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How Does Suffering and Obedience Which Glorify God Really Lead to Joy?

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Suffering! Not what we want to hear.  Nor is it what we want to teach about.  Yet, Jesus Himself spoke often of our being called out to a life of separation, loneliness, and suffering.  He calls us to obedience and suffering, while at the same time promising us peace, joy, hope, and life eternal.  So, how does suffering and obedience glorify God and really lead to joy?  Although this seems counterintuitive, it is true.  Even when we do not fully comprehend this principle, we see it played out throughout scripture and even daily within our own lives. If only we have ears to hear and eyes to see the miracles all around us that bring Glory to His Name and fill our weary hearts with joy.

How many stories do I hear at work each week.  This week, one patient had recently, unexpectedly faced sudden critical medical events placing him on the edge of death in ICU.  A physician told him it was a miracle he was still alive.  Yet, he told me “All that happened was God giving me a chance to tell everyone I met of the goodness and the faithfulness of God. It was an opportunity to Glorify God.”

Another patient relayed this story. As he was preparing for complex heart surgery, He felt anxious. He was worrying for his wife and family. What if he were to die.  As he prayed alone in that hospital room, a white dove flew down. It lit upon his windowsill and walked back and forth very calmly for 15 minutes.  He had the video to show me.  Suffering often comes as an opportunity to Glorify God.  Amid the suffering, miraculously, joy fills our heart.  Our hope is not in this world but in the one to come.

Glorify God in Suffering

David’s greatest display of strength, honor, and obedience did Glorify God in the midst of his greatest suffering.  And yet, later his disobedience led to a sadness and sorrow unparalleled to anything he had suffered before.  Although in the darkest hours of trials when obedient, running for his life—he had joy in the Lord.  How amazing is that? His sadness only came from the consequences of his disobedience instead. Therefore, let us look at the psalms he wrote describing these emotions.  Then let us contrast and compare that to the beginning of Solomon’s reign.  Furthermore, let us see how all this points us to Jesus Christ.  In all this help us to Glory God in all that we do. Oh that we might see His hand of grace even in our suffering. 

Psalm 62 (NASB)

My soul waits in silence for God alone;
From Him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I will not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will you attack a man,
That you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
4 They have planned only to thrust him down from his high position;
They delight in falsehood;
They bless with their mouth,
But inwardly they curse. Selah

5 My soul, wait in silence for God alone,
For my hope is from Him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
My refuge; I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my glory rest on God;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your hearts before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 People of low standing are only breath, and people of rank are a lie;
In the balances they go up.
Together they are lighter than breath.
10 Do not trust in oppression,
And do not vainly rely on robbery;
If wealth increases, do not set your heart on it.

11 God has spoken once;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God;
12 And faithfulness is Yours, Lord,
For You reward a person according to his work.

A Portrait of Christ in Sorrow to Glorify God

As David ran for his life from Saul, he wrote songs of praise that were the portrait of Christ.  He did not fully know this, or did he,  in a sense.  Out of his suffering David wrote songs to Glorify God that foretold of the Messiah who would come and pay the price for all our sins through His own suffering.  No suffering we endure will ever compare to His for He bore all the wrath of God which we justly deserve in addition to all that He suffered at the hands of the ones He came to save. 

I will bless the Lord who has advised me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the way of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16 (NASB).

Jesus, the True King Will Come To Reign—Glorify God on High

The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
2 The Lord will stretch out Your strong scepter from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
3 Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power;
In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.

4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He will judge among the nations, Psalm 110

Then out of anguish David wrote:

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Psalm 22:1

These are the very words that Christ cried out from the cross when God the Father and the Holy Spirit turned their backs, leaving Jesus for the only time in all of eternity to feel the awful separation from them.  After all, that is the cost of our sin, separation from our only true source of joy, our creator.
He commended His spirit into the hands of His Father, dying the death that I deserved.  An agony greater than we could ever imagine.  Yet, He did this for you and for me.  What suffering then is too great for us to bear for the good of the kingdom or for He who died for me?

