by chrisaiken | May 15, 2015 | Devotions
Following the multiplied sins related to Bathsheba, God sent the prophet Nathan to the king (David) who seemed to have succeeded in covering up his sin and eliminating the loose ends that could trip him up later. David seems to be in the clear, at least on the surface, then God sends the prophet who tells David a story about a man who has everything and takes the sole possession of a poor neighbor. David’s response:
“The David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, ‘As the Lord lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.’ Nathan then said to David, ‘You are the man!’…” 2 Samuel 12:5-7a, NASB.
We don’t often think of God as gracious as He is exposing our sin. Take Chuck Colson for example. One of the hatchet men for Nixon during Watergate who was exposed. He came to faith in Christ and admitted his wrongdoing. God used him powerfully as the founder of Prison Fellowship. Neither his salvation (arguably) nor the fruits of his ministry would have occurred without the exposure of his sin.
Sin breaks our fellowship with God. Unrepentant sinners live disfellowshipped…having no active relationship with Him except as a rebellious child toward a judging parent. This break in fellowship persists until we have confessed our sin and responded to God in repentance. This does not occur until the sin is first EXPOSED!
Nathan calls David out. Notice that David’s response to the fable about the “ewe lamb” is a response of anger. It has been my experience that we get the most angry about other peoples’ sins that mirror our own. I have a few guys who accuse me of being a “controlling dictator” at times. I imagine every leader has borne that weighty criticism from time to time and don’t argue that I am immune from the allure of power…but the reason that this “control” issue is so prevalent with these brothers…is that they are controlling guys. They are used to being in charge and think they know best…so when they are not driving, they are critical of the driver. They are angered because the sins of others illuminate the sins in their own makeup. [Consequently, I know a lot of preachers who preach the hardest and the loudest against the sins that have the deepest roots in their own hearts.]
Nathan’s exposure of David’s sin is not comfortable…for Nathan or David, but it is necessary to start the process of reconciliation (v.13).
It is important to note that while David confessed his sin (see also Psalm 51 which is written because of this incident), the consequences of the sin are not removed. Ultimately, David will not die because of His sin. One died in His place (that is Jesus). However, the consequences and fallout from the sin persist. [This is a shocker for those with a Sunday School faith in the modern church]. Yet, the consequences are bearable because God traverses the road back to restoration with us. While we have consequences, following repentance, we also have fellowship. That changes everything.
A wise reader will meditate on the fact that God may be at work exposing sin and sinful tendencies in his own life. What is God saying? Rather than hating the exposure…yield to it and allow the flood of God’s redemptive and restorative love wash over you. There is a path back but it only begins as you acknowledge the sin that God is exposing.
Shalom, CA.
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by chrisaiken | May 14, 2015 | Devotions
“Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel…but David stayed at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1, NASB.
Those who know me know that I am fond of the statement that I live everyday one “stupid act” away from ruining my ministry and destroying those closest to me. In this way, I am no different than every other man or woman I know…except perhaps in the scope of influence that goes with my position.
David’s great sin…with Bathsheba…is no different than many others. He committed adultery. Horrible sin but not outside the realm of possibilities for a man of his stature in the era he lived. I say that, not to excuse David but to remind us that his mistake was simply that…a mistake…or was it? Could it be that the sin of adultery was simply the natural consequence a series of decisions that left him in a vulnerable place?
Observe:
- David was not where he was supposed to be. Kings went out with their armies. David sent out his army while staying behind.
- David was overconfident. This led to his actions of staying behind. He had great success in battle. His army was powerful. He simply let the generals handle it.
- There was no accountability. The more power or influence a man has, the more accountability he needs in his life. All of David’s strong men were gone. No one but a few domestic servants around and they were not going to challenge him.
- David perceived that no one was watching. Alone times are the worst times of temptation. When we think that there is no consequence, we do dumb things.
- David’s actions contributed to the sins of others. Bathsheba sinned against God and her husband at the behest of the king. Joab sent a man to die in battle at the instruction of the king.
- David thought he could cover up his sin. After all, he had the “midas touch” in so many areas. Problem is, God does not let his “children” cover their sins for long. Every sin is uncovered. The saved man uncovers it (confesses it unto Salvation). The lost man has it uncovered at the judgment and then he pays the penalty for it.
