Tag Archives: David

Devotional

Love Amidst Rebellion

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Read 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife” (Proverbs 19:14 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel 18, we are drawn into a story of profound love and heart-wrenching tragedy amidst the backdrop of political turmoil. King David, despite the rebellion of his son Absalom, exhibits an extraordinary depth of paternal love and loyalty that resonates through the ages. As Absalom’s forces prepare for battle against David’s own, the king issues a poignant plea to his commanders: “For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom” (2 Samuel 18:5, NLT). This request, born out of a father’s unwavering affection, stands as a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child, even in the face of betrayal and conflict.

As the harrowing conflict unfolds, Absalom meets his fate on the battlefield, prompting an outpouring of grief from David that pierces the soul. “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you” (2 Samuel 18:33, NLT), David cries, his anguish echoing through the annals of history as a raw expression of a father’s deepest love and lamentation.

The parallels with Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, “King Lear,” are striking. In this tale of familial discord and betrayal, we witness the downfall of a king deceived by those closest to him. King Lear, in his twilight years, seeks to divide his kingdom among his daughters, Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia, based on their professions of love. Yet, it is Cordelia, the youngest and most sincere, who faces rejection for her honest avowal, while Goneril and Regan, with their false flattery, receive Lear’s favor.

The consequences of Lear’s misplaced trust unfold tragically as his kingdom descends into chaos and Cordelia meets her untimely demise. Lear’s anguished cry upon discovering her fate resonates with the raw emotion of David’s lament for Absalom, underscoring the universal themes of love, loyalty, and the agony of familial betrayal.

In both narratives, we are confronted with the complexities of human relationships—the ties that bind us together and the fractures that threaten to tear us apart. David’s unyielding love for Absalom and Lear’s eventual recognition of Cordelia’s loyalty serve as powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

As we contemplate these stories, we are compelled to ponder the nature of love and loyalty. What compels a father to forgive his son’s transgressions? What drives a king to trust those who would betray him? And yet, amidst the turmoil and heartache, we find glimpses of grace—moments of redemption that speak to the enduring power of love to transcend even the deepest wounds.

Let us strive to emulate the compassion and empathy demonstrated by David and Lear, recognizing that every member of our family is deserving of love and understanding, despite their faults or mistakes. As we cultivate an atmosphere of love and acceptance within our families, we create a foundation of support and unity that can weather any storm. Through our actions, may we honor the sacred bonds of family and reflect the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father, who embraces us all with open arms.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Family bonds, despite their trials, reflect the enduring and unconditional love of God.

PRAYER
Lord, grant us the strength to love as You love, to forgive as You forgive, and to hold fast to the bonds of family that unite us. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

The Cost of Pride

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Read 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically” (Romans 12:11 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

In the heart of a small, football-obsessed town, there lived a young man named Alex. With a quarterback’s arm that seemed touched by the gods and a charisma that made him the darling of his community, he was the epitome of a hometown hero. But beneath the glittering facade of adoration lay a dangerous flaw: pride.

On a crisp autumn night, under the glow of stadium lights and the roar of the crowd, Alex’s hubris led him down a treacherous path. In the final moments of a crucial playoff game, with victory tantalizingly close, he chose to ignore the coach’s carefully crafted play and instead opted for a risky, glory-seeking pass. The result was catastrophic—a devastating interception that not only cost his team the game but also shattered his own dreams of collegiate stardom.

The consequences were immediate and unforgiving. Alex found himself benched for the remainder of the season, his once-bright future dimmed by the shadow of his own arrogance. But it was the weight of shame and guilt that truly crushed him, a burden he couldn’t shake no matter how hard he tried.

In the depths of his despair, Alex turned to the words of 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a, the story of King David’s fall and redemption. Like David, Alex had succumbed to the temptations of pride and selfish ambition. Like David, he had brought ruin upon himself and those around him. And like David, he found hope in the promise of forgiveness.

