2 Samuel 21-22

Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 8, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 21-22. These chapters cover the influences in David’s life as well as the influence David had over Israel. The story invites us to consider our influences and how they shape our behavior. The story concludes with a song of worship as David reflects on God’s influence in his life.

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Read 2 Samuel 21

In the pages of 2 Samuel 21, we encounter David's life in a rebuilding season in Jerusalem. Marshall pointed out today that David's journey in this passage mirrors the phases we go through: being influenced by others, influencing others, and then reflecting on our choices. We must pause and ask ourselves: What is influencing us today? Is it the world, the opinions of others, or the voice of God?

In this instance, David's decision led to the death of seven men, as he gave the Gibeonites the power to exact revenge. Are you, like David, making decisions based on the influence of others or the guidance of God? It's easy to be swayed by the opinions of society, friends, or even our own desires. However, when we fail to seek God's wisdom and align our decisions with His will, we may find ourselves on a path of unintended consequences.

David's story teaches us the importance of seeking God's counsel in every aspect of our lives. As Marshall said, nothing is off the table. Let us not be hasty in our decisions but seek His face through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking godly counsel. Will you spend time in prayer today, asking what is influencing you? What do you need to let go of?

Read 2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 18

Will you spend time meditating on who God is, referring to the passages in Marshall’s notes? He is our rock, refuge, fortress, deliverer. He is compared to a lion, eagle, lamb, light, torch, fire, and fountain. Don’t rush through these passages. Let them sink to your very core, let them change the lens through which you see.

And finally, this week, will you spend time reflecting on the question Marshall posed today; Do you interpret your life through scripture? Is scripture guiding how you will get through the season that you are in? Will you end your reflection time each day in a time of worship? Will you enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise?

2 Samuel 19-20

Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 1, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 19-20. These chapters cover the return of King David and his tribulations with his commander, Joab. David and Joab have very different ways of solving problems and the author contrasts their leadership styles for personal reflection. When rebuilding after failure, do you approach situations with humility like David or with arrogance and pride like Joab?

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1. We see David and his family suffering the consequences of his sins. Even though we repent and are forgiven of our sins, there are some consequences we must endure that can be very costly – to us and others. David chose the path of humility and reconciliation. How do you rebuild after a failure?

2. In this passage we see the stark contrast between David and Joab. David chose humility and Joab chose vengeance and violence. What is your initial reaction when faced with an injustice? Is it anger and the need to get even or forgiveness and a desire for reconciliation?

3. David’s desire to lead with forgiveness and generosity is how our Heavenly Father deals with us. Our King came to pardon sin and forgive debts. This is what we see David doing. One of the reasons David is leading in this way, is because he is keenly aware of what sins he has committed and how generous the Lord has been with him. When someone sins against you, are you mindful of how much the Lord has forgiven you? It makes holding a grudge much more difficult. Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?

4. As a leader – or shepherd, we must tend to the needs of the sheep and keep the wolves out. Whether or not you are a leader in your home, workplace, church or community, it is important to tend to the needs of the “sheep” the Lord has entrusted to you. Caring for others comes first and shutting down quarrels and rebellion is next. What kind of leader are you in the areas the Lord has entrusted to you?

5. We see Joab continue to try and solve problems with anger, brute force and vengeance. This only results in more trouble. Joab was rebelling against David’s wishes and causing more destruction. Interesting what lengths Joab went to in order to chase others who had rebelled against David. He was a rebel chasing rebels. We can often become hypocrites when we are going after someone for a wrongdoing, when we ourselves are also guilty of wrongdoing. God has showed us through His son, Jesus how to treat and love others even when they sin against us. The question is, will we listen and obey or chose to take matters into our own hands and make things worse?

2 Samuel 16-18

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 24, 2023

In these chapters, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 16-18. These chapters pair with the previous three chapters with Absalom and David. God disciplined David because of his shepherding failures in Israel and at home. However, God loved David, and through his discipline and consequences for sin the Lord restored David. This story reminds us of the sobering reality that shepherding is serious business, but in our failures God is sovereign. The Lord will not waste a failure, He redeems our failures for His purposes.

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Read 2 Samuel 16-18 daily

In 2 Samuel 16:23, we witness the profound influence of Ahithophel's counsel on both David and Absalom. However, we are left pondering why Absalom sought a second opinion despite his high regard for Ahithophel's wisdom. It is essential to recall David's heartfelt prayer from 2 Samuel 15:31, where he prayed, "Lord, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." It is at this moment that we realize the undeniable sovereignty of God. God, in His divine wisdom, raised up Hushai to counteract Ahithophel's advice, showcasing that nothing in this world exists outside the bounds of God's supreme authority.