7 All who see me deride me;
They sneer, they shake their heads, saying,
8 “Turn him over to the Lord; let Him save him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” Psalm 22 (NASB)

Do these not reflect the very words thrown against Jesus by the crowds? How little did the crowd realize that is precisely what would occur as God would raise Jesus from the dead.  They believed that it had to be right then or of no meaning.  Only the centurion who saw all the events realized Jesus was who He claimed to be.

“Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, certainly this was a righteous man. Luke 23:47 (KJV)

Further Depiction of the Cross to Come


all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a piece of pottery,
And my tongue clings to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
18 They divide my garments among them,
And they cast lots for my clothing.  Psalm 22 (NASB)

In the agonizing cries of David here, he describes tortures that do occur on the cross.  However, the cross was not yet a means of torture or execution.  Still, David is inspired to write these while describing his suffering as though he felt some of what Jesus would feel one day.  Foretelling the events so vividly, despite himself never experiencing exactly that.  His hands had not been literally pierced, nor his bones pulled out of joint.  Still, this is the marvel of how God shows Himself repeatedly throughout scripture, pointing us to Jesus Christ our Savior.  

So, What About Disobedience? How Can We Glorify God after we fail?

For David we know that his sadness did not come during the years of his greatest trials.  Rather, they came as consequence to his own disobedience to God’s command.  Yes, he was forgiven by God when he pleaded for forgiveness with a broken and contrite heart.  His salvation was secure as God had promised.  It is God who by grace holds steadfast to His promises in spite of us at times. Yet, He must condemn sin and disobedience even in His chosen.  My greatest sorrows come when I watch the consequences of my own sins play out their course in life.  So, it was for David. 

As we looked at before, there are Gods unwavering promises and then there are the conditional promises.  So, now as we turn to Solomon in our studies, let us see how this plays out as well.

God’s Unconditional Promises Concerning Solomon

12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him,  2 Samuel 7: (KJV)

Then God chose Solomon to be King.  Shortly after, God, in a dream, asked Solomon what he would ask of Him.  Solomon asked for wisdom to judge the people justly.  Then God granted this and more unconditionally as a covenant promise. 

God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.  I Kings 3 (NASB)

Then came the conditional promise from God to Solomon.

14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthenyour days.”  I Kings 3 (NASB)

As we study Solomon in the coming days, consider this.  Solomon only lived to 59 or 60 years of age before he died. 

What does all this mean for us?

Even in the midst of life’s suffering, our joy is founded in Jesus.  This is particularly true if our suffering is a direct result of our following Him.  We most glorify God when we most rejoice in who He is whether amid a barrage of trials and suffering or in a bright and glorious moment of grace.  If our trial is a result of disobedience, He is faithful and just in forgiving us as we confess our sin to Him.  Therefore, if you cannot find that abiding steadfast joy to undergird you; then, ask Him to show you why.   He will.  So, what are we to do?

He has told you, mortal one, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? 

But as for me, I will be on the watch for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
8 Do not rejoice over me, enemy of mine.
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I live in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.

9 I will endure the rage of the Lord
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.
He will bring me out to the light,
And I will look at His righteousness! Micah 6:8, 7:7-9

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

Transforming life with 14 Powerful Psalms of Praise, Promise, Provision, Plus More

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.CreditsNew King James Version (NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.New American Standard Bible (NASB)New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.Photo licensed from Goodsalt

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Transforming life with 14 Powerful Psalms of Praise, Promise, Provision, Plus More

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The book of Psalms are songs.  Our hearts and minds grasp the sounds of songs, helping us to express our deepest emotions and to memorialize our experiences.  How much easier it is to remember the words to a song?  They spring back into our minds from seemingly nowhere reminding us of our own feelings of joy, sorrow, pain, loneliness, triumph, and despair.  Within the book of Psalms, we find Powerful Psalms of Praise, promise, provision, protection, preparation, petition, and penitence. But why should we study these?  Are they not the same prayers we need!