As Alex grappled with his mistakes, he found solace in the promise of forgiveness. He humbled himself before God, confessing his sins and seeking reconciliation. And in that moment of surrender, he experienced the transformative power of grace—a grace that washed away his shame and restored his spirit.

The story of Alex mirrors the timeless truths found in Scripture, particularly in Romans 12:11. This verse urges us to “never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” It speaks to the importance of diligence and dedication in our lives, recognizing that our actions have consequences not just in the eyes of others but before God himself.

Alex’s journey from pride to humility offers valuable insights for our own lives. It prompts us to examine our hearts and confront the areas where pride may be lurking, tempting us to prioritize self-interest over the well-being of others. It challenges us to humbly acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness, knowing that God’s grace is available to all who repent.

In a world that often celebrates individual achievement and personal success, the story of Alex reminds us of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. It calls us to live lives marked by integrity, servanthood, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. And it points us to the ultimate source of hope and redemption—Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness and restoration to all who turn to Him in faith.

As we reflect on Alex’s story and the timeless truths of Scripture, may we be inspired to walk in humility and obedience, knowing that true fulfillment is found in serving God and loving others with all our hearts. And may we never forget the high price of pride, nor the boundless mercy of our heavenly Father who offers forgiveness to all who seek it.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Pride may promise glory, but its consequences are steep and far-reaching. Choose humility and obedience, and find true fulfillment in the boundless grace of God.

PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve let pride lead us astray and ignored the consequences of our actions. Help us to humble ourselves before You, seeking Your forgiveness and grace. Give us the strength to walk in obedience and the courage to face the consequences of our sins. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Lord of the Dance

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Read 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“But as the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him” (1 Chronicles 15:29 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

I love to dance. Really, I do! If there’s music on, you can bet I’ll be moving, regardless of who’s watching. It doesn’t matter if someone drives by my house and sees me grooving to the beat—I’m in my own joyful world. And that’s what I think about when I read about King David dancing before the Lord with all his might.

In our passage today, we see King David, the mighty ruler of Israel, adorned in a linen ephod, dancing with all his might before the Ark of the Covenant as it is brought into the City of David. His heart overflowing with joy and gratitude, he is completely uninhibited in his worship of the Lord.

But amidst the celebration, there is one who watches with disdain—Michal, the daughter of Saul. She cannot fathom why a king would lower himself to such undignified behavior. In her eyes, David’s actions are unbecoming of royalty.

Yet David’s response to Michal’s criticism is a powerful reminder of the heart of true worship. He explains that his dancing is not for the approval of man but for the pleasure of God. David is willing to humble himself, even at the risk of appearing foolish in the eyes of others, because his sole desire is to honor and glorify the Lord.

This passage challenges us to examine our own worship practices. Are we willing to let go of our inhibitions and worship God with all our hearts, regardless of how others might perceive us? Are we more concerned with outward appearances or with offering genuine praise to the One who deserves it?

David’s example also teaches us the importance of embracing the freedom we have in Christ. True worship is not bound by tradition or protocol; it is an expression of the overflow of our love for God. Whether we choose to sing, dance, raise our hands, or simply bow in reverence, what matters most is the sincerity of our hearts.

In 1 Chronicles 15:29, we see a similar instance where David’s unrestrained worship is contrasted with Michal’s disapproval. As the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him.

This passage further emphasizes the idea that true worship is not about conforming to societal norms or expectations, but about expressing our love for God with authenticity and sincerity. Just as David danced before the Lord with all his might, we too are called to worship God with uninhibited hearts, regardless of the opinions of others.

David’s dance was a spontaneous expression of his deep love and reverence for God. It was not choreographed or rehearsed; it was raw and authentic. Likewise, our worship should flow from the depths of our souls, unfiltered and genuine.

But let’s not overlook the significance of Michal’s reaction. Her disdain for David’s worship serves as a cautionary tale for us. How often do we allow the fear of man to hinder our worship? How many times have we held back our praise because we were worried about what others might think?

