April 2–1 Kings 2-4

“Because you have asked. . .for yourself discernment to understand justice. . .behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you” (1 Kings 3: 11-12).

Solomon was young. Inexperienced. Alfred Edersheim believes he was not more than twenty years old. HUGE shoes to fill! It was a stressful situation for a young leader!

After David’s death, and after a few “problem people” were dealt with, the young king went to Gibeon to worship. A grand moment. A national celebration. Encouraging! Majestic!

As Solomon slept that night, God appeared in a dream and invited him to, “Ask what you wish me to give you.” See 3:5.

What do you ask of God? What do you want? What is your ambition? What Solomon asked of God set the direction of his life. It is a spiritual reality, as true for us as it was for him.

When Solomon asked for wisdom (literally, “a listening heart, the ability to decide between right and wrong”), God commended his humility and his desire to fulfill his God-assigned duty as king.

No person is self-sufficient. Not for the challenges of life. Certainly not for the requirements of eternity. We all need God’s wisdom.

No wonder our Lord continually taught (and exampled) a life of prayerful pursuit of the will of God. Our Father is generous in wisdom toward those who ask Him. This being so, the only wise choice is to ask.

Dear friend, will you, like Solomon, pray these words? “Lord, will you give me wisdom for my assignment in your kingdom and your world? Give me ears to hear. Break through the surround-sound of my pride and my fear. I accept your assignment. Will you give me your wisdom?

“Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you. . .she will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty”(Proverbs 4:7-8).

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

April 1–1 Kings 1

“Have my son Solomon ride on my own mule and bring him to Gihon. . .let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him as king over Israel”(1:33-34).

As a leader ages, he/she must embrace the important task of succession planning. “The intentional process of the transfer of leadership power and authority from one directional leader to another,” Dave Travis calls it. It is often the last and highest act of a leader’s love for his people.

A challenging assignment. Complicated. Emotionally and financially demanding. Succession tests a leader’s courage and selflessness.

In David’s failing health, he nearly missed (mishandled) this important task. Even though David knew God had chosen Solomon as heir to the throne, he was reluctant to openly communicate the decision and put it on a calendar. Another example, perhaps, of David’s flaw with family. He didn’t like to cross or disappoint them. See 1:6. Strange flaw, and more common than we usually perceive, it is very possible for a person to be a strong, decisive, effective leader in other areas, but not in his home. Misjudging David’s hesitation as weakness, Adonijah (like Absalom before him) made a grab for power. In the face of a new conspiracy, David was forced to act.

“Every pastor is an interim pastor,” say Vanderbloemen and Bird in their excellent book, Next: Pastoral Succession That Works. During my years of pastoral ministry, I knew that I was one, but only one, in a long line of pastors that would be called and equipped to lead the church I served. Age, health and life-stage changes always and eventually create the need for a new leader. God is faithful to guide the process. We must face the challenge with Him.

In Numbers 27:16-17, Moses prayed, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them. . .so that the congregation of the Lord will not be like sheep which have no shepherd”(Numbers 27:16-17). Amazing moment! The existing leader praying for his predecessor. A leader willing to step down so that the larger work may continue.

Friend, are you helping identify and train the next leader(s) in your organization and church? Are you embracing the new leaders as God sends them? Praying for them? Connecting with them? Encouraging them? Do you have a long-look perspective? A steady stream of leaders is part of God’s plan for the progress of His people.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

April 1–1 Kings 1

“Have my son Solomon ride on my own mule and bring him to Gihon. . .let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him as king over Israel”(1:33-34).

As a leader ages, he/she must embrace the important task of succession planning. “The intentional process of the transfer of leadership power and authority from one directional leader to another,” Dave Travis calls it. It is often the last and highest act of a leader’s love for his people.

A challenging assignment. Complicated. Emotionally and financially demanding. Succession tests a leader’s courage and selflessness.

In David’s failing health, he nearly missed (mishandled) this important task. Even though David knew God had chosen Solomon as heir to the throne, he was reluctant to openly communicate the decision and put it on a calendar. Another example, perhaps, of David’s flaw with family. He didn’t like to cross or disappoint them. See 1:6. Strange flaw, and more common than we usually perceive, it is very possible for a person to be a strong, decisive, effective leader in other areas, but not in his home. Misjudging David’s hesitation as weakness, Adonijah (like Absalom before him) made a grab for power. In the face of a new conspiracy, David was forced to act.