Now, in reality, we will never avoid all sin. We should make it our aim in Christ to do so but we will never achieve perfection on our own in the flesh. At the same time, we are FOOLISH to CHOOSE to leave ourselves vulnerable to overwhelming temptation. David entered into this sin with his eyes open. NO WAY! He did not know when he slept with Bathsheba that it would lead to such death and destruction! Probably not, but he knew it was unwise and he knew it was sin and he knew it dishonored God. The consequences of the sin…simply followed after the willful choice. This is what happens when kings don’t go to war.
Shalom, CA
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by chrisaiken | May 13, 2015 | Devotions
In 2 Samuel 7, we are introduced to the idea that King David determines within himself that if he has a house of cedar to live in, then God (the Ark) should not reside in a tent. So David approaches Nathan the prophet who is pretty excited about the prospect of a building program :). Up to this point, no one consulted God…so God weighs in:
“Are you the one who should build me a house to dwell in?…I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, and they will live in their own place and not be disturbed again…The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you.” (2 Sam 7:5, 10-11, NASB).
At times…in fact often times…we set out to serve God…to bless God…to do something for God thinking that we have a great idea and God will be blessed. While it is true that our worship does bless God, it is God who created the worshipper, drew him to Himself…and placed the heart of worship within him. As Jesus said, “If these people become silent…even the very rocks will cry out in praise to God.”
God has no needs. He is self-sufficient. He is self-sustaining. He is complete in Himself. We do God no favors. God is not served (in the understanding of us doing something for Him that He could not do for Himself) by human hands for it is God who made the hands of all humans!
David’s idea was wonderful…but God once again demonstrates that He is not in need of our ideas. He has a plan and purpose and will and desire. He reveals that in His time and timing…and our privilege is to embrace it and join Him in His purpose.
So…we set out to bless God and we ought to seek to worship Him with every element of our being…but we ought also understand that God is not being provided something that was not already His. His grace towards us enables us and provokes us to worship as we ought…because He is good.
David caught that…and sat before the Lord to acknowledge as such (7:21-22). We would do well to do likewise.
Shalom, CA.
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by chrisaiken | May 12, 2015 | Devotions
“And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.” 2 Samuel 6:7, NASB.
I enjoy a cup of soda. I like it cold, or even chilled…but room temperature soda is not really my favorite. It is wet, but it isn’t very satisfying. I think sometimes, our response to God in worship (whether in the organized assembly of church…or in the conduct of our daily lives) can be a bit room-temperature. I mean, God is IMPORTANT to us but He is not ULTIMATE.
In this narrative, God seems like He is having a temper-tantrum. In fact, King David all but says so (v.8). David and the people were doing a “good thing.” They were moving the ark of God to the City of David. This was important work and they approached it as such. David assembled soldiers and singers and musicians with instruments…and he paraded the ark back toward home. This was an IMPORTANT day and an IMPORTANT task. It was IMPORTANT!
Yet, the Ark almost fell off the new ox cart and Perez reached out to steady it. Seem innocuous…even helpful. And God struck him dead on the spot for daring to touch the Ark! It was IMPORTANT to Perez that the Ark not fall off the cart! It was IMPORTANT to not let the Name of God be dishonored.
What was ULTIMATE though…was lost in the fray. As we see later, this event forced David to do a little research. He realized that the ox cart may have been thoughtful but God had left instructions of how the Ark was to be carried and it was not in a wagon. A worship party was important but God demanded that the exuberance of the worshippers be more fitting for the occasion…that it involve lavish sacrifice and unrestrained celebration and dancing! There could be no holding back!! To hold back was to declare that something else (whether pride/dignity/idolatry/whatever) was ULTIMATE and God was only IMPORTANT.
One of the things absolutely clear in this text: God is not interested in being important to us. If He is only important, He is reduced from His rightful place of ULTIMATELY GLORIOUS in all of His creation! Another observation…God doesn’t apologize or step back to console David or try to soften the edge on His actions. He leaves David to pray and research and seek understanding. This experience helped David as he learned to value God above all…to value Him as ULTIMATE (vv.16, 20-22).
The question for us is this: “In our hearts and in our actions…is God IMPORTANT or is He ULTIMATE?”