As we reflect on David’s example, let’s ask ourselves these questions: Are we willing to be vulnerable before God, laying bare our hearts in worship? Are we willing to let go of our pride and self-consciousness, surrendering fully to the One who deserves our utmost devotion?

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
True worship is not about impressing others but about expressing our love for God with sincerity and authenticity.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to worship You with all our hearts, unashamed and uninhibited. May our praise be pleasing to You, and may it draw us closer to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Facing Giants

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Read 1 Samuel 17:1-49

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“David replied to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'” (1 Samuel 17:45 NLT).

The account of David and Goliath is more than a mere story of a shepherd boy overcoming a giant; it’s a profound demonstration of God’s sovereignty and the power of unwavering faith. In dissecting this narrative, we uncover layers of insight that inform and inspire our own journey of facing giants.

In considering this tale, we’re reminded of the life of Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns, who faced his own giants. Mark’s battle wasn’t against a physical foe but against the limitations imposed by dyslexia. From a young age, Mark struggled with reading and writing, facing ridicule and self-doubt. Yet, like David, Mark discovered that his strength didn’t come from his own abilities but from his unwavering trust in God’s promises.

As the Philistine giant Goliath taunted the Israelite army, fear gripped the hearts of King Saul and his soldiers. Goliath’s imposing stature and menacing threats seemed insurmountable, highlighting the human tendency to rely on physical strength and worldly wisdom in the face of adversity. However, David, though young and seemingly ill-equipped, approached the situation with a different perspective—a perspective grounded in faith.

David’s response to Goliath’s challenge reveals the core of his faith: “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (1 Samuel 17:45, NLT). David’s trust was not in his own abilities or military prowess but in the power and authority of God. This declaration echoes throughout Scripture, reminding us of the supremacy of God over every giant we encounter.

David’s victory over Goliath serves as a foreshadowing of the greater triumphs to come through the Davidic line, ultimately culminating in Jesus Christ. Just as David’s victory secured a tangible victory for Israel, Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death offers eternal hope and redemption to all who believe.

Here are some things you can do practically:

Identify Your Giants: Take inventory of the giants in your life—whether they be fear, doubt, insecurity, or adversity. Recognize that these giants often manifest in various forms and can hinder your spiritual growth and relationship with God.

Trust in God’s Promises: Ground yourself in the promises of God’s Word. Spend time studying Scripture and meditating on His faithfulness throughout history. Allow His promises to serve as an anchor for your faith, providing strength and assurance in the face of adversity.

Equip Yourself Spiritually: Just as David declined Saul’s armor and relied solely on God’s provision, equip yourself spiritually for the battles ahead. Invest in prayer, fasting, and spiritual disciplines that deepen your relationship with God and cultivate spiritual discernment.

Step Out in Faith: Embrace opportunities to step out in faith, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Trust that God is with you, guiding and empowering you to overcome every obstacle.

Celebrate Victories and Trust in God’s Sovereignty: As you experience victories, both big and small, give thanks to God and acknowledge His sovereignty over your life. Trust that He is working all things together for your good, even in the midst of trials and challenges.

As we traverse the battlefield of life, confronting our own Goliaths, let us not falter in our resolve. Instead, let us draw inspiration from David’s unwavering faith, recognizing that our strength lies not in our own might but in the omnipotent hand of our Heavenly Father. Just as David faced Goliath with a heart steadfast in trust, may we too face our giants with boldness, knowing that the God who empowered David stands ready to empower us as well. As we stand in the shadow of our trials, may we declare with unyielding conviction, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” With this proclamation ringing in our hearts, let us press forward, assured of victory not through our own prowess, but through the mighty hand of our God.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the face of giants, may we find courage in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, trusting in His power to overcome every obstacle.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, strengthen us to face the giants in our lives with unwavering faith and courage. May we trust in Your promises and rely on Your power to see us through every challenge. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

God’s Surprising Choice

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Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—God’s own people, Israel. He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands” (Psalm 78:70-72 NLT).

