DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A DIVIDED HEART

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A DIVIDED HEART

"And Solomon loved the LORD,  walking in the statues of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places."  (I Kings 3:3)

What?????  Does this sound incongruous?  Love God and worship idols?

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.  Even Jesus commended Solomon for his wisdom (Matthew 12:42). But as great as Solomon was, it is apparent that he had a divided heart. 

But he was a man with problems.  He did not always act wisely.  He made a treaty with Egypt and married Pharaoh's daughter (3:1) in direct disobedience to God's command to not intermarry with other peoples.  He had an uncontrolled sex drive.  He even surpassed his father David in this area by acquiring 700 wives and 300 concubines, who turned his heart away from God (I Kings 11:1-4).  The Book  of Ecclesiastes is a chronicle of his search for meaning apart from God.  

And yet God blessed him.  I do not take this as license to follow in Solomon's footsteps, but rather as a warning, lest my heart be turned away after other gods.

No matter how much we love the Lord, we are all susceptible to Solomon's dichotomy if we do not keep our eyes firmly set on the Lord Jesus.  Satan would love to lure us away from that focus.  

It could even be good things that distract us from our love for the Lord.  We find a church that the Lord Jesus praised for their good works, their labor, their patience, purity of doctrine, and their perseverance.  And yet, Jesus said, "Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love" (Revelation 2:2-4).  

Perhaps this is a caution to all of us, lest we allow other things to supplant our love for our Savior.  He is worthy of all of our love and devotion.  "Blessed are those that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart" (Psalm 119:2).

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

"Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying: 'I will be king'; and he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run before him."  (I Kings 1:5)

King David was old and his time on earth was drawing to a close.  But he had one more challenge before he died:  another insurrection.

Adonijah was the brother of Absolom – the same one who caused rebellion earlier in David's kingship.  He was a son of David so he was in the line of succession.  However, he tried to move things along by getting himself declared to be king.  He even had the backing of Joab, the commander of Israel's army.  Joab had been a pain in David's side throughout his reign.

But David had promised Bathsheba that her son, Solomon, would ascend to the throne after David's death.  When Bathsheba and Nathan, the prophet, brought to the king's attention what Adonijah was doing, David called for the Zadok, the priest, and Nathan, the prophet, to anoint Solomon, installing him king.  

"So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the City of David. ..Then  Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established" (I Kings 2:10, 12).

This speaks to me as a person who is "advanced in age" to be sure that I clearly communicate to my family and other people of interest what my intentions are concerning the final distribution of my assets.  Too many family quarrels have developed because there were no clear guidelines, so it is tempting for heirs to cause insurrection in the family.

The Lord Jesus certainly made His intentions for His disciples clear before He departed to Heaven.  He told them to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).  There is no question about His intentions for us in His final will and testament.  We have a mandate. 

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MY SACRIFICE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – MY SACRIFICE

"And Gad came that day to David and said to him,  'Go up, erect an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.'  So David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded…..So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.  And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered offerings and peace offerings.  So the LORD heeded the prayers for the land and the plague was withdrawn from Israel."  (II Samuel 24:18-19, 24b-25)

Most stories end on a positive note, especially biographies.  It is a sad thing that David's story in II Samuel ends on such a sorry note.   It is the story of David's sin, God's judgment, David's repentance, worship, and answered prayer.  On second thought, perhaps that is not such a bad way to end a story.

David had sinned by taking a census.  There really was no need for numbering the people, but apparently David took his eyes off of God who had been so faithful through the years, and put his faith in how large his kingdom was.

God sent judgment on the nation because of David's sin, which helps us understand why good people suffer under the sins of their leaders.  Seventy thousand men died as a result of this judgment.  David confessed his sin, and as a part of the resolution, God told David to erect an altar.  David obeyed, but when he came to the place where the altar would be built, the owner offered to give David the land, the animals for sacrifice, and even wood for the fire. 

