Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 6, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 1-3. These chapters cover the beginning of David ruling over Judah and the tension between Abner and Joab. The early stages of David’s rule is marked with compassion and forgiveness, but not everyone in David’s army leads with grace.
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In 2 Samuel 1 we see David mourning the death of Saul. David then asks the Lord what he should do next. The Lord tells him to move to Hebron, and David obeys. This begs the question, when the Lord asks you to do something is your first response to obey Him? When the Lord has told you to do something or not do something and you obeyed Him, what were the blessings you experienced? In situations where you disobeyed, what were the consequences?
Read 2 Samuel 2:1-7. We see the men of Judah anoint David as king. This was the second anointing, and it came 15 years after David was first anointed by Samuel. (See 1 Samuel 1:16 for reference.) Marshall reminded us today that there were 7 more years before David was finally anointed as king over all of Israel. A total of 22 years! This is a message to us that God is not on our timetable. God is patient, longsuffering and has no problem taking His time. Often, this is because it takes us time in our walk with Him to mature and really learn and obey what He is trying to teach us. Have you been waiting for a long time for an answer, direction or circumstance to work out? Pray and ask the Lord what He is trying to teach you in this journey. Trust His timing. It is always perfect.
In this same passage, we see David model generosity. He honored the men who honored Saul. This is a great example of healthy relationships and leadership. If you want to establish certain qualities and expectations of others, you must first model them. Good leaders affirm and praise others who conform and obey good healthy values. This is important in our homes, workplaces, church and community. What are you modeling for others? As parents, are you modeling for your children a mother or father who loves and follows God’s teachings? In the workplace, what do you model for your co-workers or employees? In your church and local community, are you modeling a generous and loving heart?
Read 2 Samuel 2:8-32. Abner anointed Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth as king of the northern tribes of Israel. This was not Abner’s anointing to give. Unfortunately, we see this result in violence between Joab and Abner. War and death were the outcome. Vengeance and revenge are not ours to take and always lead to an ongoing battle that is bitter. Abner sees the result of picking a fight with Joab and suggests a peace treaty. Like Abner, if we do things our own way and step outside of God’s will, there are often heavy consequences. Have you ever been eaten up with the desire to get back at someone who has wronged you? This can turn us into bitter people. There is no peace, no joy and no satisfaction in the need to “get even.” Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any area in your life where you are bitter and angry and ask Him to heal that brokenness in you. Repent and turn from unforgiveness and a desire for vengeance.
Read 2 Samuel 3:1-21. Abner and Ish-bosheth have an argument and Abner decides to give David the northern tribes of Israel. Abner reaches out to David, and David exercises forgiveness and a desire for peace. David was doing this in order to accomplish God’s plan. Instead of holding a grudge, David modeled how to lead with wisdom and grace. Continue to read 2 Samuel 3:22-39. We see Joab do the exact opposite as David. While David was a leader who desired to do things God’s way, Joab was hot tempered, didn’t listen to wise counsel and wanted revenge. This ultimately leads to great sorrow and suffering for Joab and his descendants because of his rebellion against God. Are you like David or Joab? Are you calm in tough situations or easily angered, prone to outbursts and temper tantrums? Are you impatient or comfortable waiting on God’s timing?
In Marshall’s conclusion he reminds us that God is working in the lives of others and in us. We need to be intentional about not living so selfishly. Think of others before self. Think about what God is trying to accomplish and choose to be a part of His plan and not your own. Live generously!