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.
Understanding to grow in
The events with the Ammonites are probably included to demonstrate the size of victory David could have by God’s hand (see the size of the enemy in 19v6-7). Key is the result: Hadadezer’s vassal kings ended up subject instead to David, and at peace with him. Moreover, the Arameans were then unwilling to assist his enemies. It is through the gospel that Christ brings those whose allegiance is to Satan, false gods or simply their own desires, into subjection and peace with him (2 Cor 10v3-6). Indeed, this Son of David will wrest the entire creation from these false rulers and make it his own. It's something to rejoice in. Joab’s attack on the Ammonites is the context for David’s sin of adultery and murder (20v1, see 2 Sam 11), but it is not mentioned here. Despite the hint that David should have been “at war” we simply read of two further victories through his men. The extension of his rule is stressed in his wearing the Ammonite king’s crown and “subjugating” the Philistines by defeating their mighty men. Christ wins his victories through his people too, as we overcome by the “testimony of Jesus” and by not even shrinking from death (Rev 12v11). As you read consider the victories Christ wins.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.