But David rejected this offer, by acknowledging that it would not be his sacrifice if it was given to him – if it didn't cost him anything.  Other people cannot offer my sacrificial offering.  It if costs me nothing, then it is not really a sacrifice.  The offering that God accepts has to be my sacrifice.  King David said, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit" (Psalm 51:17).  Repentance involves sacrificing my pride, my will, and my pleasure.  This is the sacrifice God is looking for.    This is my sacrifice.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- NOT AGAIN!

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – NOT AGAIN!!!

"When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servant with him went down and fought against the Philistines…..Now it happened afterward that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob.  Then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was one of the sons of the giant….Again there was war at Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaarei-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.  Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also was born to the giant.   These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants."  (II Samuel 21:18-22)

It must have been a real trial to have to battle again and again and again and again a war he had fought and won against Goliath.  But Goliath had relatives – a brother and sons, and they kept popping up to give David headaches.  First, there was Ishbi-Benob, a son of Goliah (vs. 15) who thought he could kill David.  Then there was Saph, a brother, followed by another brother, and an unidentified relative.

I can identify with this.  It seems that I have fought this battle before.  I think I have won a victory in some area of my life, only to have it rear its ugly head again and again.   Will the battle never end?

The enemy attacks with different approaches.  It seems that the original giant has brothers and offspring to carry on the battle.  He does not give up easily.  

So I cry with the Apostle Paul, " 'Who will deliver me from this body of death?' "  There is an answer:  "I thank God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!"  (Romans 7:24-25).  There is victory in Jesus!         

Love,  Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MERCY, GRACE, AND BLESSING

DAD'S RAMBLINGS –MERCY, GRACE, AND BLESSING

"So he [David] swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king:  'Return, you and all 

your servants' …. (II Samuel 19:14)

The previous chapters contain the history of the rebellion of David's son. Absolom.  Absolom had been killed and the rebellion withered away.  Now we pick up the story of King David's return to Jerusalem from his exile on the east side of Jordan.  

As he is about to cross the Jordan back into his kingdom, he is met by three men.  His responses to these men give us a graphic picture of the magnificent spirit of David.

The first to meet him was Shimei.  The story of Shimei is found in II Samuel chapter 16. Shimei was a relative of Saul, and carried a grudge against David because he had replaced King Saul many years earlier. As David was fleeing from Jerusalem with his household to the east side of Jordan, Shimei ran along the hillside that parallelled the road throwing rocks at David and shouting obscenities.  Now that David was returning as king to regain his place as King, Shimei came to meet him in repentance.  Some of David's men wanted to kill him, but David extended mercy and saved Shimei from death.

The second person to meet David was Mephibosheth.  Remember that Mephibosheth was a son of Jonathan, Saul's son, who was lame.  David had shown grace to him and brought him into the king's household.  Mephibosheth had not joined David in his exile, but David again showed him great grace and forgiveness.  

The third person was Barzilai, who had supplied David with provision during his exile.  David now blessed him for his kindness.

This is a picture of God's character expressed toward us.  We, like Shimei, have treated Him shamefully but have received His mercy when we came in repentance.  Like Mephibosheth, His grace has been poured out on us even in our missteps.  And His blessings have been bestowed on us who have honored Him. Mercy, grace and blessing.  We serve a wonderful God.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE INFECTION OF SIN

DAD'S RAMBLINGS –THE INFECTION OF SIN

"So David said to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the LORD.'  And Nathan said to David, 'The LORD also has put away your sin, you shall not die.  However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.' "

(II Samuel 12:13-14).  

The affair with Bathsheba was a sad and sordid bloch on David, his reign and his legacy.  But it gives us much insight into the effects of sin.

First, when David was confronted by Nathan, he was quick to confess his sin.

Second, God was quick to forgive.  

Third, David understood that his sin was not just against Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah, but it was against God Himself.

Fourth, one of the effects of sin is to give God's enemies occasion to speak badly about God.

Fifth, although David was forgiven, there would still be consequences for his sin that would not just be painful to him but to Bathsheba – the death of a child that arose from this adultery.