        Jerry Falwell in his book “Building Dynamic Faith” wrote “the more you know and obey the Word of God, the more faith you will develop” [1]  He believed the key to dynamic, unwavering faith was in bible study and prayer.  He felt strongly that one should read the Bible through every year, but also to “Read five psalms every day to know God intimately and read one chapter in the Proverbs every day to gain wisdom”[2]  Then he would read Old Testament scripture in the morning and New Testament at night.  This plus devoted time to prayer both morning and night were key to his faith walk with God.  No matter how busy he got. 

Note that meant every month, he read the entire book of Psalms in order to know God more intimately.  Should knowing God more intimately not be our goal as well?  So, let us look more closely at some powerful Psalms to help us express our praise, petition and penitence while learning more of God’s provision, promises, and protection all preparing you to live a dynamic faith transforming life for you and all surrounding you.  

POWER PSALMS OF PRAISE

Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
2 From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength
Because of Your enemies,
To do away with the enemy and the revengeful.3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have set in place;
4 What is man that You think of him,
And a son of man that You are concerned about him?
5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6 You have him rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put everything under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen,
And also the animals of the field,
8 The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.9 Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth! 

Psalm 8 (NASB)

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with jubilation;
Come before Him with rejoicing.
3 Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
And His courtyards with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting
And His faithfulness is to all generations.

Psalm 100 (NASB)

POWERFUL PSALMS OF PETITION

How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long am I to feel anxious in my soul,
With grief in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
4 And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in Your faithfulness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has looked after me.

Psalm 13 (NASB)

When you feel He doesn’t hear you, He hears, He remembers His promises and He sees you right there.   He never forsakes you.  Amid the sorrow He sees your pain; yet He knows what will bring you the greatest joy in Him.  So, He waits as He did when He watched His Son pay the price for you on Calvary’s tree.  That is why David could say, “I will sing to the Lord, because He has looked after me.” 

God, hurry to save me;
Lord, hurry to help me!
2 May those who seek my life
Be put to shame and humiliated;
May those who delight in my harm
Be turned back and dishonored.
3 May those who say, “Aha, aha!” be turned back
Because of their shame.

4 May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
And may those who love Your salvation say continually,
“May God be exalted!”
5 But I am afflicted and needy;
Hurry to me, God!
You are my help and my savior;
Lord, do not delay. 

Psalm 70 (NASB)

POWERFUL PSALMS OF PENITENCE

Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my guilt
And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my wrongdoings,
And my sin is constantly before me.
4 Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge. 

Psalm 51 (NASB)

Penitence for self and nation

 Out of the depths I have cried to You, Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the sound of my pleadings.
3 If You, Lord, were to keep account of guilty deeds,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
So that You may be revered.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And I wait for His word.
6 My soul waits in hope for the Lord
More than the watchmen for the morning;
Yes, more than the watchmen for the morning.
7 Israel, wait for the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He will redeem Israel
From all his guilty deeds. 

Psalm 130 (NASB)

PSALMS OF PROVISION

The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 (NASB)

4 I sought the Lord and He answered me,
And rescued me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
6 This wretched man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 Fear the Lord, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no lack of anything.
10 The young lions do without and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me

Psalm 34 (NASB)

Powerful PSALMS OF PROMISES

Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
And on His Law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season,
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1 (NASB)

 Do not get upset because of evildoers,
Do not be envious of wrongdoers.
2 For they will wither quickly like the grass,
And decay like the green plants.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
6 He will bring out your righteousness as the light,
And your judgment as the noonday. 

Psalm 37

Two Powerful Psalms of Protection

One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who rescues you from the net of the trapper
And from the deadly plague.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may take refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and wall.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the plague that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that devastates at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the retaliation against the wicked.
9 For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
The Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will happen to you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels orders concerning you,
To protect you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will lift you up,
So that you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will walk upon the lion and cobra,
You will trample the young lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he has loved Me, I will save him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 I will satisfy him with a long life,
And show him My salvation.” 

Psalm 91

12 The wicked plots against the righteous,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow
To take down the afflicted and the needy,
To kill off those who are upright in conduct.
15 Their sword will enter their own heart,
And their bows will be broken.

Psalm 37 (NASB)

Powerful Psalms of Preparation

When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
22 Then I was stupid and ignorant;
I was like an animal before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your plan,
And afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And with You, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
So that I may tell of all Your works. 