This narrative imparts a profound lesson we can glean from David's actions: the importance of turning to God even when our past sins loom, and hopelessness threatens to engulf us. The adversary, Satan, often seeks to ensnare us in regret, attempting to keep us captive. Yet, in these moments, we must remember that God is our Redeemer, a beacon of hope that pierces through the darkness of our past mistakes.

God is at work and in every detail.  As Pastor Marshall said, when we don’t know what to do, keep pursuing Christ, look to Him, hide His Word in our hearts, and sit at His feet.  Jesus, our Redeemer, is sitting at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf.  He has given us everything we need to accomplish the good works He has set out for us.

2 Samuel 13-15

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 17, 2023

In these chapters, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 13-15. These chapters cover the consequences of David’s sin. David was called to shepherd Israel, but he took advantage of God’s sheep. Judgment fell on David’s house and the applications for us are abundant. The message looks at the shepherd as God’s ideal example for leadership, and the consequences that comes from neglecting our shepherding duties.

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Read 2 Samuel 13-15 daily

1. Each day, as you read God’s Word, will you begin by asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to what He has for you?

2. Consider the type of leader you embody, reflecting on your various roles and spheres of influence. Who falls within the circle of your guidance? It may include children, employees, colleagues, friends, your wife, and other family members. Through your actions or inactions, what lessons are they learning from your example? As we observe in Scripture, particularly in 1 and 2 Samuel, our lives ripple through generations to come, leaving a lasting impact.

3. This week, will you devote time to prayer, introspection, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to confront these questions with honesty?

4. What kind of leader are you? Does your family witness you treating others with greater grace, forgiveness, respect, and love than they do? Do they see you obsessed with what you do not have, turning your focus from the goodness of God on your life and chasing after your desires that are not of God? True contentment is only found by aligning our desires with God’s Word.  

5. Whatever the Holy Spirit reveals in this, will you repent, lay it all at the feet of Jesus, and ask Him to forgive you for not living as the shepherd He has called us to live and ask Him to teach you to put on the whole armor of God every day so that you may walk in obedience and His power to accomplish His will for your life.  

2 Samuel 12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 10, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51. These chapters tell the story of God exposing David’s sin and David turning to the Lord in repentance. The story puts God’s mercy on display, but also reveals the consequences of our sin. Many consequences are washed away in God’s grace, but some remain. This message explores the purpose of those consequences that remain.

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In 2 Samuel 11, we saw David use his authority over God’s people in a sinful way. This week we are taking a look at how God exercised His authority over David and the far reaching consequences of David’s sin.

1. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-12. God uses Nathan to speak to David about his sin by using a parable. David had been blessed so richly by God and yet, he wanted what was not his to have and was forbidden by the Lord. Like many who rise to places of power and prestige, David let it go to his head and thought he could do as he desired – forgetting that no sin goes unnoticed by God. This is a sobering thought! Are you currently caught up in sin and trying to keep it hidden in the dark? Do not think for a moment that God does not see it and that it will not be brought into the light. Examine your heart, actions, words, thoughts, etc., and take inventory of the areas that do not line up with God’s word.

2.  In this passage, Marshall brought up the point that the Lord sends his prophets to speak truth to the government. Nathan was used to speak truth to David. God uses His church to speak prophetically to our world and its leaders today. Marshall explained that if we create alliances with government in order to get benefits and comforts, it will rob us of our ability to have a prophetic voice. We damage our witness by holding hands with this world and it’s view of what God calls sin.

3. There were severe consequences for David’s choices. His family was greatly affected by his sin. He lost 4 children, his family used violence to get their way, and adultery occurred with his wives and other men. (Please refer to Marshall’s notes for more detail and scripture references.) This is a perfect example of the generational consequences of sin. If we worship sin – or idols – we become just like what we worship.

4. Read 2 Samuel 12:13-17. David’s response to being confronted with his sin was to admit it and confess it to God. David wrote Psalm 51 as he lamented over his sin. According to God’s law, David’s sin was deserving of death. His only choice was to plead for mercy. When he asked the Lord to purge him with hyssop, he was asking to be covered with blood. How prophetic! David wanted to be restored and have the consequences of his sin removed. God does remove some consequences from us, but we are often left with some we must endure for our entire life. Why? So that they will serve as a deterrent from further sin and teach others the importance of avoiding sin.

5. Read 2 Samuel 12:26-31. This story reveals an important picture. David may have been victorious in battle and had a huge crown to wear on his head, but he had great trouble at home. Please refer to Marshall’s conclusion in his notes. He gives us important points to remember and apply. The evil one wants us to sin and is always looking to try and devour us. We must put on the full armor of God! Sin isn’t without consequences, and it is never as fun, entertaining or innocent as we would like to believe. It is evil and the blood of Jesus is the only cure. Praise be to God for His sacrifice and Christ’s shed blood for us!

