David's Reversal of Destiny

I have been learning about the most intriguing concept called Reversal of Destiny from the study of Esther by Beth Moore. Many times in Scripture we see where God either directs or allows circumstances or crises to redirect the lives of His people. Usually there is a chapter in the story that is the "hinge" where the destiny turns. That one "hinge" chapter is where the expected or intended outcome suddenly reverses either for the good of those involved or, as in our study of David, leads to the consequences of unchecked sin.
From our first glimpses of David we have no trouble understanding why he is "a man after God's own heart". However, we watch a drastic change of character take place in David in just one chapter in 2 Samuel, which is about one year of his life. In Chapter 11 we follow a dramatic Reversal of Destiny in David's life. His kingship never changes, but the consequences of his sin seem more than any parent should have to bear.
I never fail to read Chapter 11 with a sad heart, sometimes hoping the story has changed. I love David. Yes, apart from Jesus, David is my absolute favorite character of the Bible. Extremely relieved by his confession to Nathan's rebuke and profoundly touched by his responses to his child's illness and death, I am reminded just why David remains my favorite.
What can we learn from David's sudden failure? First and foremost, we must learn to have a heightened awareness of sin in our thought life and get in the habit of confessing wrong thoughts before they proceed to words then deeds. David saw Bathsheba then desired her and so the seed of sin was sown in his mind. He then expressed his interest by telling someone to find out about her which led to sending for her, leading to the sin of adultery. Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Reading, meditating on and memorizing God's Word is how we renew our minds. Doing so will always help us to know and do God's will.
We too, like David, sometimes refuse to resist temptation, giving in to it instead. At this point, the Spirit of God will begin His convicting work which should bring us to confession and repentance. The longer we resist confession and repentance, the more we set ourselves up for a cycle of destruction. David resisted the Spirit's conviction and heaped sin upon sin. His intense selfishness pushed his heart farther away from God.
Whether we are responsive to God's Spirit or to someone's rebuke, like David, our confession should be simple and real; "I have sinned against the Lord." (2 Samuel 12:13) Remember Saul when he was rebuked by Samuel for his disobedience? Saul repeatedly responded with arrogance and even minimized the seriousness of his disobedience. He refused to take responsibility for his actions. When our faraway hearts are finally touched by the Spirit of God's conviction, all that is necessary is to say, "I have sinned." We shouldn't make excuses or blame others. I think David's beautiful prayer of Psalm 51 gives us a perfect example to follow:
1 "Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."
There is beautiful evidence of the Father's tender heart toward David that emerges from this tragic situation. God removed the curse from David and Bathsheba's marriage and brought a child from their union. God gave him the name Jedidiah which means, "beloved of the Lord". The Lord loved David's son. The Lord loved David and Bathsheba. The Lord loves us and never turns His back on us. He will discipline us, but He will never forsake, fail or leave us. He always seeks to draw us to a place where we can experience His blessings.
The most magnificent Reversal of Destiny follows as we read in Matthew 1. "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:"
"David the king begot Solomon...Solomon begot...And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ." Praise God,
for Jesus Christ, son of David has changed my destiny forever!

Welcome Susan to our Group!

My name is Susan Ballou.  My husband's name is Ron.  We have been attending the Glen Rose campus for several weeks now, and we feel it is definitely the place for us.  We're so impressed with praise and worship service, and it's just been so good for my soul and Ron's, as well.
We live in the small community of Nemo.  My husband works for the Ft. Worth District Office of the Postal Service in a management position.  He is elegible to retire actually, but thinks he will hang in there for a few more years, with God's grace of course.  they are going through some MAJOR restructuring and reduction in force right now.
Have a beautifully, blessed day!

Misguided focus

The story of Saul always takes me by surprise. In the beginning, he is specifically called by God- and his response was to hide fearfully in the baggage. As he grows into the leadership position, he meets his demise in disobedience to God's orders. In 1 Samuel 15 we find God instructing Saul to go fight the Amalekites and to thoroughly destroy everything that belongs to them. As usually, God delivered the Israelites from the hands of their enemies. Everything seemed to go according to plans except for one small aspect - Saul decided to not destroy everything. He spared the life of the Amalekite king, Agag, and kept the best of the livestock. As Samuel confronted Saul, rather than admitting his wrongdoing he lied. In verse thirteen he defended himself by asserting, "I have carried out the Lord's instructions." Samuel, being a prophet of God, clearly knew otherwise. Realising his grave mistake Saul pleaded in verse 24, "I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions.I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them." Saul feared the people more than he feared God. Not only did Saul not fear God, but he thought the Lord would be okay with his sin since he intended on sacrificing the animals. He somehow thought that sacrifice could outweigh his blatant defiance. This anecdote ended with God mourning the fact that Saul ever even became king. Soon after the Spirit left Saul and a young boy named David replaced the once great leader.