We need to be aware that when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we need to repent immediately, with the assurance that God forgives immediately.  We need to remember that our sin is primarily against God even though other people may be affected.  It should cause us grief that our sin gives the ungodly occasion to speak evil of our God.  And even though we have been forgiven, there may be residual consequences of our sin.

Sin is like a bad infection that needs to be cleansed.  We serve a gracious and longsuffering God who is quick to forgive and cleanse us from our unrighteousness when we confess our sins.  Forgiven.  What a beautiful word.  

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ACTS OF KINDNESS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – ACTS OF KINDNESS

"Now David said, 'Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?'..... It happened after this that the king of the people of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place.   Then David said, 'I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nabash, as his father showed kindness to me.' "   (II Samuel 9:1; 10:1-2)

One of the hallmarks of a godly man or woman is the character trait of kindness.  David was a godly man and he demonstrated kindness.  As you read about his life in the Scriptures, he had a kind heart.

In the first instance, the search for an heir or Saul was fulfillment of a covenant David and Jonathan had made with each other.   A part of that covenant included these words by Jonathan:  " 'And you (David) shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever, no, not when the LORD has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.'  So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, ' Let the LORD require it at the hand of David's enemies.'" (I Samuel 20:14-16).  Kindness was a part of that covenant.

In the second instance, David sought to repay kindness that Nahash, the king of Ammon, had shown to David.  It is not clear what that kindness was, but David remembered, and wanted to do a kind deed for his son, Hanun.

One of the fruit of the spirit is kindness (Galatians 6:22) and should be a part of our nature.  And God says, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness…" (Colossians 3:12), and, add to your godliness, brotherly kindness (II Peter 1:7).  Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32).  Kindness is one of the characteristics of love. "Love suffers long and is kind" (I Corinthians 13:4  

God has demonstrated His kindness to us in Christ (Ephesians 2:7).  The kindness and love of God our Savior has appeared to us providing salvation (Titus 3:4-5).  We can reflect God's kindness to us by being kind to other people.  The bumper sticker tells us to do a random act of kindness.  But these are not just random acts of kindness; they are intentional.  

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LET BYE-GONES BE BYE-GONES

DADS RAMBLINGS --  LET BYE-GONES BE BYE-GONES

"Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised David in her heart."  (I Samuel 6:16)

The Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistines and then returned to Israel.  Following its return it had been stored at the house of Obed Edom.  Now King David was bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem from the house of Obed Edom where it had been stored. This was a joyous, exhilarating time, and David became overcome by his emotions.  He stripped off his royal garments and danced before the LORD with all his might (vs. 14).  Well, Michal, one of his wives, saw this and she berated David for making such a spectacle of himself before all the people.  "How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!"  (vs. 20). David responded, "I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight" (vs. 21).

It is apparent from this exchange that Michal had a bee in her bonnet.  Michal, a daughter of King Saul, had been given to David as a wife following the defeat of Goliath.  But when David fled from Saul, Michal was given as a wife to another man.  When David became king over the nation of Israel, he demanded that Michal be returned to him as a wife.

I think that Michal was still harboring resentment from that exchange, and she did not honor David either as king nor as her husband.  

Have you ever desired something from your past, but when it was restored, you found that it was not as good as you remembered? Some- times it is best to let bye-gones be bye-gones and not try to resurrect the past.  It can bring a lot of heartache.  Satan wants us to dredge up the past and cause us to live in defeat.  It is better to let the past be buried.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BREAKTHROUGH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – BREAKTHROUGH

"The Philistines also went and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim.  So David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines?'  And the LORD said to David, 'Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.'  So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, 'The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.' Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim."    (II Samuel 5:18-20)

David had just been crowned king of all the combined nations of Israel and Judah.  When the Philistines heard this news, they decided to attack this new kingdom.  Perhaps they thought that the political situation would be unstable and in turmoil, or perhaps they feared the strength of this union.  The enemy just doesn't give up.  

At any rate, David and his army went out to meet them, and God gave them victory over the Philistines.  David named that place Baal-Perazim, which translated means "The Master of Breakthrough."  God broke through with victory.