2 Samuel 10-11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 3, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches for 2 Samuel 10-11. These chapters pair the blessing of God on David’s life with sin in David’s heart. God blessed David with a home, a family, and a kingdom but his heart wanted more. In these chapters we see the great shepherd king of Israel overstep God’s boundaries and commit adultery and murder to satisfy his own fleshly desires. These chapters are best studied in light of 1 Corinthians 10:11-14 — if anyone things they stand, take heed lest they fall.

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In the last few chapters, we have seen David receive many blessings of success in battle and have a heart full of generosity towards others because of his mindfulness of God’s generosity towards him. Marshall pointed out to us that these two chapters we are studying this week are in great contrast to each other for a purpose. Marshall also reminded us that 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 has an important message that relates. The phrase “take heed lest he fall” in that passage is a great reminder to us! The word heed means to pay careful attention. My hope is that we will do just that.

• Read 2 Samuel 10:1-5. We see David extending an act of generosity to Hanun after his father, Nahash’s death. Hanun humiliated David’s men and instead of retaliating, David was once again generous. We see God blessing David with wisdom and discernment as he continues to depend on Him. The same is true for us. When someone humiliates us or causes pain to someone we love, our reaction should be tempered with a great dependance on the Lord for our response. Otherwise, we end up making the situation worse by taking matters into our own hands and retaliating. Take heed, lest we fall.

• Read 2 Samuel 10:6-19. In this passage, we see David and his men victorious in battle against the Ammonites and the Syrians because of God. When we experience great victories and successes in our lives, we should be mindful that these are because of the Lord’s favor – not because of our efforts alone. If we become arrogant or self-reliant, we have now entered into dangerous territory. We can easily fall into a place of wanting more. Once we take our eyes off of the Giver of our gifts and place them on the gifts themselves, they become idols. This creates an insatiable desire to covet what others have and even rationalize our desire for wanting it. Take heed, lest we fall.

• Read 2 Samuel 11:1-13. In the spring, we see the Israelites go to war again with the Ammonites. It would be typical for David to be in battle with his men. However, he chose to stay behind. David’s blessings and victories were starting to go to his head and cloud his judgment. David makes a series of very unwise choices to not heed God’s direction and it proves to cause great consequences for David and others. David abandoned his obligation by staying home from war. He focused on his own desires. When he was tempted, he chose to give in, instead of running away from it. David chooses to have an affair with Bathsheba, and then tries to cover it up which causes more devastation. We see the stark contrast between Uriah’s virtue and David’s sin. When we choose to sin against God and follow our own desires, chaos typically ensues. The deeper the mess, the less we seem to be able to find our way out of it. The consequences are far reaching and usually affect many others. Take heed, lest we fall.

• Read 2 Samuel 11:14-27. Ultimately, David sends Uriah into the front line of battle which causes his death. David’s selfish desires for what he wanted superseded his desire to follow God. Selfishness is the root of our own destruction. It never works for us, but rather against us and against God’s plan. Marshall pointed out that we are one selfish choice away from ruining relationships (i.e., marriage, children, friendships, etc.) We are one selfish choice away from shipwrecking our faith and our witness. The good news is that we have a loving, forgiving and faithful God! 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 reminds us that there is no temptation that comes our way in which God has not provided a way out. Flee from idols! Look the other way! Run in the other direction! Take heed, lest we fall!

2 Samuel 8-9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 27, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 8-9. These chapters contrast two important themes of King David — the conquering king and the generous king. These themes also foreshadow the same themes in the messiah, King Jesus. The author’s intent in these chapters is for Israel to behold these themes, but there is a secondary goal for us today. We are to behold these themes in our king, but also learn to embody them in our life.

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Read 2 Samuel 8

In the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 8, we are presented with a chapter filled with accounts of David's victories. As we focus on these conquests, it's easy to miss the intricate beauty of how God was at work in David's life.

David's victories over the Philistines, Moabites, Zobah, and the Arameans were undoubtedly remarkable. Verse 6 resonates with the central theme: "God gave David victory wherever he marched." It's a reminder that God is the source of every triumph in our lives. Just as David dedicated the articles to the Lord, let us dedicate our successes, both big and small, to Him, recognizing His role in our achievements.

However, as we delve deeper into these victories, we must remember that David's success was rooted in his alignment with God's will. David's life reflects the profound truth that God will not bless our selfish ambitions. Jesus himself taught us to prioritize seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness above all else, and this principle echoes throughout David's journey.

