier.   

Along the way to Jerusalem, a priest named Uzzah saw the Ark beginning to tip. So, he reached out and touched it. His intent was to steady it. But tragically, God immediately struck him dead. This confounded and frustrated King David. And uncharacteristically, David began to feel afraid of God. He stopped the procession and left the ark at the house of a man named Obed-edom.  

But, the presence of God brought blessings to Obed-edom. And, after several months, David heard about the blessings and decided to try again. This time, he followed the prescription of the law of Moses and transported the Ark with the priests carrying it. Finally, he successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem. 

David Was Teachable  

David had an agenda. He wanted the Ark of God in Jerusalem. And he was frustrated and angry when things didn’t go the way he wanted. David is shown to be very human in this regard. He showed his frustration. And in his frustration, he even quit the situation entirely.  

But David was teachable. When the report came back that blessings had descended on the house of Obed-edom, David realized that God wasn’t angry with him. Instead, something else was the matter. And so, he led the priests in a second effort that proved to be successful.  

I Must Remain Teachable 

It isn’t necessarily easy to be teachable. And this is all the more true for someone who has enjoyed great success. In fact, it takes real, overt effort to evaluate circumstances and remain open to improving my processes. It takes commitment to honestly judge my outcomes and accept responsibility for my failures. 

But if I do, then a whole new world of improvement becomes available to me.  

“If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1John 1:8

You Will Be Attacked

Synopsis     2Sam 5:17-6:5     11/23/2018 

The Philistines were relatively content with a divided Israel. So, when David consolidated the kingdom under his authority, the Philistines reacted quickly. They marched deep into Israel in the valley of Rephaim. 

David inquired from God whether or not to attack. And God replied that he should attack. So, he hit the Philistine formation in the center and went through them “just as water breaks through a dam”. According to the battle report, the Philistines were so soundly defeated that they abandoned their gods which were taken up as plunder.  

Once again, the Philistines attacked. Once again David inquired of God how to respond. Based on God’s directions, David flanked the Philistine formation. And so, he once again routed their army, pushing them back to their traditional boundaries along the coast.  

It was after this that David was inspired to bring the Ark of God up to Jerusalem. And so, he began the process of moving the Ark.  

David King of Israel Was Attacked 

The Philistines seemed content with a divided Israel. From their perspective, Israel under King Ishbaal was apparently not threatening. And even King David as king over the tribe of Judah was apparently a manageable situation. But David as king of all Israel was a provocation. The Philistines felt they had to immediately respond to the threat of a newly empowered kingdom under David.  

You Will Be Attacked 

Following God has its effect. The spirit of God changes things. It changes me.  

It makes me confident even when I’ve never been that confident. And it energizes me to action even when I’ve never been that aggressive. It satisfies my need for purpose and clear direction in life, especially when I’ve wandered aimlessly up until this time.  

But changes in me mean changes in the relationships around me. And so, change in me threatens the status quo. 

And the status quo reacts.  

The status quo wants things to remain the same. Which means, it wants me to remain the same. And this becomes the basis for attack. It’s never a question of “if”. The status quo must attack every effort to change. It must resist every effort to make things better. This is the inertial nature of keeping things the way they have always been.

God has a plan for you to overcome the status quo relationships in your life. Ask Him. 

“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2Cor 5:17

Called From Strength To Strength

 Synopsis     2Sam 5:3-16     11/23/2018 

The elders of Israel came to David where he lived in Hebron. He was already king over the tribe of Judah. But now, the elders asked him to rule over all of Israel. So, David made a covenant with the elders. And he became king over all Israel. In this way, he ruled for a total of forty years. 

At that time, Jerusalem was an important and centralized city on the border between the tribal boundaries of Judah and Benjamin – the only two tribes to have produced a king. But dating back from the time of Joshua, the Israelites had never been able to capture the city from the Jebusites who lived there. 

So, almost immediately David went to Jerusalem to capture it. David intended to make something new. Jerusalem would be a new capital for a new kingdom. And, although the Jebusites remained defiant, David attacked them and displaced them. He took the city and set up his home in the main fortress. 

David built up the city with new fortifications. He built a new palace for his family. And he took more wives and concubines in order to build up the size of his family.  

David Went From Strength to Strength 

There was real power in becoming king over all Israel. Being king came with the power to rule the entire army of Israel. And it came with the power to tax the people. And, it also came with the power to press people into general service work.  

All of these things could easily be abused. For example, a king could indulge himself and descend into hedonism. Alternatively, a king could squander his power on military adventures. Or, he could waste his power seeking fame and notoriety.  

But David recognized that God had promised to make him king over Israel. So he invested his new powers into consolidating his throne. And he believed that his throne should become the beginning of a dynasty. Accordingly, he understood that the nation needed a capital that was more than simply the king’s home town. And he needed a family that was robust in size.  

His intention was to make Jerusalem, and the house of David, an indestructible institution that would lead the kingdom forever. And so he chose the path that led from strength to strength. He invested and gained a return on his investment.  

Called From Strength To Strength 

God has gifted every person in some unique way. And God has created every person with some potential for faith. And He has given each person some basic capacity to love. These are the beginnings of my strength.  

So, my purpose is to go from strength to strength. 

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’” Matt 25:21