Sin and Consequence

Day two hundred sixty-seven

Friday is cleaning day at my house and although I am not always thrilled with the action of cleaning I am always pleased with the results.  I thanked God for the ability to have a clean house, for the blessing of work, and for the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction that come from having a clean house.  It is really quite therapeutic! 

2 Samuel 24

The Sin
When I first read chapter 24 I didn't understand why God would be so angry with David for conducting a census (verse 1).  Why would counting your men be considered a sin?

One thought:
First, we need to know the purpose for taking a “census”. It was not to know your nation’s “demographics”. The purpose was to raise an army. The people that were counted were the men who were able to fight.

We see this in the book of Numbers.  Twice there was a census taken, one at the beginning of the forty years in the wilderness, and once at the end (Num 1:1-3; 26:1-2).  God had a law regarding the taking of a census.

"When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them."  (Ex 30:12)

Money was to be collected for each person counted. This was to keep Israel from a “plague”. The amount of the ransom was to be ½ a shekel per person. The money was to go towards the upkeep of the Tabernacle. This eventually grew into the custom of the “temple-tax” that was used to pay for temple expenses. (Ex. 30:12-16)

The Jewish historian Josephus records (Antiquities, 7:12:1), "Now king David was desirous to know how many ten thousands there were of the people, but forgot the commands of Moses, who told them beforehand, that if the multitude were numbered, they should pay half a shekel to God for every head."

There is no record of a ransom being paid.

Second thought:
"David, in all probability, slackening in his piety and confidence toward God ... was naturally curious to know whether the number of fighting men in his empire was sufficient for the work which he had projected...He therefore orders Joab and the captains to take an exact count of all the effective men."  (Institute Old Testament Student Manuel pg 299)

Do you see the problem?  David had the census done because of his will not because of God's will. It was for David's purposes, not for what God had planned.

Consequences
It will take Joab and his men almost ten months to complete the census and return with the results.  It is after the results have been giving to him that David starts to realize the gravity of his sin.  We know that David understands the severity of the situation because in verse 10 he pleads unto the Lord, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done; and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly."

I found the Lord's response so interesting:

"Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee." (v 12)

"Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days’ pestilence in thy land?" (v 13)

I don't know about you, but I don't know how comfortable I would be choosing any of those, especially when it is made clear that I would not be the only one affected by the choice!

David's answer is quite brilliant, he says he will count on the Lord's mercy and allow Him to choose (v 14).

The Lord chooses three days of pestilence and thousands of people die.  This was the merciful choice.  Can you imagine what the other consequences might have brought?  What a tough way to learn the lesson that sin brings with it consequences, not only for you, but for those around you.

We may not be given a choice of what happens to us like David was, but still, there is consequence to sin. We may confess our sin, and God may forgive us, but sometimes the consequences still remain. If you pound nails into a board, you can remove the nails, but the holes will still be there.

I can only imagine what David must have felt when the news of the deaths were reported to him.  The guilt must have been overwhelming.  So much sorrow and heartache.  I'm not sure how I would deal with that. 

How does it end?
David does make amends with the Lord, and in the way only the Lord can, he turns a bad situation into something good.  David follows the Lord's instructions and purchases Araunah's threshingfloor.  The threshing floor was in the same place where Abraham had offered Isaac (Gen. 22:2), on Mount Moriah. This would also be the same place where Solomon would build the temple (2 Chron 3:1).  God was able to take David’s sin of pride and turn the entire situation around so that this place became not just “a place” of worship, but “THE place” of worship.

I think the Lord will do the same in our lives, if we let Him.  He will teach us a lesson and at the same time create a situation to fit future needs.  It will be interesting to look back on our lives and see how all the pieces fit together.  I just hope there is more good, and less sin and consequences, when it all comes together!

Taking A Stand

Day two hundred sixty-six

I came across a quote yesterday that I had written in my quote book that stayed with me:  God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. ~ Saint Augustine

That thought was a big part of my prayer this morning.  I prayed that I would remember how much He loves me and that I would love others this same way.  He is a truly amazing God!