I once attended a church that called the Sunday evening church service, "Breakthrough."  At the time, I thought it referred to believers breaking through to new heights in their faith.  But in light of this verse, perhaps it was meant to mean God breaking through with victory in the lives of people going through battles with the enemy, Satan.

God is the Master of Breakthrough.  When the enemy attacks with its hordes, God is still in control.  He brings victory when it seems the enemy is overwhelming.  I can live by faith at Baal-Perazim – the place where God breaks through.

Love,  Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A FAMILY FEUD

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A FAMILY FEUD

"Now Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.  And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon.  So they sat down, one on one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool."

(II Samuel 2:12-13)

Abner was the general of the army of the northern tribes of Israel under the kingship of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul.  Joab was the general of the army of King David and the tribe of Judah under King David.  

Joab was the son of Zeruiah, a sister of King David.  So Joab and David were cousins. Joab had two brothers, Asahel and Abishai.  As descendants of Israel, they were a part of the family.

In our text, Abner and his army, and Joab and his army had met for war.  In the ensuing battle, Abner killed Asahel.  In the end, a cease-fire was declared between Abner and Joab.  But as the story progressed, Abner came to King David to make peace and submit the army of Israel to King David.  

When Joab heard that King David had made peace with Abner, he could not let go of his anger and his desire for revenge.  "So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle" (3:30).  

Carrying a grudge can never end well.  The need for revenge eats at a person until they get their pound of flesh.  

As Christians, we need to fully commit to the instructions of God through the Apostle Paul.  "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord '" (Romans 12:18-19).  Leaving our desire for revenge with God is the only way to find peace.  

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- INTERVENTION

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – INTERVENTION

"Then David said to Abigail:  'Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!  And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand."  (I Samuel 25:32-33)

To understand the meaning of these words, we must know the context of the situation.  David and his men came to the region of Maon, where a very rich man dwelled whose name was Nabal – which means "worthless."  David's army had not molested Nabal.  In fact, they had protected his shepherds and their sheep from harm.  

So David sent messengers to Nabal, asking for food.  Nabal refused.  This provoked David's pride, and made him so angry that he was determined to kill Nabal.  But Nabal had a wise wife, Abigail,  who understood how David had blessed Nabal, so she went to David to intercede for her husband.  This intervention kept David from making the huge mistake of taking revenge and shedding the blood of Nabal. 

How often God sends people into our lives to keep us from doing bad or stupid things.  It may be a spouse, a friend, a pastor, a preacher on radio or television, or even a chance meeting with a stranger.  God speaks to us through them, and if we will listen, we can spare ourselves and other other people a lot of grief.  David listened and changed his plan.  It took a lot of humility to admit that he was wrong, especially since the messenger God used was a woman, who, in that culture, was usually disparaged. 

It takes a humble and sensitive spirit to receive advice, especially when we are filled with rage and want revenge.  David is a good example of a godly response to instruction.  Godly counsel can save us from destructive choices if we will listen.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE "IFS" OF LIFE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE "IFS" OF LIFE

"Then David said, 'Will the men of Keliah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?'  And the LORD said, 'They will deliver you.'  So David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keliah and went wherever they could go.  Then it was told Saul that David had escaped  from Keliah; so he halted the expedition."  (I Samuel 23:12-13)

In our text for today, David had conquered the city of Keliah and he and his men had taken up residence there.  Word came to King Saul that David was living at Keliah, so he gathered his soldiers and proceeded to go to Keliah to catch David and kill him.  

When David became aware of Saul's intention, he sought the LORD, and asked if indeed Saul was coming to Keliah.  God answered, "Yes."  Then David asked if the people of Keliah would deliver him and his army into the hands of Saul.  Again, the answer was, "Yes."  So David fled from Keliah.

God knew what would happen if David stayed in Keliah or if he ran away.  God knows all the ifs.  If David stayed in Keliah, he would be captured by Saul.  If he fled, he would be saved.  

Does God know the outcome of the rabbit trails of life that I might take?  One of the attributes of God is that He is omniscient.  He knows everything.  He certainly knows the future.  He not only knows what will happen, but what might happen depending on decisions I make.  He knows the outcome of all the possible choices I might make.