We see this story time and again in scripture. We read about the Israelites loss in the small town of Ai when they failed to seek God's guidance, and when Achan stole the coveted items which resulted in the death of both him and his family. This same theme rises up again and again. The sad thing is, we still refuse to learn this lesson today. It is a lesson I have to learn over and over again. How many times do we fear people more than we fear God? Often, we worry more about what people will think rather than what God will think. Saul looked around and saw a people that would oust him if he did not please them rather than a God who would deliver them if he obeyed.

Not only do we neglect fearing the Almighty, but we often trade in what is best for what we perceive as good. Saul rationalised his situation - maybe if I sacrifice the things I should have destroyed, God will be happy. He sought to please himself, his constituents, and God. In the end, he failed to do any of the above. As human beings we constantly trade in what is best in a desperate attempt to please ourselves, God, and those around us when in reality we do not even succeed at that. Our sole focus should be fulfilling the demands of our God and the rest will follow.

I cannot help but wonder - who do we fear more, God or people? Who do I fear more? To obey is better than sacrifice, but do I truly apply that to my life? Am I trading in God's perfect will for my life for something less than stellar? Saul neglected these aspects and lost his kingship to a young boy named David. I would hate to miss out because I had a misguided focus.

So it went on year by year.

Wow, what a very depressing phrase! That tiny phrase carries the tremendous burden of Hannah's grief.

Her womb being closed by the Lord went on year by year.
Her rival's fruitfulness being rubbed in her face went on year by year.
Her being grievously provoked went on year by year.
Her irritation went on year by year.
Her bitter weeping went on year by year.
Her lost appetite went on year by year.
Her sadness in her heart went on year by year.
Her unquenchable yearning for a child went on year by year.
Her deep distress went on year by year.
Her trying to bargain with God went on year by year.
Her affliction went on year by year.
Her feeling forgotten by the Lord went on year by year.
Her praying to be remembered went on year by year.
Her being troubled in her spirit went on year by year.
Her pouring out her soul to the Lord for relief went on year by year.
Her being regarded as a worthless woman went on year by year.
Her great anxiety went on year by year.
Her vexation went on year by year.

Year by year by year by year...and she could do nothing about it despite her efforts because it is the Lord that closed her womb and she knew that it was only the Lord that can open her womb.

Can you feel the heaviness of her grief yet? Do you understand her pain now? And this was all just in the first 16 verses of 1 Samuel 1. I know there were many other things not mentioned that she had to wrestle with especially in her day and age (lack of value for not bearing any children let alone a boy, not having a purpose outside giving her husband children, having no identity if she was not a mother, and so much more).

Can you imagine how facing the reality of all of this became more and more of a huge load to carry day after day? The unbearable disappointment and dashing of hopes that came month after month when the "way of the woman" came upon her yet again. What a struggle year after year! With all of this desperation being unleashed that day at the temple, I can see why Eli thought she was drunk.

But as I read the story of Hannah the childless woman (to summarize her situation), I am also reminded of and comforted by God's sovereign will and power and of His providential guidance.

God is the one who opens and closes wombs. It's not by some meaningless chance of nature that Hannah was barren. There was a purpose to it. The Lord had a plan for her womb to remain closed until the day came that she specifically vowed if God gave her a son (not just a child) that she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life (not just a few years) dedicating him as a Nazirite (not just any servant of the Lord).

Without her suffering (though sad as it may be), we would never have had the great prophet Samuel to appoint David as King thus partially fulfilling one of the many Messianic prophecies that would later be completed in and through Jesus Christ.

God allows suffering but none of it is senseless. We see this truth not only in the story of Hannah but in many others throughout the Bible. Whatever sorrow you may have to bear, God has not forgotten. In fact, the reality is He compassionately remembers you and the unique purpose He has for you every time he hears your cries.

Even if you never have the ending that you pray for (like Hannah did), it is all part of his perfect plan that can only be fulfilled specifically through you. So feel privileged instead of deprived.

You are not blessed less if you do not have the same blessings as others; you are just blessed differently.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."

Just a comment...