Psalm 73 (NASB)

Make me know Your ways, Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day. 

Psalm 25 (NASB)

Concluding Thoughts

And so, the Psalms are source of hope, strength, and joy amid all the trials of this life.  Let us learn to turn to them, everyday of our lives.  Remembering verses to help us face each day.  Thereby, transforming our life and the lives of those surrounding us. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

[1] Falwell, Jerry; Building Dynamic Faith:2005, Thomas Nelson; Nashville,TN, pg 54

[2] Ibid, page 55

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Amid the Tempest of Earthly Kingdoms, Our Steadfast Rock is Jesus

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As we close out the study of 2 Samuel and enter the study of I Kings, King David is dying.  He speaks some final words of wisdom to his son, Solomon whom God has chosen to follow him.  There is a sadness of tone, as we remember the turmoil brought about during the last years of his reign. Turmoil and conflict, consequences and reminders of David’s own frailties and failures.  Yet in it all God proved faithful to His promises.  Around us and throughout history there have been the rise and fall of Kings and Kingdoms.  We watch an unending tempest within our own country with the conflicts of our leaders.  Presidents come and presidents go leaving indelible marks in our society.  Yet, amid the tempest of earthly kingdoms, our steadfast rock is Jesus.  God remains faithful to His promises. 

There are throughout scripture both conditional promises from God and unconditional promises.  We see this clearly displayed in the life of David. 

Unconditional Promise

Even before David’s sin with Bathsheba, God presented this unconditional promise to David.

12 When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he does wrong, I will discipline him with a rod of men and with strokes of sons of mankind, 15 but My favor shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”’  2 Samuel 7: (NASB)

This promise remains unchanged by David’s sin.  God will accomplish all that He has planned and promised because of His Grace.  What changed because of sin?  Joy and peace were replaced with turmoil and sadness. David watched the conflicts among his children, the suffering of the people and must of remembered how his own failures injured those around him. 

Despite that God did not fail to keep His promise.  Through the line of David came Jesus our steadfast rock.  God was faithful throughout history.  His unconditional promise to the world and to David was true. 

Our Steadfast Rock is Jesus

Alistair Begg in his sermon on 2 Kings wrote:

Well, what the Bible is making clear is this: that God has pledged himself to fulfill his covenant promises, in spite of the individual disobedience of any particular king. In spite of. At the same time, on the pathway of those individual kings, there will be for them no enjoyment of God’s covenant blessings when they are disobedient. When they’re disobedient. It’s not their obedience that establishes the covenant. [1]

And yet, there are those conditional promises.  If this, then that.  We see this in David’s speech to Solomon.

As David’s time to die drew near, he commanded his son Solomon, saying, 2 “I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong, and prove yourself a man. 3 Do your duty to the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 so that the Lord may fulfill His promise which He spoke regarding me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful about their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and all their soul, you shall not be deprived of a man to occupy the throne of Israel.’ I Kings 2 (NASB)

Is there a man on the throne of Israel today? NO.  This was a conditional promise.  If you do all that God has commanded, you and keep all his ordinances. 

Our Steadfast Rock is Jesus

The covenant promise of God from all of eternity… Actually, you know, way back in Genesis, what, 17, when the word of God comes to Abram, and he says, “You know, you’ve got a great future in front of you, and kings will come from you”—that’s Genesis 17. Here they come! First of all, Saul: gone. David: marginal. Solomon: on his way. God has pledged himself, so that when the King comes riding on a donkey, “gentle and lowly in heart,” all of these bits and pieces are seen to be fulfilled. But for the time being, we need to recognize that this is important. [2]

The King who would fulfill the covenant promise through the lineage of David, our steadfast rock is Jesus. 

So, what can we learn from this?

God is faithful.  He will keep His covenant promises.  If we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, everything is ours to hold.  But, even then, there are conditional promises.  Those have to do with our joy and peace.  Do you have joy and peace today?  What is standing in the way?