Not only that, but He gives wisdom to make the right decisions.  Often I am faced with choices, and I do not see the outcome.  But as I seek the Lord, He helps me know which is the best choice.  I can trust Him because He knows it all. 

Love,  Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS --- THE EVIL EYE OF JEALOUSY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE EVIL EYE OF JEALOUSY

"So the women sang as they danced, and said, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.'  Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him, and he said 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands.  Now what more can he have but the kingdom?' So Saul eyed David from that day forward."  (I Samuel 18:7-9)

What a glorious day of rejoicing.  The Israelite army had just won a victorious battle with the Philistines after David's bold God-inspired defeat of the giant Goliath.  As they marched through the city, the women came out to greet them as King Saul led the parade.  But listen!  They were shouting their praise of both King Saul and David. But they were ascribing more praise to David than to King Saul. This really got under Saul's skin, and that old evil green eye of jealousy arose.  From that day on, Saul eyed David – that is, he viewed David with suspicion.  He could not tolerate what he viewed as competition – that someone else might receive more praise than himself.

It is a trap we all need to keep an open eye for.  We covet our position and don't want anyone taking our place.  We view another person's success as a threat to our own status.  I remember conflict in a church when a woman who had played the piano for umpteen-odd years was jealous when a younger player was given opportunity to develop her gift.  She did not want to give up her position and status to anyone else, and she let everyone know it.

May God give us a spirit of rejoicing when another person is praised instead of becoming jealous.  Jealousy for our own position will produce nothing but bad.  Rejoicing for another person's success will produce nothing but good.  

The Lord Jesus is our supreme example.  The second person of the Trinity gave up His position in heaven, humbled Himself to become human and went to a rugged cross so that we might be exalted to be children of God.  What grace.  What love.

Love,  Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

"Now the LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite.  For I have provided Myself a king among his sons'  …. So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, 'Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him!'  But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at the appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' " (I Sam. 16:1, 6-7)

 

Saul had failed as king of Israel.  He started well but pride got the best of him and God rejected him as the leader of His people.  Samuel mourned this turn of events, but God told him to quit grieving and anoint a new king.

So Samuel came to the family of Jesse, as God had commanded him to do.  The sons of Jesse came before Samuel.  The first was Eliab. As the eldest he would have been the natural and logical choice.  But he was not God's choice.  So seven sons of Jesse came before Samuel, but each was rejected.  But wait.  There was one more.  He was the youngest of the clan and he was out tending the sheep.  When David stood before Samuel, God said, "This is the one.  Anoint him as the future king."

God did not choose David because he was good-looking or had a pleasing personality.  In fact, he was handsome, ruddy, with bright eyes (vs. 12), with a reputation as a skilled harpist, a valiant warrior, and a good speaker (vs. 18).

But these things did not impress God.  God was looking for a man with a heart after His own heart.  And that man was David.  This is what the Apostle Paul said about David:  God " 'raised up David as king, to whom He gave testimony and said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will" ' " (Acts 13:22).  

So often I find myself judging by the outward appearance of a person instead of looking at their heart.  People may be as ugly as a mud hen, but they have a beautiful spirit.  David was such a man.  That is what I want to be. 

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

"Now the LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite.  For I have provided Myself a king among his sons'  …. So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, 'Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him!'  But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at the appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' " (I Sam. 16:1, 6-7)

 

Saul had failed as king of Israel.  He started well but pride got the best of him and God rejected him as the leader of His people.  Samuel mourned this turn of events, but God told him to quit grieving and anoint a new king.

So Samuel came to the family of Jesse, as God had commanded him to do.  The sons of Jesse came before Samuel.  The first was Eliab. As the eldest he would have been the natural and logical choice.  But he was not God's choice.  So seven sons of Jesse came before Samuel, but each was rejected.  But wait.  There was one more.  He was the youngest of the clan and he was out tending the sheep.  When David stood before Samuel, God said, "This is the one.  Anoint him as the future king."

