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2 SAMUEL 7:1-8:18 | JOHN 14:15-31 | PSALM 119:33-48 | PROVERBS 15:33
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“I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. ‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you:
12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”
These are the Lord’s words to David through the prophet Nathan. And what a beautiful promise does David receive, indeed. David accepts this with great humility, and the text tells us that he went on to establish himself firmly in his kingdom by way of gaining victory over his enemies and making peace with his neighbors. There is no doubt that David is an able king, and yet it is to be seen how his personal life choices affect his reign.
Turning now to our reading in the book of John, we continue to learn of Jesus’ teachings as he approaches the end. Jesus says, 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth.”
This is the Holy Spirit, part of the Triumvirate of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who is to serve as our advocate and intercessor. But Jesus knows that his disciples are troubled by what he is telling them, primarily because they cannot understand its complete meaning. How could they? They knew not what is to come.
And yet, Jesus is preparing them and tells them this also: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Turning now to our reading in the psalms, we continue with more sections of Psalm 119. Some verses that speak to me are these:
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
41 May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,
your salvation, according to your promise.
Finally, one verse from the book of Proverbs to serve as food for thought:
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD,
and humility comes before honor.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word.
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I was very moved by David’s response to his many blessings. As you write, “David accepts this with great humility….” Rather than dwelling on the suffering he endured or all of the problems he was inheriting in the kingdom, he gives thanks as an unworthy beneficiary. He’s an excellent example for us.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. You are right. God bless you.
May I tell you that you continue to inspire with your comments even a year later…
Thank you for saying that… very kind of you!
🎯