For some reason, my account will not let me comment, so I will just have to give it in the form of a post:) The first time I truly read and understood the horrific stories in the book of Judges was in a Women of the Bible Class. Many feminists use these stories to highlight what they see as Christianitie's subjection of women. Sadly, I think they miss the point. Amy mentioned the way we read these stories is of utmost importance. I love to read them through the lens of the evolving relationship between God and humanity. The fact that God says nothing speaks volumes. Judges is thought to serve as a piece of propaganda- trying to sell the people on their need for a king. As we know, God was their king and they would only get themselves into more trouble if they had a human king, but due to all the despicable things that happened under the judges they needed a king. All the while, they do not seek God's guidance. We see time and time again that when the Israelites call out, God responded and sent prophets to save them. Here, in a time of obvious need, they resorted to human guidance rather than God. Even if God did speak up, I doubt the people would have heard. Nothing could squelch their hunger for a king. Nonetheless, through the darkness we see the relationship between God and mankind evolving. We see a God that allows us to make decisions, to turn our back to God, and then once we realize our depraivity God stands with open arms while we run back. That story of truth runs through every book of the Old Testament, no matter how dark or how happy. Sadly, as Amy and Sandra said in their amazing posts, we do the same thing today.

Leaving a Legacy

I am sorry to be so late with this post. Actually, this post should be before Amy's, but I just could not get it to you any sooner. I too was very distressed by the reading of Judges and very glad to be through it. I was so very saddened as I read Chap 2 verse 10, "After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel." After all we've read about Moses and Joshua and God's mighty acts on behalf of His people, it just seems almost unbelievable that they would so quickly turn away from the LORD. As long as God's people had responsible leaders, good instructions and a fresh remembrance of the great things God did for them, corruption was restrained among the people. However, as soon as there were no more descendants to lead them and help them, the new generation failed to recognize and confess God as their LORD or to choose to bring back to their mind the great stories told them by their parents of God's great power on their behalf. I can't help but wonder about the tremendous responsibility that the generation who entered into Canaan had to pass on their faith to their children. I discovered 3 very important instructions that were passed on to the Promised Land generation among God's many instructions given to Moses. The first reminds the Israelites NOT TO FORGET the LORD after they settled in the land and began to prosper. (Deut. 8:6,11-14) The second is found in Deut. 11:14-21 where that generation was instructed to teach their children all God's Word that He had shared with Moses, talking about it as they went about their daily routine of life. I believe the 3rd instruction proved to be key in the downfall of God's people. They were repeatedly instructed to completely destroy their enemies living in the land. (Deut. 20:16-18) This important instruction was given to protect God's people from being drawn into the worship of idols. Had the generation who had entered Canaan worked so hard to settle the land and become prosperous that they failed to constantly tell their children the powerful, wonderful stories of God's awesome acts on their behalf accomplished by His mighty hand and outstretched arm? What about this generation? Do we work so hard to get ahead and become prosperous in this world that we ignore our responsibility to share the truths about God and His Word with our children? Have you ever thought about what you will leave behind when you die - not possessions - what kind of spiritual heritage you will leave your children? Are you helping your children to understand who God is and what the Scriptures say their spiritual legacy is? Even though you cannot pass on your relationship and experience with God, you can pass on your faith. You can leave your sense of moral values. Of course, our children are responsible for their decisions and must face the consequences of those decisions, but is our responsibility to pass on our understanding of the principles of God's Word that have guided us in our life's decisions. I believe that if you love God and practice the principles of Scripture, love your children and listen to them, take advantage of the "teachable moments", then you will leave them a faith that will sustain them through the difficult trials of life. Concerning the 3rd instruction, we know from Judges Chap. 1 that the generation that pushed into Canaan failed to completely drive out or destroy their enemies living in the land. By failing to do so, they were setting themselves and their children up to turn their backs on God and turn instead to the worship of idols. Do you drive out the enemies in your children's lives and in your home? I believe the most important discipline of a parent is to pray for their children until their final breath. We should pray diligently and fervently that our children and grandchildren will trust Jesus as their Savior, follow Him all the days of their lives, and be living witnesses of His presence in their lives. Pray God's Word over your children as they sleep and declare out loud God's Word through your home and into every room. Ask God for specific Scriptures to pray for your children. Jesus drove the enemy away with the declaration of God's Word (after having memorized it as a child). One of His declarations was a quote from Deut. 8:3, "People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matt. 4:4 NLT. God's Word is one of the most powerful weapons we have against satan, our enemy. I believe the key to such tremendous responsibility can be found in Josh. 23:8,10-11 when Joshua gives his final words to the generation entering the Promised Land. These verses tell us to:"cling tightly to the LORD your God"; "the LORD your God fights for you, just as He has promised. So be very careful to love the LORD your God." I pray for you, moms and grandmas!

