Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
There are so many lessons here. Those who seem more godly cannot be complacent. David lapses into sin partly because he is not busying himself with what he should be doing (11v1). He sees what he wants and rather than running like Joseph he uses his power to take Bathsheba. His covetousness leads to adultery, the theft of another man's wife. And sin leads to sin. To cover it up, he engages in deception and murder of a good man, not to mention the other soldiers who die in the process. David therefore breaks each of the last five commandments. He "despised the word of the Lord" (12v9) which is to "despise" God (12v10). Critical to note, is that when confronted he repents rather than seeks to justify or deny his actions. And we should be reassured that even the worst of sins can be forgiven, for God takes his sin away. Neverthless, sin has consequences. Because God had forgiven David, we must put the death of the child and coming problems for the kingdom down to the discipline of God in teaching David a lesson rather than to punishment. Likewise, when we sin, we may receive God's forgiveness through Christ, but we may still have to endure his discipline in what results so that we learn from it. As you read note what leads David to sin.
2 Samuel 11-12
2 Samuel 11-12
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.