“Every pastor is an interim pastor,” say Vanderbloemen and Bird in their excellent book, Next: Pastoral Succession That Works. During my years of pastoral ministry, I knew that I was one, but only one, in a long line of pastors that would be called and equipped to lead the church I served. Age and health limitations always and eventually create the need for a new leader. God is faithful to guide the process. We must face the challenge with Him.

In Numbers 27:16-17, Moses prayed, “May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them. . .so that the congregation of the Lord will not be like sheep which have no shepherd”(Numbers 27:16-17). Amazing moment! The existing leader praying for his predecessor. A leader willing to step down so that the larger work may continue.

Friend, are you helping identify and train the next leader(s) in your organization and church? Are you embracing the new leaders as God sends them? Praying for them? Connecting with them? Encouraging them? Do you have a long-look perspective? A steady stream of leaders is part of God’s plan for the progress of His people.

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

March 31–2 Samuel 22-24

“No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to God which cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).

At the end of David’s life, he enjoyed great prosperity and peace. Despite David’s sin and the consequences that followed, God was faithful to this repentant son. Good reminder for us. Nations CAN heal. Churches. Marriages. “And let him return to the Lord and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). There is a Redeemer!

At the threshing floor of Araunah, David demonstrates one of his learned lessons. Sacrifice for God is a privilege! True love costs and should!

Commanded by God to build an altar at a particular place (Mt. Moriah), David contacts the owner to purchase the property. In deference to the king, Araunah (the owner) offers to donate the land and all the supplies necessary for this required act of worship. David politely refuses. “Cost is not inconvenience,” says David. Not something to be avoided or resisted.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “God loves a hilarious giver.” Rather than grumbling, resentful, constrained obedience, the Father watches for a willing and joyful and generous heart. God Himself is such a giver and, therefore, loves seeing this virtue in His children.

In an earlier chapter of my life, in my unredeemed flesh, I was a hoarder, with time, with emotions, with money. Routinely, I would NOT spend so as to save it for later. The longer I live, like David, I see that this protectiveness was fear-based and immature. Caution is good, but love is better! Like the woman with the alabaster jar (see Matthew 26) in the presence of Christ (and when are we not in His presence?), extravagant love is “the more excellent way.”

Blessed are the people who learn this lesson! Does a committee at church require your time? It is a privilege! Is your schedule stretched by a friend who needs a listening ear? It is an honor! Do the needs around you call for your money or volunteer hours? It is an opportunity to follow Christ!

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Authentic discipleship comes at a cost, relationally, financially, Spiritually! Late in life, David learned the lesson. Those who love the Lord gladly pay the price of doing so.

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 16:38).

“I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

March 30–2 Samuel 20-21

“Now a worthless fellow happened to be there whose name was Sheba. . .and he blew a trumpet and said, ‘We have no portion in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tent, O Israel!’ “(20:1).

Israel had a long history of tribal jealousy. As in a church or a family, hurt feelings were often recorded and remembered. The Bible warns us all to be on guard. “See to it that. . .no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” See yesterday’s post. The enemy regularly works to fan any spark into a flame of conflict. We should all be warned.

Having reentered Jerusalem after Absalom’s defeat, David’s task was to heal the wounds and reunite the nation. Too soon, old resentments surfaced. The ten tribes of Israel felt slighted by the tribe of Judah (David’s relatives) for leaving them out of the public arrangements for David’s return. When these feelings were verbalized, the men of Judah foolishly gave a harsh, defensive response. Almost immediately, a second revolt began along tribal lines.

Proverbs says, “A soft answer turns away wrath.” Truth! All of us have a role in either building unity or destroying it. Often, all a person needs is to be heard. In pursuit/preservation of unity, I must daily commit myself to treat my brothers with humility and respect. Even those with whom I disagree.

In Luke 22, Jesus challenged His disciples in the midst of an ugly conflict. “The greatest among you (in the Father’s ultimate approval) will be the least (in privilege, ease of assignment). Being a peacemaker is the hard job. Unity is never easy, but it is always wise.