Have you ever felt overlooked? Like you were standing in the background while everyone else got picked for the team? If so, you’re not alone. In 1 Samuel 16, we encounter a similar situation. The prophet Samuel is sent by God to anoint the next ruler of Israel, and Samuel heads to Jesse’s house in Bethlehem. Now, Jesse had several sons, and as Samuel laid eyes on the eldest, Eliab, he thought, “Surely, this is the one!” But God had other plans.

You see, God doesn’t always choose the obvious or the expected. Instead, God looks at the heart. And so, one by one, Jesse’s sons pass before Samuel, and each time, God says, “Nope, not this one.” Finally, Samuel asks if there are any more sons, and Jesse mentions the youngest, David, who’s out tending the sheep.

IMAGINE THE SCENE: David, probably smelling like sheep, enters the room. He’s young, not the most likely candidate for a ruler. But God sees something in David that no one else does. God sees a heart after God’s own heart.

David’s life before this moment was not glamorous. He spent his days out in the fields, caring for his father’s sheep. It was a humble existence, far from the spotlight. Yet, it was in this ordinary, OVERLOOKED life that God was preparing David for something extraordinary.

In our lives, we often judge by outward appearances, just like Samuel did with Eliab. We look at the impressive resumes, the flashy talents, the outward successes. But God sees BEYOND all that. God sees the heart. God sees our willingness to obey, our faithfulness in the small things, our love for God and for others.

So, what does this mean for us? It means that no matter how overlooked or underestimated we may feel, God sees us. God knows us intimately, and God has a purpose for each of us, just like God had for David. Our job is to trust God, to seek God with our whole hearts, and to be faithful in the little things, knowing that God is working behind the scenes, preparing us for the plans God has in store.

God’s choices are often surprising but ALWAYS perfect. Let’s take comfort in the fact that the same God who chose David, the shepherd boy, to be the king of Israel, is the same God who has chosen us and has a plan for our lives.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
God’s choices are often surprising but always perfect.

PRAYER
God, help us to trust in Your wisdom and timing, even when we don’t understand Your ways. Give us hearts that seek after You above all else, knowing that You see us, You know us, and You have a purpose for each of us. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

REVISITED: Forgiven

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Read 2 Samuel 11; Psalm 51; Matthew 6:14-15

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! “ (Matthew 18:21-22)

Have you heard the tale of King David?  When I mention his name, images of a ruddy-faced shepherd boy might come to mind. Perhaps, you are seeing a sling-shot and a stone in the hands of a puny boy facing a monstrous giant named Goliath? Or perhaps you see the rising star of a man, named David, who quickly climbed the political ranks in Saul’s military. Perhaps you see David being chased down by an envious King who was desperately trying to hold on to the power that was never his to begin with.

But, when the name David is mentioned, do you think of the man who slept with another man’s wife and got her pregnant? Do you think of a man who had her husband sent to the front lines in a battle to be killed so that her husband would not know of the affair? Do you think of a King who has gained so much power that he forgets the very God who gave it to him?  When we read Psalm 51 and reflect on the lamenting of its author, it is hard to not think of David when he finally realizes that he was not powerful enough to hide his sins from God.

Whether or not Psalm 51 was actually written by David or not is beside the point. The fact of the matter is that the Psalmist, whoever he or she was, was certainly feeling desperately in need of God’s forgiveness. It is fitting that this Psalm gets traditionally attributed to David, in light of the great and scandalous sin that David committed. It is a Psalm that we all can relate to, as we have all found ourselves getting caught in the act of doing something we should not be doing.  We have all found ourselves on our knees, at some point or another, begging God to forgive us.

Seeking forgiveness is a part of the Christian journey.  John the Baptist preached the message of repentance…as did Jesus…as did the apostles and all of the Christians since then.  But for Jesus, seeking forgiveness was not enough. Anyone, given the right circumstances, can be pushed to do that; however, Jesus taught that it was equally important for us to be forgiving of others. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15).