While triumphs marked David's reign, it's important to remember the foundation upon which his victories were built. David's years of waiting on God during his time on the run from King Saul showcase his unwavering faith. He obediently followed God's guidance, and his focus remained fixed on God rather than himself. Psalm 37:4 encapsulates this truth, reminding us that when we delight in the Lord, He aligns the desires of our hearts with His purposes.

As we examine David's character, we find that he consistently pursued justice and righteousness. This mirrors God's own character, as Psalm 33:5 and Jeremiah 9:24 highlight that God delights in justice, righteousness, and the knowledge of Himself. David's reign was meant to point us to a greater King, as Isaiah 9:6-7 reveals.

Let us not merely skim the surface of David's victories, but instead, let's uncover the layers of God's work within them. David's triumphs were a testament to his obedience, patience, and unwavering faith.

Read 2 Samuel 9

As we contemplate the generous King David, we're drawn to behold the ultimate Generous King, Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:19-22 and Ephesians 2:1 reveal Christ's generosity. We were once dead in our trespasses, without status, and separated from God, but Christ called our names, saved us, and bestowed upon us a seat at His table. Just as David changed Mephibosheth's fate, Jesus transforms ours, offering us reconciliation, life, and a heavenly seat.

David's character mirrors two fundamental aspects of Jesus: his conquering nature and his generous spirit. These qualities should not only be known but also embodied in our lives. The advancement of the gospel and the transformation of our lives illustrate the conquering power of Jesus. His generosity manifests in what He has done for us, compelling us to treat others with the same spirit.

Just as these chapters reveal the essential themes of King David's character, they also reflect the dual nature of King Jesus—conquering and generous. Our lives are to be shaped by these themes. Justice, equity, obedience, and generosity should permeate every corner of our existence. Just as David's reign exemplified these qualities, our lives should embody the same transformative power of Jesus.

2 Samuel 6-7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 20, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Samuel 6-7. These chapters tell the story of the ark of God returning to Jerusalem and God’s blessing over David. Each chapter is filled with a rich theology of worship and prayer. The author invites us to put down deep roots in these chapters and bear fruit in these two areas.

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1. Read 2 Samuel 6:1-4. The Ark of the Covenant was God’s throne on earth (see Marshall’s notes for biblical references.) This Ark was to be carried by the priests on their shoulders. Now that David is king over all of Israel, and Jerusalem is the new capital city, he wants God’s throne to be there too. David proclaims to all of Israel that God is the real King, and the throne belongs to Him alone. However, there was one mistake made. The Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests – not on a manmade cart. Uzzah knew what God’s commands were concerning how the Ark was to be carried and yet, he chose to take the easy way and ultimately it cost him his life. Have you heard God speaking to you through His word and in prayer with clear instructions, and yet you chose to follow your own path? We often want to take the easy way or the most comfortable path instead of God’s way. How has this choice cost you?

2. Read 2 Samuel 6:5-15. Uzzah’s death was a wake-up call for David. This event brought the fear of the Lord to David’s attention. David makes the decision to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem another way. (Please see Marshall’s notes for details on this journey.) It cost David approximately $4,000,000 to make a 3 mile journey! He felt there was no price too great to bring God’s presence into the midst of His people. What price are you willing to make in order to have the Lord’s presence with you? As believers in Christ, we are responsible to carry the presence of the Lord with us to others. Are you actively doing this in your daily life, or are you placing Him on the shelf of religious practice?

3. Read 2 Samuel 6:16-23. David has been dancing before the Lord in worship and is criticized by his wife, Michal. David is worshiping and leading others to do the same. Uzzah was trying to manage the practice of religion and Michal was criticizing and judging. Uzzah and Michal suffered great consequences for their choices, while David was blessed by God for his choice. Worship is a matter of life and death! If we worship the Lord with fear and awe, we are blessed. If we practice religion or look at others in judgement, we lose the heart of worship – which leads to spiritual death! Worship should be an overflow of our heart, and it can be inconvenient, uncomfortable or costly. The reminds me of the “sacrifice of praise.” We must lay down self and selfish desires to worship God in spirit and in truth. In what ways have you been holding back your worship from the Lord? Turn back to Him – repent and worship!

4. Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17. David desires to build God a home, and Nathan agrees. That night God speaks to Nathan and tells him that He does not want that. It is God’s desire to build something IN David, but not for David to build something FOR God. Oh, that we would allow this in us!! Are you so focused on doing for God that you have lost sight of what God wants to do in you?!

5. Read 2 Samuel 7:18-29. David responds to God’s message to Nathan with humility. David prays to God and says, ‘Who am I?” He proclaims God as Sovereign Lord! David recognizes that he is not to be puffed up or following his own desires, but rather to be filled with praise giving glory to God alone! We should follow this example of humility! We must be in the Word for the purpose of feeding our soul and producing a fruitful worship and prayer life. Dig in and plant your roots deeply!