Friend, what personal right or long-held grudge must you lay aside today in pursuit of God’s greater plan? What soft word or listening ear could you lend to a brother to prevent a flame of anger from igniting and hurting many? If the Lord gave His life to create unity, is it too much to ask us to preserve it?

“Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon”(Francis of Assisi).

“Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”(Ephesians 4:3).

March 29–2 Samuel 17-19

“Now when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home. . .and set his house in order, and strangled himself”(17:23).

Unfamiliar name. Sadly, very familiar situation.

Some scholars believe that Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather. See 2 Samuel 23:34 and 2 Samuel 11:3. For years, he had been David’s wise counselor and friend. After David’s affair with Bathsheba, and the scandal that followed, Ahitophel’s relationship with the king was never the same. With his trust shattered and conscience cold, Ahithophel joined Absalom’s rebellion. He likely felt completely justified in his anger.

Deep in his heart, however, Ahithophel knew that GOD had anointed David as King. Likely he heard the report of David’s prayer of confession. He probably knew, too, of Nathan’s pronouncement of God’s forgiveness, albeit with severe discipline. See 2 Samuel 12:13.

The bottom line? God had forgiven David, but Ahithophel had not! Deep resentments, unchecked in his heart, shaped his decisions going forward.

When his counsel to Absalom was rejected (“Go after David quickly while he is still off balance!”), Ahithophel’s conscience told him that God was at work defending David. See 17:14. Like Judas who betrayed the Lord, Ahithophel went home and took his own life.

Some people would rather die than forgive or ask forgiveness. One way or another, bitterness will kill you. “He strangled himself,” says the Scripture with words of significant symbolism. When I refuse to forgive, I do the same.

If God forgives, must not we? If we receive mercy from the Father, must we not also give it?

“Whatever you hate will always be with you” (C. JoyBell C.)

“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many are defiled”(Hebrews 12:15).

March 28–2 Samuel 14-16

“If I find favor in the sight of the Lord, then He will bring me back”(15:25).

“I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me” (Psalm 3:4-5, A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son).

For all his success in other fields of endeavor, David was not an effective father. He was indulgent, permissive, sometimes passive-aggressive. Feeling guilt from his own public scandals, he could never find the moral footing to challenge Amnon for sexual sin, or Absalom for murder. The dynamic of David’s family was sadly like that of Eli. “His sons brought a curse on themselves, and he did nothing to rebuke them”(1 Samuel 3:13).

Tragic outcomes. Our text today rises from the confusion and destruction of Absalom’s rebellion. “A man never sees the worst of himself until it reappears in his child” (F. B. Meyer).

If David failed as a father, however, he succeeded as a son. Even in the heartbreak and danger of Absalom’s revolt, David turned to God. Do you see his humility? His upward reference? His belief that the Father could, and might still, “bring him back”? His focus was not on himself or his sons. His eyes were on his Father, his Father’s decision, his Father’s purpose and power and judgment. Will you pause and read Psalm 3? Amazing words written by David in this time of confusion and sorrow!

It is one of the deep questions of life. Only faith dares to ask it, or to take hold of the answer. If I fail as a parent (or at any of my assignments) will my Father still receive me? Does He have mercy even when my misery is self-caused? Will He use the consequences of my sin to discipline rather than destroy me, and offer the same grace to my children? Yes, shouts the Scripture and Spirit! Yes!

“Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not,” sings the old hymn. Friend, in your lowest moments, are you able to hold these words in your own heart? Like David, do you know a God who is unfailing Father to those who love Him, those who turn to Him in repentance and faith?

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

“He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:3).

March 27–2 Samuel 11-13

“Then David said, ‘I have sinned against the Lord’ ” (12:13).

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

It was his worst moment and his wisest. In the pain of guilt and shame (and it IS painful), David turned to God.

The enemy was there to discourage him. I am certain of it. I have heard the same whispered words. “He will not hear you. You do not deserve His help. It is over for you.” See Revelation 12:10. His political enemies were quick with the same condemnation. Thankfully, David knew God and turned heavenward for mercy.

Psalm 51 is the song/summary of David’s prayer on this painful day. I hope you will read his words, feel the ache, appreciate the honesty, share the fear of forfeiting the Holy Spirit. Even more, I hope you, with hushed reverence, will hear his child-like request for God to make him clean, whiter than snow, a joy-restored worshiper.