Now, most of us recognize that it is important to forgive others. It may be hard, and we may not want to forgive everyone, but we know that forgiveness is something God would want us to do. Yet, when we speak of forgiveness, we often only think of others.  After all, we are to forgive others, right?  What we don’t realize is that God not only wants us to forgive “others”, but God also wants us to forgive ourselves.  In fact, if we don’t forgive ourselves, how can we ever be in a place to forgive others?

We can beg God for forgiveness all day long; however, if we are unwilling to accept God’s forgiveness, then we will never receive it.  The fact of the matter is that God has already forgiven us and is waiting for us to move beyond the ashes of Lent and lamentation into the warm and bright light of Easter. Whether we are as powerful as King David or as humble and meek as a peasant child born in a stable, God is calling us to be a people of the resurrection…a people who have been forgiven, who forgive themselves, and who extend that forgiveness to others. Such people embody God’s hope, healing and wholeness!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

PRAYER

Lord, teach me the discipline of forgiveness…first for myself and then for others who have wronged me. Let my willingness to forgive bear witness to you! Amen.

Devotional, Previous Post

REVISITED: The Lord is My Shepherd

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Read Psalm 23

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

“David said further to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)

When you stop and think about it, life can be an extremely crazy ride. Which one of us can look back on our lives and say that we lived everyday perfectly? Which one of us can claim to have nothing but mountaintop experiences all the way through life?  My guess, is that there isn’t a single person alive who could claim such things.

Today I was reading the 23rd Psalm, which is traditionally held to be written by King David.  Upon reading the Psalm, I began to reflect on the life story of David.  He started off as a “ruddy-faced”, handsome shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:42). Small and insignificant, his ruddiness was all he had going for him. But that ruddy-faced boy is the same boy that Samuel anointed to be King of Israel, the same boy who knew how to defend his sheep against wolves and bear, the same boy who slew the Philistine giant, Goliath with a single stone launched from his sling.

This ruddy-faced boy grew into a great warrior and, no matter which way you paint David’s story, that means he killed lots and lots of people. David did not live a perfect life. He was known for being ruthless and he sought battle against the Philistines in which he circumcised their dead corpses after the battle. He was known for being a politically savvy manipulator…one who would have no qualms about silencing his opponents. He was a womanizer and an adulterer, who scandalously had an affair with Bathsheba and made their love-child, Solomon, the heir of his throne. He even had her husband murdered in order to keep him from finding out about the affair.

In David, we see a person who lived life imperfectly. He had his good moments and his not-so-good moments; and that is what makes him such a powerful character for us when we read about him in the Bible.  One gets the sense that David is for real…and we can relate to him on so many different levels. While many of us will never be a King, or have someone murdered, we can certainly relate to David’s propensity toward imperfection. Each of us, like David, have our good moments and our not-so-good moments. We have all shared in mountaintop experiences where nothing seems to be able to bring us down. But we have also shared in the long, lonely and desperate walk through the valley of the shadow of death, where the weight of the world seems to be crushing the very breath of life out of us.

While scholars may argue back and forth as to whether or not David actually wrote the 23rd Psalm, it certainly speaks to the kind of faith that he had in God. It speaks of a life that was not perfect, a life that was filled with twists and turns, pastures and barren wilderness, mountaintops and valleys.  It speaks of the constant danger of enemies, and yet the eternal, calming, loving, reassuring presence of God.  The 23rd Psalm was a poem, as song, from the depths of the soul of a person who knew that no matter what happened, no matter things were right or wrong, God was always there to be a guiding, loving, caring presence.  Let the 23rd Psalm remind us of the the same thing: that God is with us always. God will never leave us nor forsake us nor fail us. God will be with us always, even to the very end of the age.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

It’s as if God is singing to us, “There ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you.”

PRAYER

Lord, help me to recognize your presence no matter where I am. You are my shepherd, I shall not want. Amen.