2 Samuel 23

This chapter tells us about David's mighty men. These were a group of highly trained soldiers who fought with David and aided him in his victories. Among these men were three others who served as David's personal bodyguards. These men and their exploits are described in these verses. I want to focus on one of these three special men. His name is Shammah. He is described for us as a man who took a stand against overwhelming odds and won a great victory by the help of the Lord.

The scriptures tell us that the Philistines attacked the people of God. When they came, all the people ran away. All, that is, except one man named Shammah! He took his stand in a field of lentils, and he won a great victory. 

There are some great lessons in this story that help us see that there is a time to take a stand, there is a time to fight, even when others are running away.

Verse 11 Watch While You Work
It is clear from this verse that when the Philistines came, the people were in the fields. This lets us know that the enemy most likely came during the time of the harvest. It was the time when most of the people were occupied in the business of getting the crops in. They would be busy working and they would not be prepared for war.

When does the enemy come against us? Often, he will come in the midst of great blessing and great victory. Often, he will come when we are involved in doing wonderful things for the Lord. He will come when our minds are occupied with other things.  He comes when our attention is so focused on what we are doing that we are not prepared to go to battle.

God knows this and wants His people be prepared. He has given us a warning:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).

Neither has He left us without an example:

 "And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me." (Neh. 4:16-18).

We have to learn to watch while we work, even while we do that which is good!

Because the people were not prepared when the enemy came, all the people fled. What the enemy found was no opposition! They would march into the fields and the people would flee in terror!

Sounds like what happens today. Things will be going along just fine and then the devil will stir up trouble. He'll use someone to start a ruckus and when this happens, 99% of the people flee from the scene of the battle. No one wants to take a stand. After all, we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings! Very few have the courage to stand up against the attack of the enemy, look them in the eye and say, "By the grace of God, you will not destroy this lentil patch!"

Verse 12 Taking a Stand

This verse tells us that at least one person had decided to take a stand, Shammah.  What was different about this man that he would stay when others would run? The scriptures don't give much insight into this, but I have a few thoughts I would like to share.  

He resolved in his heart that he would fight for that lentil patch.

He made up his mind that he would not run away from the battle.

He knew that there are some things worth fighting for.

He understood that without food, the people would perish.

Maybe he had run before, but not this time! Today, he would stand and he would fight, even if it cost him his life!

The Reward

Because he was willing to take a stand, Shammah slew the enemies of the people of God. He enjoyed a great victory! If he had run away like all the others, he would have been a coward and he would have been defeated. The enemy would have prevailed.

Shammah was not the only one fighting in this battle.  This last part of verse 12 tells us that the one who really won the victory was God! He gave Shammah the ability to stand. He gave him the power to fight. He gave him the skill to win. He gave him the victory over his enemies. Shammah may have held the sword, but it was God who fought the battle!

Because God had one man who was willing to stand, the fields were protected and the people were saved from starvation and from slavery.

Think about that for a moment.  The actions of one man saved the lives of many people.  How many people's lives would be changed if we were willing to take a stand and do what is right? It is mind boggling to think of all the possible connections that come from one person's actions.  It is my hope that I will remember this example the next time I find myself in a situation where it might be easier to run than to take a stand.  I hope that I will be willing to put it all on the line and protect the lentil patch that the Lord has put in my care! 

The Perfect Way

Day two hundred sixty-five

This morning I prayed for energy to make it through the day.  I have been working a lot of hours lately and things at home are always busy with projects and family time.  I feel like I just get one thing done and the next thing is right there waiting for me!  Energy and wise use of time, that's what I need today!

2 Samuel 22:33

It is 9:00 pm and I am just sitting down to write my post, that should tell you how my day was!  I had started to read my scriptures this morning, but ran out of time to write because I needed to leave for work.  But during my break I came across a verse in chapter 22 that made my day:

 "God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect." (2 Samuel 22:33)

Such hope, comfort, and peace this verse gave me today.  I think that is how David felt when he wrote it.  He is nearing the end of his reign and he is contemplative when he writes chapter 22.  How grateful I am that he wrote verse 33 so that I could feel the same way!