Shalom, CA
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by chrisaiken | May 11, 2015 | Devotions
“And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” 2 Samuel 5:12, NASB
Some years ago I was speaking with my pastor and asking him for advice on how not to “blow it” in ministry. IOW…what is the key to success? His response, among many pieces of sage advice…”Don’t read your own press clippings. No one is really that good.”
Sometimes we look at success in our lives and start to believe that we are responsible. Sometimes we look at the fruit of our successes and think that they exist for our pleasure or disposition. In reality, that is not so for the Christian. We are stewards (managers) of God’s blessings. We own nothing. We have nothing. We simply manage God’s “resources” for His “purposes” and to His “Glory.”
The message of this verse is simply that. David has been exalted and his kingdom well-established for the benefit of God’s people Israel.
Sure, David is king and has possessions but the point is that God entrusted this platform to David so that he would live responsibly in serving God’s people. David’s comfort and possessions are secondary in the purpose fo God. David’s successes are secondary tot he purpose of God. If God had not made David successful, He would have simply made someone else successful. It is by God’s grace that David was anything. Remember…he was the youngest of his brothers…the runt of the litter. He was a shepherd boy that God used to show His power over Goliath. He was a humble boy that God chose over the good looking and tall/handsome/kingly Saul. He is a fierce warrior who had many successes in battle because He sought God’s guidance and help in battle. God chose David.
So, what is your platform? Are you a successful businessman? It is not for your benefit alone that you are such. God has entrusted success to you so that you will serve a higher purpose. Are you a wise leader? God has given you wisdom and a platform for His purpose.
Once we lose perspective on what we are blessed…God may remove His empowerment for our continued blessings. When we start to live for our pleasures more than His…we start to emulate the life of Saul more than the life of David…and God will not share His glory with anyone.
Shalom, CA.
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by chrisaiken | May 10, 2015 | Devotions
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and she does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her, her husband also, and he praises her saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.’ “ Proverbs 31:25-29, NASB.
On this Mother’s Day…it is fitting ESPECIALLY to remember the impact of mother’s in our lives. It is not the ONLY day we should do so, but especially today.
We are foolish if we attempt to reframe history and give honor where it is not due. We should not look at bad parenting and call it good or good and call it bad. We should look at deeds and call them what they are. That is the point of this passage. We are told ALWAYS to honor mothers (and fathers) as this is right and leads to our blessing. This is honor based on position. Every mother and father is due respect…even if he or she is a horrible example or had no involvement in our lives. We honor them because we honor God and He has instructed us to do so. This passage in Proverbs in more than that “honoring.” It is a BLESSING in consideration of performance. It is a recognition of performance and the impact of a mother.
As you read the chapter in Proverbs, you realize that this woman is the “total package.” Some today read it and determine that the woman is fictional…since no one can do all that she did. They see her as an aspirational example only. Yet, if the text speaks for itself, this is a real person. Others read it and declare that the writer is doing so through “rose colored glasses.” She isn’t really THAT GOOD but the writer just thinks she is. Again, this view is not supported by the text.
The best reading is this…she is a hard-working, behind the scenes woman with grace and kindness as the cornerstone elements of her character. She is responsible, resourceful, and recognized as promising provider who cares deeply for her household, her husband, and her children. She prides herself on providing. She is a servant and a servant of servants. As such, the product of her hands (v.31) evokes praise from her household and even the entire community.
As I reflect on this today, I desire to live in such a place that recognizes the contribution of a mom as significant. Not a working mom (though this one was and those today are praiseworthy as well), but a mom. IOW…we should celebrate the incalculable contribution of a mom who encourages, strengthens, provides, and nurtures her family and her household…if she works outside the home or even if she never goes to college and never works outside the home…
See, motherhood itself is significant and doing it well…is praiseworthy. So, for those to whom it applies…”Rise up and bless her.”
Shalom, CA.
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Following the multiplied sins related to Bathsheba, God sent the prophet Nathan to the king (David) who seemed to have succeeded in covering up his sin and eliminating the loose ends that could trip him up later. David seems to be in the clear, at least on the surface, then God sends the prophet who tells David a story about a man who has everything and takes the sole possession of a poor neighbor. David’s response:
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