Christian Liturgical Season, Devotional, Previous Post

A LOOK BACK: Forgiven

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This week kicks off the most important season in the Christian liturgical calendar. Lent, Holy Week, and Easter remind us of our sinful nature, the cost that our sin ultimately cost, and the hope of the Resurrection in Jesus Christ who conquered the grave. Ash Wednesday kicks off the season of Lent, a 40 day period that parallels Jesus temptation in the wilderness and the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering the wilderness in search of the Promised Land. Click here to kick off your Ash Wednesday on the right foot.

Devotional

God’s People, part 60: Adonijah

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Read 1 Kings 1:5-10

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 NLT)

When we think of God’s people, we tend to think one of two things. We might think of the Israelites who were God’s “chosen people”, or we might think of specific characters in the Bible. Either way, we tend to idealize the people we are thinking about. For instance, we may think that God’s people are super faithful, holy, perform miracles and live wholly devout and righteous lives. Unfortunately, this idealism enables us to distance ourselves from being God’s people, because we feel that we fall short of those ideals. As such, I have decided to write a devotion series on specific characters in the Bible in order to show you how much these Biblical people are truly like us, and how much we are truly called to be God’s people.

Part 60: Adonijah. The story of Adonijah much reminds me of Jesus teaching about humility in Luke 14, just prior his telling of the Parable of the Great Feast. In that teaching he warned the gathered people to not sit in the places of honor, but at the lowest place at the table. In doing so, one would avoid being dishonored by being asked to move to a place of lower status in front of all the people at the table and would, more than likely, be honored when the host asks one to move from the lowest place to a place more prominent.

Jesus’ words are wise and they are not meant merely as a “play it safe rather than sorry” suggestion. Jesus is, rather, guiding those who will be taught by him to not think too highly about themselves. Humility, simply, is knowing one’s place. It is not self-denigration; however, it is not self-engrandizement either. While Jesus’ teaching refers to social status, his wisdom is regarding Spiritual Humility. Such humility recognizes that none of us are better than “the least of these” because, from the least to the greatest, we are all God’s created children.

If only Adonijah had been given those wise and timely words. It’s never easy being less than the eldest brother in the royal family. Only the eldest could be the heir to the throne. Only the eldest could one day be king, unless the eldest died. Even then, Adonijah was not second eldest but third eldest. He was third in line. He could pretty much bank on NEVER being the King, not because he was unqualified (as he could not think of anyone more qualified than he was) but because of circumstance.

Yes, I am writing this a bit tongue-in-cheek; however, it is clear that Adonijah thought pretty highly of himself and he was quite thrilled (I mean, who wouldn’t be?) when his two eldest brothers died and were no longer in his way. It was Adonijah chance to rise up and take the throne for himself! He would be the one in power and could rule the kingdom!

The only problem with that comes in one word: SOLOMON. Because of his love for Bathsheba, David had declared that he willed for Solomon to be his heir. So, rather than rightfully taking the throne, Adonijah actually stages a coup and tries, like his brothers before him, to usurp David’s kingdom. As can be seen in the scriptures, it doesn’t go well for Adonijah. In the end, he fled for his life and was temporarily spared only to be killed by Solomon once he assumed power.

Adonijah could have served a great purpose for God. Who knows what God had in store for him; however, the corruption of his father and brothers spread to him and he sought power and authority rather than God. As a result, he ended up cutting what ties may have been left with his half-brother Solomon and betraying his father’s trust. All that did, in the end, is lead to his demise. The question for us is this, how do we allow our earthly ambitions to get between us and our God-given purpose? Be challenged by that question and seek out God’s will over your own!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” – St. Augustine

PRAYER
Lord, protect me from becoming proud so that I might be honored to serve you in the exact ways you created me to. Amen.