God did not choose David because he was good-looking or had a pleasing personality.  In fact, he was handsome, ruddy, with bright eyes (vs. 12), with a reputation as a skilled harpist, a valiant warrior, and a good speaker (vs. 18).

But these things did not impress God.  God was looking for a man with a heart after His own heart.  And that man was David.  This is what the Apostle Paul said about David:  God " 'raised up David as king, to whom He gave testimony and said, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will" ' " (Acts 13:22).  

So often I find myself judging by the outward appearance of a person instead of looking at their heart.  People may be as ugly as a mud hen, but they have a beautiful spirit.  David was such a man.  That is what I want to be. 

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN EBENEZER

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN EBENEZER

"Then Samuel took a stone and set  it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer, saying,  'Thus far has the LORD helped us.' "

(I Samuel 7:12)

Ebenezer.  This is not Ebenezer Scrooge of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" fame.  This monument that Samuel erected was a stone of remembrance for all the times God had helped Israel, and there were many – deliverance from Egypt, supplying water and food in the wilderness, victories in the conquest of Promised Land, and more recently, returning the Ark of the Covenant from the hands of the Philistines, just to name a few.

We all need to set up a metaphorical Ebenezer Stone as a point of remembering all the times the LORD has helped us, bringing us through difficult and challenging times.  One doesn't have to be a Christian very long to recognize the hand of God's blessings, protection and deliverance from dangerous situations.  Thus far has the LORD helped us, and we can trust Him for the future.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN EBENEZER

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN EBENEZER

"Then Samuel took a stone and set  it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer, saying,  'Thus far has the LORD helped us.' "

(I Samuel 7:12)

Ebenezer.  This is not Ebenezer Scrooge of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" fame.  This monument that Samuel erected was a stone of remembrance for all the times God had helped Israel, and there were many – deliverance from Egypt, supplying water and food in the wilderness, victories in the conquest of Promised Land, and more recently, returning the Ark of the Covenant from the hands of the Philistines, just to name a few.

We all need to set up a metaphorical Ebenezer Stone as a point of remembering all the times the LORD has helped us, bringing us through difficult and challenging times.  One doesn't have to be a Christian very long to recognize the hand of God's blessings, protection and deliverance from dangerous situations.  Thus far has the LORD helped us, and we can trust Him for the future.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN EBENEZER

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN EBENEZER

"Then Samuel took a stone and set  it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer, saying,  'Thus far has the LORD helped us.' "

(I Samuel 7:12)

Ebenezer.  This is not Ebenezer Scrooge of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" fame.  This monument that Samuel erected was a stone of remembrance for all the times God had helped Israel, and there were many – deliverance from Egypt, supplying water and food in the wilderness, victories in the conquest of Promised Land, and more recently, returning the Ark of the Covenant from the hands of the Philistines, just to name a few.

We all need to set up a metaphorical Ebenezer Stone as a point of remembering all the times the LORD has helped us, bringing us through difficult and challenging times.  One doesn't have to be a Christian very long to recognize the hand of God's blessings, protection and deliverance from dangerous situations.  Thus far has the LORD helped us, and we can trust Him for the future.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MISPLACED FAITH

DAD'S RAMBLINGS  –  MISPLACED FAITH 

"Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.  Then the Philistines put themselves into battle against Israel.  And when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men in the army in the field.  And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, 'Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines?  Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies.' "  (I Samuel 4:1-3)

The ark of the covenant had a special place in the hearts of the Israelites.  It was the place where the Presence of God resided here on earth.  The Ark became such a treasured object that the people invested it with mystical properties – that where the Ark was, there was sure to be victory.  

But there was a problem.  Even though the presence of God was there, as was evidenced by the troubles the Philistines had after they captured the Ark (see chapters 5 and 6), it was not a guarantee of special protection for the Israelites, like it had some magical power in and of itself.

We may think that God will bless us just because we have the accouterments of religion like a lovely building, stained glass windows, inspiring liturgy, beautiful music and lovely choirs, a religious symbol hanging on our car's rear view mirror, or a host of other peripheral things. God is a jealous God and will not honor faith that is misplaced.  

