YOU ROGUE
Suggested Reading: 2 Samuel 16
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Jesus had to descend more than 3,800 feet when traveling from Jerusalem to the Jordan River, near the Dead Sea. Jerusalem is situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet above sea level, and the Dead Sea is 1,300 feet below sea level. Traveling from Jerusalem to the east, you can stop and take a picture at the sea level sign. King David, retreating from the insurrection of Absalom, on his way to cross the Jordan, would have taken this route.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Samuel 16:23
Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, in Your humanity You are of the seed of David, born in David’s city, chosen by God to rule forever. I give my You my loyalty, my service, my resources. All that I am and have is Yours. You wept over Jerusalem, the city that symbolizes Your reign over the world which Your Father so loved that He gave You to us (John 3:16). I pray that I will also weep over those things that break Your heart. Through Your person, Your work, and in Your Name I pray, Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I steadfastly refuse to google my name on the Internet. The last time I checked it out, several years ago, there were critics, as is to be expected for all public persons. However, I’ve experienced nothing to compare with the antics of Shimei toward David, as in today’s reading. If the Internet had been invented in King David’s day, just think what Shimei would’ve posted about David. The word “rogue” would probably be the least of the tabloid-style accusations. Think what might have been posted by Jesus’ enemies if a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth had googled His Name 2,000 years ago. My imagination is running away with me.
In 1922 my parents, on their honeymoon, travelled the road from Jerusalem to the Jordan River and back again. The Jordan, at the point it flows into the Dead Sea, is 1,300 feet below sea level. Jerusalem is 2,500 feet above sea level. The 1914 Model T Ford my Dad was driving would run out of gas unless he backed up the hills. There was no fuel pump, and with only gravity feed for the gas, and with the gas tank below the engine on the way back to Jerusalem, my Dad found a way to keep going by turning the car around and putting it into reverse. That’s just one of many stories from my childhood. When I travel the great highway pictured above, I can still see from time to time the old British road, built in 1918, snaking along on one side or the other, on which the honeymoon couple would have travelled. My imagination does the rest.
Yours for learning lessons from the past,
David
It is amazing how steadfast David’s faith was while under opposition and having lost his throne by Absalom. It certainly took much inner conviction and strength to deal with Ahithophel and his followers! It was helpful to read Paul’s summary, as we continue to journey through our readings with you. There was a quick impulse in me to quickly scroll to the bottom of your blog today and see if there were any supprises!! I appreciate your great sense of humor David, and the knowledge and spirituality you possess. Have a great Sunday to all!
Hi David
Thank you
Zeljko
Thank you so much David for your faithfulness in leading us through these readings each day. It has certainly helped to keep me on track and sticking with it. I also so appreciate your commentary each day, sharing your memories and adding humour along the way.
I, too, enjoyed Paul’s overview in Acts 13. It links the purpose of the OT; and makes it easier to comprehend 2 Samuel as part of the bigger picture with the purpose of Jesus, our Saviour, to come in the NT. It is easy to get enmeshed in the distasteful details in the lives of the characters at play in 2 Samuel but God is behind the whole story and used King David for his higher purpose, in planting that seed. The point is bringing His Son, Jesus Christ, our way–and subsequently, the Holy Spirit into our lives and hearts.
32-33: And we declare to you glad tidings–that promise which was made to the fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my Son, Today, I have begotten You.’
Thanks for your personal story, today, David. Wise man, your father was. I can imagine that vision of him driving with the car turned around, in reverse, is very special to you! God bless you, fine Sir!
Blessings to all, today, on this special day, as we worship our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Hi David
I appreciate reading every day what you have to say as the Holy Spirit
guides you
Lianne Hogg
I think it was somewhat common knowledge (backing up hills) – my father-in- law did that too. He also walked his motorcycle up hills. Maybe we should do that now with gas prices being what they are! Good reading today (as always).
Dear David
Todays Gospel shows us how very determined David was in following the directives of Holy Spirit till the end .
The boldness and determination of your father to get to his final destination shows us the deep and profound example of faith your parents carried such a great blessing to have parents like yours.
Thank you so much for sharing those intimate souvenirs with us
God bless you and all fellow bloggers
PS. tonight at 7 o clock in Montreal at La nouvelle vie church I will be singing worshiping and thinking of all of you at Paul Beloche concert.
Bless you, Carole–enjoy the concert!
Thank-you for yet another informative and reflective blog David. The Holy Spirit has surely blessed you with much insight into the scriptures and I continually give thanks for your sharing this knowledge with all of us. God’s richest blessings to all!