I kept this verse going through my head today and somehow the time flew by and I was able to accomplish what I needed too and more.  I knew that whatever I couldn't do myself the Lord would take care of it for me.  I think that is the 'perfect way', doing your best and then letting the Lord help when you need it.  He provided me with the strength physically, mentally and spiritually that I needed in order to follow the way that was laid before me.  He gave me both outward and inner power to be what I was called to be today.  And although it wasn't what many would consider a perfect day, it was the perfect way to spend my day. It was an amazing gift and an answer to my prayer.  I love that the Lord loves me so much! 

Friends

Day two hundred sixty-four

2 Samuel 15-19

The effects of David’s sin with Bathsheba are in full bloom.  David has seen his family demolished; innocent lives devastated and precious people destroyed.  All because of the choices he made.  He is at the lowest point of his life!  His own son, Absalom, has risen up in rebellion against David and has driven him from his palace and from the city of Jerusalem.  This passage finds David on the run for his life from his own son.

At this point in time David does not need a lecture on being a better father.  He does not need a seminar on how to govern a kingdom.  He does not need someone coming along to tell him what a failure he is.  He knows that well enough by now.  What David needs is a friend!

2 Samuel 15-19 talks about some friends that walked into David’s life at just the moment he needed them.  The scriptures say, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24).  I want to take a look at the friends that David had at this desperate time and the characteristics that made them "closer than a brother."

2 Sam. 15:18-22 – Ittai the Gittite a Heartfelt Friend

It seems that Ittai is the commander of a group of 600 men that came to Israel from Gath to follow David (v 18).  Gath, is in the land of the Philistines.  It was also the home of Goliath.  You might also remember that David spent some time living with the Philistines when he was on the run from King Saul (1 Sam. 27-30).  Apparently, David made an impression on Ittai and the rest of these men.  Now that David is on the run again, Ittai expresses his desire to be with David.

Ittai is a person who has been in the background.  This is the first time his name is mentioned.  But, when the chips were down in David’s life, Ittai steps up and demonstrates the depths of his life for the exiled king.  In fact, he pledges his absolute allegiance to David, even if it means death for Ittai (v 21).  That is a true friend.  Many people will be your friend when all is well in your life and when they can benefit from being around you.  A real friend loves you when you have absolutely nothing left to give!

2 Sam. 15:23-28 – Zadok and Abiathar Humble Friends

Zadok and Abiathar were priests.  They were men of God who loved David and wanted to follow him.  When he fled from Absalom, they followed David bringing with them the Ark of the Covenant.  David, however, sends them back to Jerusalem, placing his trust in the power of God to deliver him (v 25-26).  David tells them that they can best serve him by being his eyes in the city. Then, without comment, the two priests turn around and carry the Ark back into the city. By returning to Jerusalem and agreeing to act as spies for David, these men took a great risk!  They put their very lives on the line for their friend.

These two demonstrate one of the great marks of a true friend.  A genuine friend will love you and accept you, even when he does not understand you or agree with you. A real friend will stand by you regardless of the risks involved.  They will stick out their necks for you.  They will be there when others turn and walk away.  A genuine friend might even get hurt in the process of taking your side.  But, no matter when you look, you will find them standing firm, in your corner. That is a real friend! If you have a friend like that, then God has greatly blessed your life. 

Sam. 15:30-37 – Hushai the Archite an Honest Friend

The next friend to come to David’s side was a man named Hushai.  We are told in verse 37 that he is David’s friend.  He comes to meet David as David is leaving Jerusalem, and Hushai is clearly in mourning.  He is broken hearted over what is happening to his king and to his friend.  David sends him back into the city.  He tells him to go to Absalom and feign allegiance.  David wants Hushai to counter the counsel of Ahithophel.  Ahithophel was David’s counselor and he was also Bathsheba’s grandfather.  Maybe he saw the rebellion of Absalom as an opportunity to get even with David for what he had done to Bathsheba and Uriah.  So, Hushai does what David asks and saves David’s life (2 Sam. 17:15-22).  He served as David’s eyes and ears in the throne room.  He was heroic in that he laid his life on the line for his friend.  One slip and Hushai would have been a dead man!