Psalm 1 (NASB) says:

Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
And on His Law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season,
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Amid the Tempest of Kings and Kingdoms

David prayed for God to restore the “joy of His Salvation”.  It was the joy lost due to his disobedience.  His salvation held firm and God drew David back every time he fell.  The same was true of Solomon.  He wrote Ecclesiastes saying “Vanity, vanity, all is vanity and vexation of spirit” concluding that all that really matters is:

13 The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12 (NASB)

Some final verses to guide us—Our Steadfast Rock is Jesus

4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus…. 8 Hewill also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  I Corinthians 1 (NET)

I Thessalonians 5: (NASB)

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.

II Thessalonians 3 (NASB)

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  Hebrews 10:23

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1 (KJV)

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.    2 Timothy 2

Words from Alistair Begg

I encourage you to follow the link and go to his site Truth for Life and listen to this sermon in its entirety as well as his many others. He says it much better than I can.

Church conferences abound on all kinds of subjects—you know, “How to develop your programs,” “How to engage in the culture,” all good stuff. Very few of them are actually convened on the subject of Jesus Christ, you know: “We’re going to have a conference on Jesus. And we’re going to have a conference on obedience.” No, no, we want to have a conference on programs, developing the personality of the leader, the political things, and so on. But didn’t we read this in 1 Samuel? Didn’t the word of God come, “To obey is better than sacrifice”?[24] Just straightforward: doing what God says.

And isn’t it quite amazing, and yet ought not to be particularly surprising, that when we read these records, when we meet these people—and Solomon, we’re about to see (well, we’re not, actually, but you can read on)—even the best of God’s servants only make it by grace? The best! They only make it by grace. How do you finish well? By grace. How do you keep going? By grace. “Oh, you mean you can just disobey, and he just does grace?” No, no, no. His grace causes our hearts to say, “I delight to do your will, O God.”

My obedience to my married vows didn’t create the covenant of marriage. But I can’t enjoy the covenant of marriage without obedience to my marriage vows. Your obedience did not bring you into a saving relationship with Jesus. That’s grace, start to finish. But our continuance is not outside the narrow path he calls us to walk.

You see, actually, David’s story is marginal. None of our ministries—none of our ministries—are very impressive this side of heaven. They’re not. They’re really not. Which is good, for two reasons. Because it deals, then—when we recognize it humbly—it deals both with our conceit, and it deals with our despair. When we realize that it is all on account of God’s amazing grace, then we’re not going to do the survey thing like David at the end of 2 Samuel so that we can go, “Wow, you see, the things… Ooh!” No. Because only God makes things grow.[25]

But at the same time, when you go home, and you sit in your room, and I sit in my room and say, “We’re not really making a dent in this place. We’re not really making much of an impact in the vastness of greater Cleveland. Oh, we have little groups, and we have different things.” And the Lord says, “Hey, it’s not about you and your groups. It’s about me and my glory. Go ahead and plant. Go ahead and water. Grace will make it grow.” When a church family gets that, it really changes everything. It really changes everything—gets rid of spiritual snobbery, gets rid of judgmentalism. Because everybody’s life is a mess. Some are just messier than others. But it’s all mess.

You say, “Well, that was very encouraging. Thank you.” No, I want it to be encouraging. I want to say to you… Because then where do you run? You run into the arms of God. You run into the arms of God.[3]

Alistair Begg

[1] Alistair Begg, “Death of a King-Part 1” (sermon, September 11, 2022), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/death-king-part-one/

[2] iBid

[3] listair Begg, “Death of a King-Part 1” (sermon, September 11, 2022) https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/death-king-part-one/

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

One Decision Changed Triumph to Tragedy Yet the Grace of God Won
How to Really Remain Faithful to God from Priests to Politicians

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

 “Copyright Truth For Life. Used with Permission. www.truthforlife.org.”

