Friday, April 14, 2017

Posted on by

YOU ROGUE

Today’s 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. Retreating from the insurrection of Absolom, King David would have taken this route on his way to cross the Jordan.

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.

In today’s reading, the prayer of David, that is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:31, is answered. Ahithophel’s counsel is turned into foolishness. Taking the harem of an oriental King would’ve been considered the greatest insult. The public image that Absalom had so carefully developed was far from the reality of his true character. Ziba, Hushai, and others could see the real Absalom. A person who is very proud can never see his own faults. Absalom’s reign began to crumble quickly. Despite all of David’s sin, he was still the one God had chosen to be King. The High Priest, Zadok, and his sons recognized this fact. An exception was Shimei. Just imagine Shimei, perhaps on top of the rocks in the above photo, calling King David a rogue, cursing him and throwing stones at him. Surely David, on this occasion, showed great self control and mercy. David is called, “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). The Apostle Paul includes this statement in his message recorded in Acts 13:14-33 (click here for Paul’s overview of Israel’s history).

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 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 on their honeymoon, my parents 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

 

22 thoughts on “Friday, April 14, 2017”

  1. Happy Easter Friday, dear David and family, and fellow saints in the Lord! Oh Jesus, as You bore Your flesh on the cross for our sins, so that we would be free from sin and might find righteousness, know how much we love praise and honour You! Prayers and love to all!

    ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’
    Psalm 2:7b

    Elevation Worship – O Come to the Altar (Live)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYQ5yXCc_CA

    Reply ↓

  3. Rev. Mainse,

    I wanted to write you a belated thank you and here’s why: In 2013 (I think that was the year), my husband and I were on a trip to Israel and were able to get to the Jordan River. We were with a small group from a cooking radio show in Atlanta, Georgia. We were excited to be at the Jordan River and were looking forward to being baptized there. Our tour guide spoke with someone in your group to ask permission for us to join your group that was being baptized. You and your group graciously allowed us to join them and because of that, our time was made more special. I believe it was your son and son-in-law that baptized my husband and I. It was humbling to be in the land of Jesus but to be baptized in the same river was very touching. You shared your health battles with me during our brief visit on the bank of that wonderful river and I want you to know that I pray for you, your family and your outreach. I read your blog and love the pictures. Too many times, time has gotten away from me and I’ve not shared with people what they mean to me so I wanted to take a minute to share this with you.

    Thank you for listening –

    Karen Jenkins
    Atlanta, Georgia

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Karen. This is Ron Mainse replying for my father. Thank you for your comment. I do remember baptizing you in the Jordan. We were so glad we could do that for you! I will pass your comment on to dad. God bless!

      Reply ↓

  5. Sorry for so many posts, today, but I was wanting to repeat the prayer request I posted late, yesterday. Thank you, Irene, for your prayers for Robynn:

    Prayer request for an old friend from high school, Robynn. Lord God, you know what Robynn’s needs are. Holy Spirit, lift her up, with light and love, that she may feel the weight of troubles fall from her shoulders. Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and ye shall find. For You are our rock and our redeemer and in You, we find strength to face each day and overcome. Lord God bring blessings into Robynn’s life and healing where she and her loved ones need it the most. For You are the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. And it is to You, that we give all the praise and glory. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, we pray. Amen, amen, and amen!

    Happy Good Friday, saints!

    Reply ↓

  6. Blessings on this “GOOD FRIDAY”: You Oh Lord, are worthy of all Praise, and Honor and Glory!! GLORY AND HONOR TO THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORD!!! PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME!!

    As we reflect on ALL HE DID FOR US, as we celebrate HIS VICTORY!!!!

    Reply ↓

  7. Your comments Pastor David regarding King David and his response to Shimei are well spoken. A man of pride would respond with anger.
    Always appreciate your personal stories, particularly those including those learned from your Dad:)

    Reply ↓

  9. A Blessed Good Friday pastor David, Norma-Jean, and Family. Thank you Lord Jesus for laying down your life for the sins of the whole world. What suffering you endured that we may have life! Thank you Jesus. I agree in prayer for Beverlee’s friend Robynn and her loved ones’ need today that you will supply all their need according to Your riches in glory. Have been to a Good Friday service this morning and an opportunity to witness to two Hindu families. That was a joy. Please pray that the Lord will make Himself real to them and they will be truly converted. God bless you all friends!

    Reply ↓

    • Agreeing in prayer with you Ger for the two Hindu families that the Lord will make Himself real to them and they will be truly converted and that they will know the truth will set them free. Amen!

      Reply ↓

    • Yes, agreeing in prayer for the Hindu families to open their hearts to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Amen!

      Reply ↓

  10. When I was a kid my dad drove a model T as well, probably from the 1930s. Very inventive your Dad, David. Anglican service in Quesnel BC dramatized the St John Passion narrative. Leaders & altar in black. Lots of silence; no dismissal. Leave in silence. Keeping Lent makes Resurrection Sunday all the sweeter.

    Reply ↓

  11. I am truly being challenged! I absolutely rebuke the devil, he is a no body, he will not reign anywhere on this earth! I declaring Psalm 23 over my life! The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want……….
    Our Father who art in Heaven Hallowed by Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread,and Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us! Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and glory, forever and ever amen!
    In Jesus Name I declare no weapon will be formed against me or my family! In Jesus I declare that no harm will come to me or my family or my neighbourhood and my community!
    I praise and thank the Lord for all that He has done for me and for others this day! Thank you Lord, In Jesus Name we Pray amen!

    Reply ↓

  12. May the Peace of God that passes understanding guard your heart and mind this day Sah, and through the days to come. Blessings and love to you and your loved ones. Rejoice in the Lord!!
    I pray you and your loved ones have A BLESSED EASTER!

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.