Devotional

God’s People, part 56: Bathsheba

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Read 2 Samuel 11

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah…” (Matthew 1:6 NRSV)

When we think of God’s people, we tend to think one of two things. We might think of the Israelites who were God’s “chosen people”, or we might think of specific characters in the Bible. Either way, we tend to idealize the people we are thinking about. For instance, we may think that God’s people are super faithful, holy, perform miracles and live wholly devout and righteous lives. Unfortunately, this idealism enables us to distance ourselves from being God’s people, because we feel that we fall short of those ideals. As such, I have decided to write a devotion series on specific characters in the Bible in order to show you how much these Biblical people are truly like us, and how much we are truly called to be God’s people.

Part 56: Bathsheba. Now we get to the character of Bathsheba. For the first part of the story she was treated little more than a prop to get us from the widely celebrated King David to the largely scorned and scrutinized King David. She was a literal prop in that David objectified her and lusted after her in order to fulfill his own self-indulgent, sexual whims. She was also a literary prop used to expose the selfish, cowardly, tyrannical, despotic side of David.

Following being named in 2 Samuel 11, the scene where David sees her bathing on a roof and being summoned to David’s room, she is not named again until after her first child with David died. In that time, she is merely referred to as “Uriah’s wife” or “the woman”, and is not given much of a character to develop; rather, she is utilized in a way that continually points to David’s sin. Much like in real life, Bathsheba is yet another person abused and silenced by those in power.

But who was Bathsheba? We know very little about her because her character goes largely undeveloped. Some have tried to suggest that Bathsheba’s bathing on a roof, in plain sight of the palace, indicates that she wanted to be “seen” and that she was complicit (at least) in the affair; however, the Bible does not write it in such a way that hints at her guilt. Instead, the Bible states that David “sent” (2 Samuel 11:3), “took”, and “lay” (verse 4). Bathsheba, who is only further objectified by the author as being “a woman of unusual beauty”, is shown to have acted passively or submissively to the king. The Bible states that she “came”, “returned” (verse 4), and “conceived” (verse 5).

The textual evidence, though scant, provides us with a fairly clear picture. David was the one who acted in authority and, naturally, Bathsheba did as her king commanded. Even if the relationship were consensual, King David’s act is nothing short of rape given the power differential between him and his subject. Yet, using the language it does, the Bible does not paint a portrait of consensual sex; rather, it tells the tale of a King whose power went to his head and who treated his subjects as playthings for him to indulge upon. What’s more, the Biblical author(s) never refer to the sin as Bathsheba’s sin or both of their sins. The Bible only ever refers to the sin as “David’s sin”.

Later in life, Bathsheba too finds herself wrapped up in power. Typically, in monarchies, the heir to the throne comes from the legitmate, first-born, male child of the King’s first marriage. Sucession, should anything happen to that child (as it did in the case of David’s eldest, Amnon), continues down that line to the the next oldest male child. Yet, Bathsheba gained great favor with the King, and she used that favor to ensure her son would become the next king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah.

Indeed, Solomon, her son, did end up taking over his father’s kingdom; however, that political manuevering came with a heavy cost. While David’s family was, no doubt, rocked by the scandal of David’s sexual relationship with Bathsheba, this particular act ensured that the fracturing of the Davidic family was complete. Two of David’s children openly rebelled against him (Absalom and Adonijah), and both ended up dead for it. The first was killed by Joab, King David’s general, and the latter was killed by Solomon. What’s more, without doubt, Bathsheba played a role in Adonijah’s death.

The reality is that, as we see, Bathsheba was a victim of David’s; however, as is sometimes the case, the abused ends up becoming an abuser. Bathsheba learned to play the game of power once that power was given to her. She learned how to politically manuever so that her son, and with him her legacy, would out live David and his former wives. How many times have we been victims of psychological, emotional or physical abuse, only to eventually find our own actions mirroring that of our abusers? Perhaps some of us have, and others have not, but we all have the ability to fall into the same power trap that Bathsheba found herself. Let us be mindful of that and turn to God to help us avoid those pitfalls.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix

PRAYER
Lord, help me to avoid the pitfall of power, and to rely only on your power. Amen.