"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? "And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? "Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant. (2 Samuel 7:18-20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of Scripture.  David wanted to build a temple for God.  (vs.5)  Though it was a noble ambition, God’s answer was “no”.  However, God, through the prophet Nathan, revealed great plans for the family of David.  These blessings would come to David’s house long after he was dead.

God promises to 1) establish David’s throne, and 2) build a house in His name.  These promises would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ many years later.  When Nathan was finished, David sat before the Lord and offered mediation to God!  The words of David express both thanksgiving and humble submission.

David’s words are full of wonder at the greatness of God’s mercy toward him.  David is grateful for God’s providence in the past - “what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”  He is thankful for God’s promise of the future- You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come.  The more David pondered theses things, the more he was thankful.

Included with thanksgiving is David’s attitude of submission.  Though he would not build the temple, David graciously accepted his role in God’s plan.  Though David did not fully realize the magnitude of God’s promises, his response was: Now what more can David say to You? For You, Lord GOD, know Your servant.  “You have a purpose and a reason, and I will gladly accept your purpose for me”.

We too should be grateful to God for all of his benefits toward us. 
(Psalms 116:12)  He has greatly provided for us – not just food and shelter, but his wisdom, his peace, fellowship with his people, success in our labors, and the hope of eternal life.

Therefore, we should graciously submit to God’s will.  Who are we?  We were frail, hell bound sinners.  We are imperfect disciples.  We have been redeemed by the grace of God!  “How great you are, Oh Sovereign Lord!”

By George Slover

 

You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:17-18)

We are very familiar with the Bible phrase: “love you neighbor as yourself”.  It is repeated many times in Old and New Testaments.  It is called the “royal law” (James 2:8), and the fulfillment of the law. (Galatians 5:14)  But, consider its setting in the above text.

First, there are times when love involves correction.  In fact there are times when a failure to correct may be a failure to love.  You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.  By withholding such rebuke I may become a partaker with my neighbor in sin.  Instead of nursing resentment, I must try to win my brother back to the path of truth.  (Galatians 6:1)  Such correction is a manifestation of love.  (Galatians 6:1,2; James 5:19,20)

Second, there are times when forbearance is needed.  When my correction is motivated by jealousy, malice, or revenge, it becomes unloving as well.  These may be signs of hatred in my heart.  Thus, with correction I must check my motives lest I incite bitterness.  I must be careful to correct the wrong and not some peculiar personality trait that “gets under my skin”.  Patience must be exercised to allow the one being restored to sort through his thoughts and make the necessary changes.

If I will remember the love and patience God has for me, I will rise to the noble height where love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

By George Slover
 

Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him." (1 Samuel 3:18)

The story of Eli’s sons is one of the most tragic in Bible history. This national leader of Israel was a failure as a father.  The scripture says:  "his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them”. (1 Samuel 3:13)  Because of his laxity God would punish the house of Eli.

To add further tension, God would commission Samuel, Eli’s replacement, to reconfirm God’s pronounced judgment.  Samuel must have had lumps in his throat when he approached Eli with his message from God.  However,  Eli’s remarkable attitude surely eased the mind of Samuel.  And he said, "What is the word that the LORD spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you." (1 Samuel 3:17)  Then Samuel tells him everything.  Eli’s reply is recorded above.

With all hope vanquished that God would change his mind, Eli reverently accepts his plight.  What a truly sad picture!  “This is the Lord’s will and no one can change it!”  Midst his glaring failure, we see the bright side of Eli’s character- humble resolution!

In Eli’s words we see three important features of God’s character: 1) God is just:  the family of Eli would receive all that it deserved, 2) God is sovereign:  “Let him do what seems good”.  It is vain to contend against God.  His purposes will be fulfilled, 3) God is good:  Though it must have been difficult to accept, Eli acknowledges that God always does what is right.

With these thoughts in mind, we must live in the fear of God, grateful for His patience, but with the challenge to live with no regrets.  We will surely make mistakes, but we must have the courage to change that we might be pleasing to the Lord.

George Slover 
 

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (2 Samuel 22:31)

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the life of King David was his constant connection to God.  Before making any move in battle he would first consult God.  In this great Psalm of victory, David is acknowledging that his triumph over his enemies is possible by the power of Jehovah! (see Vs. 1,2)

It was by experience that David would also recognize the truth stated in vs. 31 – “God’s way is perfect and His word is proven”.  David is asserting a truth that at times is difficult to believe.

David first states that God’s way is perfect.  God indeed works mightily in our lives and allows for tests to prove us and sharpen our character.  David by experience could testify of this.  It is easy, especially in the midst of trials, to question God’s ways.  Listen to Job: "Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him”; (Job 23:8).  Although different from what we may have expected, his perfect wisdom and love are exactly adapted to affect His holy purpose.

Next, David recognizes the value of God’s word.  It is as precious as pure gold.   “His commandments are not burdensome”.  (I John 5:3)  However, it is easy to question its wisdom, especially when we are faced with those “hard sayings of God”.  God’s precepts concerning the discipline of a child, leaving an adulterous marriage, being honest even if it hurts, being loyal when it truly requires a sacrifice, loving those who despise you, and other like commands can really challenge us.  Do we really believe God’s way is best?

The more God is tested, the more his ways and word prove their unspeakable worth.  God alone is the absolute, incomparable, perfect one, worthy to be praised!

By George Slover
 

You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:32)

In this context respect for the elderly is enjoined in connection with the fear of God.  To revere is to defer or to yield.  One can picture one who is older walking into a room and all others rising in honor, or offering them the best seat.  Our society has lost that sense of propriety, and has certainly lost its fear of God.

To whom shall we give such honor?  It belongs first, to those who carry the weight of years, who have walked the roads and fought the battles.  Second, it should be given to those who by reason of experience have greater wisdom.  It behooves us to listen carefully to them and consider.  Third such honor belongs to those who have unselfishly served others.  (I Timothy 5:10)  To these we owe a great debt.  Finally, it belongs to those with whom we have a special relationship (like mothers and fathers).  “Thanks mom and dad for your example of love and devotion to God and others.”

Find that special one this week and tell them how much you admire them.  Take time to listen to their stories and give heed to their advice.  Show them the respect and dignity they deserve.

By George Slover