God Speaks
David Grieves Series of Deaths: Saul, Jonathan, Asahel, Abner, Ish-Bosheth
Verse of the Day: [David led the people in mourning the deaths of men who could have been considered his enemies. For example:] Then David said to Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk in mourning in front of Abner.” King David himself walked behind the bier. (2 Samuel 3:31 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding2 Samuel 1-4
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
2 Samuel 1
1. God continues to love people even when they turn against Him.
2. People need to honor their leaders even if they are abused by them as with David and Saul.
2 Samuel 2
1. God superintends who leads His people.
2. People should be careful and seek God’s wisdom in choosing whom they follow.
2 Samuel 3
1. God is faithful and loyal to those He chooses and who choose Him (ex. David).
2. People frequently switch loyalties when they feel offended (ex. Abner from Ish-Bosheth to David).
2 Samuel 4
1. In His time and in His way, God will deal with murderers, especially those who kill for monetary, political or social gain (ex. Baanah and Rekab).
2. People should not try to avenge themselves or take matters into their own hands.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 2 Samuel 1-4?
Thank You LORD God, that You continue to love people even when we turn against You. In fact that love is why Jesus came, died and rose again. May increasing numbers of people realize that and turn back to You. When they do, Holy Spirit will enable them to forgive and honor leaders (parents) even if they were abusive. LORD God, You superintend whoever leads Your people. May people be careful and seek Your wisdom in choosing whom they follow. O God, You are so faithful and loyal to those You choose and who choose You in return. Like David may we continually turn to You for comfort, support and direction. Don’t let us switch loyalties when we feel offended or don’t get our way. Forgive us for our fickleness. In Your time and in Your way, LORD God, deal with murderers, especially those who kill for monetary, political or social gain. You have declared that vengence belongs to You; so we shouldn’t try to avenge ourselves or take matters into their own hands. When Jesus comes back, He will be the ultimate judge; He will set things straight. Then we will bring You all the glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 2 Samuel 1-4?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will attend their funeral and honor someone with whom I may have strongly disagreed.
- I will show respect and kindness to someone from an opposing party.
- I will encourage a young athlete like the runner Asahel.
- Because Jesus has forgiven me, I will forgive someone who has wronged me.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.