2 Samuel (Part 22): Grace in Chastening

2 Samuel (Part 26): David reaps what he sowed

The Scriptures devote a considerable amount of time to the life of David after he sinned with Bathsheba. And, the David after is noticeably different to the David before. While God has forgiven David, David is still reaping the natural consequences of his sin. This is painful but necessary reading. May we read and learn.

2 Samuel (Part 25): What does LOVE mean?

We use this word love so much that we might never really stop to define it. When we do, we can find that what we mean by it and what God means are two very different things. Not only do the definitions differ, but the outcomes differ also. That is exactly what this chapter shows us - the  devastating consequences of getting this word wrong, as illustrated in the life of Amnon. When we set it beside the life of the Lord Jesus, the contrast could not be more striking.

2 Samuel (Part 24): The Tragic End of Joab

Woven throughout 2 Samuel, we have a number of references to Joab (David's nephew and the commander of his army). Joab displayed many instances of loyalty to David. Sadly, this included when David asked him to do wrong. In those moments, Joab choose the easier path - of going along. This meant he kept his position and prestige - however, the easy road turned hard. We never read of him repenting - and his life comes to a truly tragic ending.

2 Samuel (Part 23): Uriah - A good man dies young

The notion that someone who loves and delights in God will lead a kind of charmed life can run pretty deep in our hearts. Given our preferences of physical comfort and safety, this is hardly surprising. However, the notion is flatly contradicted in the Bible. No least in the life of Uriah and most of all in the life of the Lord Jesus. That is the subject of this message.

2 Samuel (Part 22): Grace in Chastening

In 2 Samuel 12, we read of David's repentance and God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness is astonishing, requiring the death of His Son Incarnate on the cross. David can now know the smile of God, which boggles our minds. However, God tells David that his sin will still have consequences in this life. Herein lies a solemn warning to us all. Indeed, the unfolding of these consequences is a grace to David and to us - to humble us, subdue us, warn us, and teach us of God's holy nature.