Faith is never more real than when it asks help without merit or means of repayment. “The tax-collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner’ “(Luke 18:13).

Scripture speaks of godly sorrow. It describes the moment when the believer faces his stubbornness and pride and fear and foolishness. Excuses gone. Guilty. Despite this despair, the eyes of faith humbly turn upward to God. Genuine sorrow becomes also godly sorrow, brokenness held up to a merciful judge.

Glory! When a sinner, weighed down with shame, believes God, accepts consequences, and comes home like a prodigal it is the work of God! In some ways godly sorrow is the greatest demonstration of faith of all.

Go home, dear one! Turn back to God! Wait on Him! Trust His redeeming love! Even if you have caused the trouble and ignored His warnings, the Father will help you.

“I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight” (Luke 15:18).

“Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

March 26–2 Samuel 7-10

“Go and say to my servant, David, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Are you the one who should build Me a house to dwell in?. . .The Lord declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you. . .Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever” ‘ “(7:5, 11, 16).

Easy mistake to make. As David lived in his new home, reigning over a united and prosperous kingdom, the contrast between his palace and the tent (tabernacle) of God became an embarrassment for him. He began to make plans for a grand and permanent temple.

It seemed like an admirable dream until he had a conversation with Nathan. Speaking through the prophet, God rejected David’s proposal. Without any reproach, He shifted attention to a MUCH larger goal.

What God imagines for His people far exceeds anything we can conceive. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, KJV).

God’s plans are bigger, they are better, because they touch FOREVER. Will you read chapter 7 again? Will you circle every time God uses the word forever? The plan of God stretches forward into eternity! His dream for David (us) is a FOREVER standing in His salvation story. “An inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Permanent significance and belonging and joy! Apart from Him, none of us can imagine such an outcome.

The Lord’s promise brought David to a place of humility and hope. Stunned by the grace of God, he sat in the presence of the Lord (v. 18) until he could speak. It was a mind-stretching, horizon-shaping moment. Eventually and gratefully, he expressed praise and found confidence to pray God’s plan. “For you, O Lord. . .have made a revelation to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house,’ therefore Your servant has found courage to pray this prayer”(7:27). It is not arrogant to ask for what God has promised, not selfish to believe the glory that will come from His hand to His children.

From the Father, God’s children receive a dream of a city built by God. Sitting before Him, in stillness and praise, we abandon goals that are small and self-created. Friend, will you consider? What plans does God have for you, for us?

” ‘ I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

March 25–2 Samuel 3-6

“And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence”(6:7).

It is a shocking story. Confusing. Discouraging. Necessary.

The first years of David’s reign were spectacularly successful! Zion was captured and became the new capital. A great sense of unity and optimism carried the nation forward in joy.

God was with them in battle. Baal-Perazim David named a battlefield after a significant victory over the Philistines. (Baal, Lord, peres, breach or gap). We would call it “breakthrough”. God scatters the forces arrayed against His name and His people.

God, however, is equally strong against irreverence in His own people. With honest eyes, David saw this truth. The Holy One will not be mocked or dismissed or taken for granted. He will defend His name and His holiness. Scripture gives a long list of those who ignored this warning and suffered for it.

On a day of great celebration, Uzzah nonchalantly and arrogantly took hold of the ark. Immediately, God struck Him down. Had God warned Uzzah before this moment? Was there a back-story? I suspect so. What was clear (and still is) is that God is high and holy and that our relationship with Him must always be characterized by reverence. “To this one I will look, the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2).

Jesus urged us pray that the whole world would hallow the name of God, that the mere mention of His name would bring all creatures to an attitude of reverence and respect. Dear reader, can you think of any virtue more absent in the world that presently exists?

Perez-Uzzah David called this place/event. Do not be deceived. Either now or at His great coming, God will break out against those who have no reverence.

“It can be extremely painful to learn the fear of the Lord. It is death to our narcissistic egos and self-assured opinions and superior neutrality. . .(we must) turn outward and upward to the Lord with an awakened sense of his sheer reality, his moral beauty, his eternal grandeur” (Ray Ortlund).

“Let us offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire”(Hebrews 12:28-29).

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever”(Psalm 19:9).