Photo licensed from Goodsalt

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One Decision Changed Triumph to Tragedy Yet the Grace of God Won

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As we turn to the book of II Samuel, we read the ongoing saga of King David.  Samuel had died, even before Saul.  In the Jewish Bible these are named I and II Kings; but in ours it is II Samuel most likely because it had been Samuel who anointed both Saul and then David.  The story begins with ongoing turmoil in the land, ultimately to settle into peace and prosperity under King David.  At least for a time.  David was only 30 years of age when crowned King.  Although, the time prior to this had seemed much longer with all the twists and turns.  For the first 20 years, all went well.  Israel expanded their territory.  Every household prospered.  But then one decision changed triumph to tragedy.  Sin, with all its consequences then plagued David’s life.  The Sovereign Grace of God won declaring victory in the end.

Sin has a way of doing that.  It seeps into our lives.  Hardly aware it leads to one decision.  One decision that led to many unforeseen consequences.  Despite his repentance and his position with God being restored, King David would watch the consequences play out tragically through the lives of his sons and his people.  Yet the grace of God won the victory.  The line that marched forward to the birth of Jesus Christ marched always forward in spite of the failures of humanity.  God’s Sovereign Grace would prevail.  It marches on today.  The penalty of sin was paid at Calvary and the Victory won as Jesus rose from the grave.  One wondrous day, He will return.  There will be a new heaven and a new earth where we will be with Him forever.  Yet, for now even one decision can turn triumph into tragedy in our life as well. 

One Decision to Stay

 Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they brought destruction on the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem.   2 Samuel 11:1 (NASB)

Up until this time, David went to war with his troops.  This was the custom.  Was it pride that kept him behind?  Or had he decided that war was for the younger men.  After all, he was comfortable in his palace surrounded by servants. 

2 Now at evening time David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. 3 So David sent servants and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 Then David sent messengers and had her brought, and when she came to him, he slept with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. 5 But the woman conceived; so she sent word and informed David, and said, “I am pregnant.”  2 Samuel 11 (NASB)

Note that David was given a warning in a sense.  Someone said, this is Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah.  David, she is married and she is someone’s daughter.  But by then, he was smitten with desire and heard nothing of what they said. 

One Decision leads to another

Now that one decision not to go to war, lead to a restless night which lead to temptation.  After all that, then begins the attempt to cover up his sin.  As though he thought he could cover it up from God as well.  Besides how many of his servants knew of all this. 

So, he sends for Uriah who proves more noble than the king.  Even after bringing him home, Uriah refused to go to his house and sleep with his wife.  He was an honorable man.

10 Now when they informed David, saying, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Did you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” 11 And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in temporary shelters, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Should I then go to my house to eat and drink and to sleep with my wife? By your life and the life of your soul, I will not do this thing.”  2 Samuel 11 (NASB).

Then David wrote a letter to the head of his army and gave it to Uriah to deliver it sealed.

Station Uriah on the front line of the fiercest battle and pull back from him, so that he may be struck and killed.” 16 So it was as Joab kept watch on the city, that he stationed Uriah at the place where he knew there were valiant men. 17 And the men of the city went out and fought against Joab, and some of the people among David’s servants fell; and Uriah the Hittite also died.  2 Samuel 11 (NASB)

David married Bathsheba and the baby died.

Far Reaching Consequences from One Decision

Never can we look to say what could have, would have, or should have been had David not made that one decision to stay home from battle.  But we do know that God’s works His wondrous plans to fruition and certainly doesn’t need us to sin for Him to do so. 

God had said that many nations would come from Abraham.  That did not justify Abraham’s sin with Hagar.  Sin has far-reaching consequences.  In the case of David, the remainder of the chapters are just that. 

His oldest son Amnon looked lustfully upon his half sister and set out a plot to sexually violate her—then cast her aside.  Her brother Absalom then plotted and killed Amnon. 

All made worse because the King did not punish or judge his sons.  Perhaps his own guilty hands prevented it.  Had he not done the same. 

Absalom later tried to take over the Kingdom from his father.  David had to run for his life from his son.

But the grace of God restored David and even gave the kingdom to Solomon, the son of Bathsheba.  And it was through Solomon that the lineage to Jesus was outlined to Joseph.  But it was Nathan, another son of David, who had the blood line to Mary—not Solomon.

Jesus Christ, the true King foretold was born to a virgin in the little town of Bethlehem.  It was and always is the Sovereign grace of God that won and wins still today.    

Does Repentance Alter the Consequences of Sin?