The post I didn't want to write

I loved reading about Gideon and Deborah.  Then I choked down the rest of Judges, trying to hurry past to the comfort of Ruth.

The horrors of Judges just wouldn't let me go, however.  Why did God include this and not comment?! I complained.  I saw a friend Wednesday morning. 

Friend:  How are you.
Me:  Depressed.
Friend: Why?
Me:  I am reading Judges.

I was being kind of silly, but truthfully I had been crying in the car just moments earlier- with two kids in the back on my way to work.  The words of chapter 19 returned to me that morning- and all I could do was weep.  My children sweetly asked what was wrong.  I told them that I was sad because a woman was hurt in the story I was reading in the bible and no one saved her.  Levi, my little 3 year old, said, "God should have saved her!"  I had nothing to say.  Throughout the day, these are the thoughts that came to me.  I believe the Holy Spirit began a dialogue that I was hungry to hear.

First, I read "How to Read the Bible for all it's Worth" by Fee and Stuart.  The chapter on how to read biblical narratives (which comprise 40% of the Old Testament) was enlightening.  According to the authors, the overall theme is God's story of redemption- and he is the hero in every narrative.  That being said, they caution the reader from trying to find a moral for each discrete narrative.  They must be viewed as a whole.  Answering my question about why God does not always comment (This was evil in the eyes of the Lord) the authors argue that the reader or listener is not re-quoted the law because it is assumed the reader understands evil and sin as previously defined by the law.

I thought- Wow- that is a lot like my life.  I want God to editorialize my life as well- every time I am unhappy or suffering, I want to know, why is this happening?  I have to look over time to see God's provision and care and his overall theme of redemption.

I still don't want to look at evil.  I don't want to read and imagine the torture that concubine endured.  I grow furious with her callous, cruel and cowardly "husband".  It breaks my heart to read that her hands were on the threshold when she died- yearning for a safety that was out of reach.

Why, Lord? Aren't you close to the broken hearted?

I don't think the answer is pretty.  The tribes of Israel were turning their back on God and giving themselves over to evil practices.  I believe God stepped back and let them live out the consequences of their sins.  And what was the result?  The tribes killed each other.  "The wages of sin are death."

While we are not to dwell on evil acts, God recorded them.  I think it horrific that the narrative exists.  But perhaps God in his sovereignty knew the real tragedy would be in ignoring that woman's suffering.  Do I really want all memory of her erased?  She is the voice of one calling out in the wilderness, "Prepare a way for the Lord."

Her life cries out for justice.  Her life cries out for a Savior.  And I will not silence her.

Her story is not complete without Jesus, and neither is mine.  Some days I think, Oh, if Jesus doesn't come back today, I'll be okay.  I want to see my kids grow up.  I want to see them married.  I want to see my grandchildren.  I have plans, God.  Sometimes I am blind to the suffering of the world- which means I am blind to the need for a Savior.  But some days, God shows me- maybe through death, or a tragic news story, or even Judges 19- God shows me the need for Him is still real.          

I learn from scripture:

Our God walks in the cool of the day, wanting us to walk with him. 
The blood of the innocent cries out from the ground- and he demands justice.
As payment, Jesus willingly gave his innocent blood to give himself as a ransom for many.  Unlike the cowardly husband, he sacrificed himself.  He is our bridegroom who lays his life down for us. 

Many other examples came to mind.  But one had special significance.  The day I read through Judges, I had read through the story of the woman who had bled for 12 years.  I had to prepare to share that story with the Boys and Girls Club.  Jesus' words echoed in my mind, "Daughter, be freed from your suffering."  Interestingly, he says this after her body had already been healed.  Earlier it mentioned that her body was freed from it's suffering.  I believe he was speaking of her total healing.  The physical part was healed.  She also had to heal mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I don't think it too much of a stretch to imagine Jesus welcoming that concubine into his arms with the words, "Daughter, be freed from your suffering."  Many cross the threshold from life to death and that passing is often marked by suffering.  My hope is in the One who takes the time to touch the leper and the blind.  He weeps with us.  He takes the time to turn around and speak to us, "Daughter, be free from your suffering."  He has rescued us from our sin and he will return one day to rescue us from this world.