Shepherd, Soldier, Sinner, King

David and Bathsheba

2009-08-06T12:55:00.002-05:00

2 Samuel 11:1-27.

So far in our story, all we have heard is about David the public figure. We've watched as he was selected as the next King after Saul, as he defeated Goliath and as he wept over the bodies of King Saul and his friend Jonathon. But now we see another part of David; a more private part; perhaps a part of his life that he would much rather not have been made known.

Some Bible scholars want us to think that it was Basheba's fault: have you ever heard that? They reason that it was Bathseheba that made herself visible on that roof; poor David was helpless at her beauty. Hogwash.

Maybe we could ask: how did this even begin, anyway? Why was David home alone on his roof veranda on a beautiful night with nothing better to do than play peeping tom when his army was in the battle field? Why would a man of God allow himself to be drawn to an image he knew was not his to see? Gee... we could flash ahead a few thousand years and ask the same question of the missions of men today who turn to the internet for this very same adrenaline rush. Today it's called pornagraphy.

In the end... we see David as human. Which is reassuring in a way. If God could bless and forgive a sinner like David... then maybe God will use and bless a sinner like... me.

Thoughts?

Some Thoughts: "The Song of the Bow"

2009-06-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

2 Sam 1 17-27 is called "The Song of the Bow".. a very curious piece of Scripture in some ways. Here, David laments the death of Saul and Jonathon. Now, Jonathon we can understand; he and David were the closest of friends. But... Saul tried for 10 years to kill David! And David... laments?

Now... a 'lament' is a song of the heart. To 'lament' is to grieve. All of us who have lost loved ones understand lament. The Book of Job is basically one long lament. So, too, the Book of Lamentations. We can read those texts, but I don't think we really begin to understand and appreciate them until we have our own 'dark night of the soul' There is no 'moving on' in these verses. That will come later. But not yet. For David, these verses are only the time to remember and to weep.

Sometimes we need permission to lament. The world around us can urge us to 'get over it'... to 'move on' . Perhaps the most hurtful thing a young mother who has experienced miscarriage can hear is 'you're young; there will be others'. Maybe that's true; but not today. There is a time to hold on to each other and simply to weep. And even, perhaps, to shake our fist at God.

If that is you... or has been... and you are suffering from guilt as a result, let it go. Trust me: our God understands. And God can take a bit of fist shaking. I suspect God has done a fair amount of His own.

Be well. Pastor Rick

David and Goliath... a few thoughts.

2009-06-29T11:10:00.000-05:00

(Originally posted June 16, 2009 9:00 AM by Richard White

This week we'll be talking together about the story of David and Goliath. Easy, huh? After all, everyone knows the story of David and Goliath. Or... do we? What was the relationship between David and his oldest brother Eliab? "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is.." he said. Do you think we might hear Eliab's words describing David come back to haunt David as our story continues? Hmmm... Why, exactly, did David go out to fight Goliath, anyway? Did you notice how intently David got all the benefits straight of what would come to the man who killed the giant? Or... am I just being cynical?

No doubt it took great courage to face Goliath. And... David had a choice. What about you? Who are the 'giants' in your life that call you to do battle? We all struggle with things and situations that seem insurmountable... until we realize that we have powerful tools and a mighty God at our side!

What does this story give you the courage to face?

See you on Sunday.

--PR

Open Forum

2009-06-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

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