David had repented.  Albeit his repentance we know was delayed at least for a time.  Nathan the prophet (not the same Nathan as his son), came to David to confront him with his sin. 

Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said,

“There were two men in a city, the one wealthy and the other poor.
2 The wealthy man had a great many flocks and herds.
3 But the poor man had nothing at all except one little ewe lamb
Which he bought and nurtured;
And it grew up together with him and his children.
It would eat scraps from him and drink from his cup and lie [c]in his lap,
And was like a daughter to him.
4 Now a visitor came to the wealthy man,
And he could not bring himself to take any animal from his own flock or his own herd,
To prepare for the traveler who had come to him;
So he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.”

5 Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this certainly deserves to die! 6 So he must make restitution for the lamb four times over since he did this thing and had no compassion.”  2 Samuel 12 (NASB).

This was an example.  Note David’s wrath against the man.  The law would have said regarding the lamb, the man should restore it 4-fold.  But David proclaimed the death penalty for the crime.  At least until

2 Samuel 12: 7-15

7 Nathan then said to David, “You yourself are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘It is I who anointed you as king over Israel, and it is I who rescued you from the hand of Saul. 8 I also gave you your master’s house and put your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these! 9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, by doing evil in His sight? You have struck and killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, you have taken his wife as your wife, and you have slaughtered him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.

10 Now then, the sword shall never leave your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 This is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I am going to raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12 Indeed, you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and in open daylight.’”

13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has allowed your sin to pass; you shall not die. 14 However, since by this deed you have shown utter disrespect for the Lord, the child himself who is born to you shall certainly die.” 15 Then Nathan went to his house.

And Absalom, years later, did sleep with David’s concubines on the rooftop for all of Israel to see. 

So, what about us?  Can one Decision turn triumph to tragedy?

There is no doubt that one decision can change the course of our life.  But remember this.  The Sovereign Grace of God won the victory for us.  We will not be cast aside or thrown out of His loving arms.  Jesus Christ finished the work for us.  Will there be natural consequences which will affect our life?  Certainly, but then the grace and peace of God will carry us through them to final victory as we lay them at His feet, His peace will restore us to a joyful relationship with Him?

Then, should we like David, not admonish our children because we also sinned?  Absolutely not.  We must tell them with sincerity the cost of our own sin along with our desire that they avoid that pain.  So let us end with David’s prayer of repentance for His sin.

PSALM 51 (NASB)

51 Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my guilt
And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my wrongdoings,
And my sin is constantly before me.
4 Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

5 Behold, I was brought forth in guilt,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in secret You will make wisdom known to me.
7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
Cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones You have broken rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins
And wipe out all my guilty deeds.

10 Create in me a clean heart, God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach wrongdoers Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.

14 Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of my salvation;
Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.
15 Lord, open my lips,
So that my mouth may declare Your praise.
16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.

18 By Your favor do good to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,
In burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
Then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

How to Really Remain Faithful to God from Priests to Politicians

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

Photo licensed from Goodsalt

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How to Really Remain Faithful to God from Priests to Politicians

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What is the difference between the person who remains faithful to God versus the ones who walk away?  In I Samuel we see one priest arise from the last judge to the first prophet while another declines into blinded ruin.  We also see a politician’s decline into nothingness while a shepherd poet rises to greatness in this world.  What are the differences among these men and the lessons we can learn?  How can we really remain faithful to God?

The book of I Samuel is the story of 4 men:  Eli, Samuel, Saul and David.  Two began well and fell into ruin, while two remain faithful to God.  What are the differences?  And what can we learn from them?  Furthermore, why is this important to us today?  Paul in writing to Timothy described what we would face as the last days approached.  As we read these words, let us consider all that surrounds us.  Then let us take to heart the lessons on how to remain faithful from the contrasting of these 4 men in I Samuel.  

2 Timothy 3 (NASB)

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. 6 For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their foolishness will be obvious to all, just as was that also of Jannes and Jambres.

10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! (this he wrote from jail right before he was beheaded)

12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3

How to Remain Faithful to God Contrasting Two Priests

Eli had been priest and indeed also taught Samuel as his understudy.  Yet, as time goes by we are told.

