AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR MAY 11
Read 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalm 5, 38, 42
INTRIGUE, OATHS, HONOR, AND LOVE
We can’t miss the importance of keeping our oaths. Revival and government flourish when people of trust deal faithfully. Sometimes in life there is a bittersweet when doing what is right or good causes personal pain. David is caught between the bitterness of the loss of Absalom and the commanding obligations of his victory as King.
People of character and dishonor surround the king. His ability to discern is from God, and I’m amazed at how he threads through these murky waters, and violent shores.
David returns towards Jerusalem, and yet in great constraint of sorrow David honors his men who fought. David is reliable in seeking to do what is right, even when he’s wronged. (Psalm 38:20) He must navigate wisely because the righting of the kingdom at any cost is on the mind of Joab. David forgives those who come to him, and a we read of a wise woman who approaches Joab to save her city, named Abel who happened to have been harboring SHEBA, a new instigator of rebellion against David.
Oaths broken have consequences and famine comes on the land because of the unfair and decimating treatment of the Gibeonites. Ouch all Israel pays for political actions of Saul. And I’m struck by the love that a woman, Rizpah a concubine of Saul’s demonstrates for the sons of Saul, and how honorable she is, love is honorable. Women shine in these passages in the midst of immense pressure. Wisdom and love forge the way through. I pray we shine with these as well. And God answers prayer for the land. Hmmm, have you ever prayed over your land or harvest?
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
Psalms 5:3, 7, 11
While he is leading the kingdom he is feeling tremendously responsible:
“My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.”
Psalms 38:4-9 NIV
Psalm 42:1-2 “as a deer pants for flowing streams, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for the living God”. God is the living water and our souls thirst for Him and long for His presence. Jesus reveal more of yourself to us as we thirst for and seek You.