The lesson that we need to learn is not to place our faith in the external, visible articles of religion.  God is holy, and He will not be trivialized or manipulated by our outward expressions, no matter how beautiful or traditional they are.  Religious symbols are not meant to be the basis of our faith or used to get God to do something.  He is God and He is greater than that.  He is not bound by our religious paraphernalia.  He is moved by true faith in Him, and Him alone. 

Love, Dad

RAMBLINGS -- POURING OUT OUR SOULS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – POURING OUT OUR SOULS TO GOD

"And it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her (that is, Hannah's) mouth.  Now Hannah spoke in her heart;  only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.  So Eli said to her, 'How long will you be drunk?  Put your wine away from you!'  But Hannah answered and said, 'No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.  Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.' "  (I Samuel 1:12-16)

Have you ever been in Hannah's shoes?  You hurt so badly on the inside because of the sorrow and grief that you were going through.  You did not speak openly about it, but poured out your heart before the Lord with tears of grief.  Other people misunderstood your sorrow and were quick to criticize.  

Hannah had reason to be in great sadness.  First, she was barren.  Childlessness  in the Jewish culture was frowned upon as a bad thing.   To make matters worse, her husband, Elkanah, had another wife whose name was Penniah.  Penniah was blessed with children – both sons and daughters, while Hanna remained childless.  Penniah provoked Hannah because of her barrenness and made life miserable.  This caused Hannah great distress.

Elkanah recognized this rivalry, and because he loved Hannah more than  Penniah, he gave her a double portion of blessing.  But that did not assuage the sorrow in Hanna's heart.  She was still in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish (vs. 19).  God heard her prayers and the anguish of her heart as she poured out her soul before the LORD.  It took some time for the answer to come (at least 9 months) and she eventually bore more children (2:21).

It may seem that God does not hear our prayers and we are misunderstood as we pour out our soul to Him our sorrow, our bitterness, our grief, and our anguish.  But He does hear and will answer in His good time.   

Love,  Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A LOVE STORY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A LOVE STORY

"Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.  The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Malon and Chilion – Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah.  And they went to the country of Moab and remained there."  (Ruth 1:1-2)

So begins a beautiful love story. It has all the elements of a classic story – tragedy, humor, pathos, joy, believable human characters, and a plot that thickens as the story is read.  

The two main characters in the story – Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth – are both widowed, living in the land of Moab.  Naomi was there because her husband, Elimelech, had migrated with the family to escape a famine in the land of Judah.  While aliens in this foreign land, first Elimech and then their sons, Mahlon and Chilion died. The sons had married Moabite women, so this left three widows without any means of support. So Naomi decided to return to her home country, Bethlehem in Judah.  

Naomi tried to persuade her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab, but Ruth determined to stay with Naomi because of her love for her.  We have the famous quotation of Ruth, sometimes sung at weddings:  "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God."

When Naomi and Ruth got back to Bethlehem, they still had no source of sustenance, except that Ruth could glean grain in the fields.  One field she gathered grain in belonged to Boaz, a relative of Naomi.  A romance developed between Boaz and Ruth and they married, and from that union came the line of King David, the progenitor of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Boaz was what was referred to as a ga'al ( or go-el) or kinsman redeemer who had the option to redeem the land that originally had belonged to Elimelech and his sons.  Apparently the land had been sold to pay for the journey to Moab.  When Boaz re-purchased the land as a near-relative, a part of the deal was that he would also get Ruth, to carry on the family name.  

This is a great love-story on the human level, but it is a picture of the greater love-story between God and man.  Humans were sold into the bondage of sin, but because of His great love for us, Jesus came as a human – a close kinsman – to redeem us from the bondage of sin.  He is our ga-al – our kinsman redeemer.  As the Apostle Peter wrote:  "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:18-19).  What great love!  This is a love story unequaled by any other love story ever written.  He loved me when I was an alien to God, He redeemed me, and made me a part of His family.  That's why I love Him so very much.

One of my favorite hymns says:  "Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it; redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am."  All praise to our Redeemer for His love and mercy.

Love, Dad