 Now the boy Samuel was attending to the service of the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days; visions were infrequent.2 But it happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to be poor and he could not see well), 3 and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was, 4 that the Lord called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.”  1 Samuel 3

God, Himself, is such a poetic writer.  Referring to Eli, God wrote, “his eyesight had begun to be poor and he could not see well but the the lamp of God had not yet gone out.  Visions were rare in those days, as humanity were growing ever more blinded to the truth of God.  What had been Eli’s great sin?  He had turned “a blinded eye to the corruption of his own sons”

13 For I have told him that I am going to judge his house forever for the wrongdoing that he knew, because his sons were bringing a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. 14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the wrongdoing of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.” I Samuel 3

God told Eli through Samuel judgement had come to his house.  Eli’s sight faded on into utter blindness as he did nothing.  Oh, he had told them “no”; but then did not remove them for their transgression. 

Had Eli Been Warned before?

Yes, God had sent another man of God to Eli in chapter 2.  But Eli chose to tolerate his sons’ sins in the name of love.  Yet God chose for Himself a new priest who would be also His prophet.

Thus, Samuel became the priest whom God had chosen.  He was also the last of the judges and the first of the prophets.  Beyond that, God chose Samuel to anoint both King Saul and King David. Just as God had promised to do.

I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always.  I Samuel 2:35

Eli’s sons were killed by the Philistines as they stole the Ark of God.  Hearing of it, Eli fell off the seat and died.  His grandson born that day was named Ichabod, meaning, “the glory has departed from Israel, because the ark of God had been taken” 

But God

Everywhere in the Philistine territory that the ark was taken, the people were plagued with mouse shaped tumors while their crops were destroyed by mice.  So much so, they ultimately returned the Ark to Israel with guilt offerings of golden mice plus herd to provide sacrifice. 

Meanwhile,

Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life …Now it came about, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. 3 His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; 5 and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord.   I Samuel 7:15 to 8:6

Note the contrast.  When Eli’s sons did wrong, Eli told them “stop that.”  When Samuel’s sons did wrong, Samuel went to God.

A Tale of Two Kings and How to Remain Faithful to God

Now, when God first called Saul to be King, he was humble.  Yet, this greed, arrogance, and pride took over.  Indeed, he turned so far away, that he disregarded all the commandments of God.  Contrast that with David, who also began humble, but remained so.  David also demonstrates how to remain faithful to God, by waiting on God’s timing, praising God for all that He does through psalms, and during his exile never taking the matter into his own hands.  He trusted God’s timing. Saul became determined to kill David.  As an evil politician, Saul could not tolerate the truth.  It was his own rebellion, pride and sin which lost him the Kingdom.  God chose David to be his successor.  Saul, refused to remain faithful to God.  Rather he chose to do things his way. 

Neither would he take counsel from those who were righteous around him—Samuel, David, and his own son Jonathan. Instead, He held fast to his own pride.  Instead of seeking counsel from God, he sought counsel of a medium.  In this, Saul demonstrated the truths of Proverbs 12

One who separates himself seeks his own desire;
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
But in revealing his own mind….

12Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.

David on the other hand sought counsel from God.  Even when Saul lay vulnerable before him, he refused to take his life.  Why?  Because he would not himself kill the King whom God had anointed, even if the King had now become evil.  David knew that God would remove Saul in God’s own timing. Thus, David chose to remain faithful to God.    He trusted God’s word instead of his own heart. 

So, what can we take from this?  How do we remain faithful to God?

He has told you, mortal one, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8

And how do we do that? I Mean Remain Faithful to God

  1.  Trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, knowing the gospel truth that He is God Incarnate who is the only one who could pay your penalty for sin.  Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
  2. Then realizing that your salvation came from Him alone, humbly walk before Him.
  3. Study His word, every day of your life.
  4. Pray for Him to guide you.

17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.

24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen.  Jude

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:11

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

FINDING HOPE God Accomplishes Redemption Amid the Darkest Hours of Life How?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

Photo taken by Effie Darlene Barba