Few, but precious are the friends that will take that kind of stand for you.  David was blessed in that he had a few people who were willing to take a chance to help him in his time of need.  He had Hushai, Zadok, Abiathar, their two sons Jonathan and Ahimaaz, an unknown girl who took a message (17:17), and an unnamed woman who hid Jonathan and Ahimaaz as they carried a message to David (17:18-21).

2 Sam. 17:27-29 – Shobi, Machir and Barzillai Helpful Friends
These three men were nobodies who became somebody’s in the life of David.  They walked in when most everyone else walked out.  When they came, they came in at the right time and they came with exactly what David needed.  Let’s look at these men a little closer.

Shobi – He was an Ammonite.  His father, Nahash the king of Ammon was cruel beyond words (1 Sam. 11).  His brother Hunan had embarrassed David’s messengers (2 Sam. 10).  But, Shobi became an ally of David and stood by him through these difficult days.  David had fought against his people.  But, Shobi did not allow the past to cloud his love for David.

 Machir – He was the man from Lo-debar who gave shelter to Mephibosheth.  He was the kind of person who had a tenderseemed to want to reach out and help others.  He may have thought that he had already given enough, but he gave more because he was David’s friend. He never forgot what David had done for Mephibosheth.

Barzillai – He was an old man and had plenty of money (2 Sam. 19:32).  He could have said, “Get someone else!  I’m old and I’m tired.”  But, he didn’t!  He was David’s friend and he rose to the challenge. When he was needed, he came and he gave to his friend.

These men reveal the true nature of friendship.  They gave without being asked and they asked for nothing in return.  They gave out of love with no hidden agenda.  They did what they did because they loved David.  He was their friend and no price was too high and no inconvenience too great.  They did what they could for their friend!

Notice where David is when these three some to him.  He is in a place called “Mahanaim”.  This is not the first time this place has been mentioned in the Bible.  The first time it is mentioned in during the life of Jacob. As Jacob returned home after 20 years in exile, the angels of the Lord met him in “Mahanaim” (Gen. 32:1-2).  Just like the angels came and ministered to Jacob; Shobi, Machir and Barzillai came and did angel’s work in David’s life.  How thankful David must have been for friends like these!

2 Sam. 19:1-8 - Joab an Honest Friend
The last friend we will consider is David’s nephew, and the commander of his army, Joab. During the battle to retake Jerusalem and to bring David back to the throne, David’s son Absalom becomes trapped in a tree by his hair (2 Sam. 18:9-17).  Joab finds him hanging there and he and his armor-bearers kill Absalom.  When David hears the news, he is devastated and goes off by himself to mourn (2 Sam. 18:23-33).  David is overcome with grief and guilt and cannot comprehend that the kingdom had been returned to him.

When Joab hears how David is acting, he went to David and rebuked him for not praising the people for bringing him back to the throne.  He reminds David that there are larger issues at stake.  David is still king and as king; he has a responsibility to the people.  He reminds David that he has a job to do!  David sees his error and goes out to meet the people.  Joab was a friend because he told David the truth!  He would not stand by and watch his friend make a mistake that he would later regret.   

That is what a friend does!  They will tell you the truth about your life and your decisions.  They do so not to hurt you, but to help you avoid the pain that comes with foolish errors.  Here is what the scriptures say about this kind of friend, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kissess of an enemy are deceitful" (Pro. 27:6).  David had a friend like that in Joab and he had a friend like that in Nathan the Prophet (2 Sam. 12:7). If you have a friend who loves you enough to tell you the truth, then you are a blessed individual.  Real friends pull no punches, they tell us the truth.

This period of David’s life was the hardest he would ever face.  And, he faced it with the help of his friends.  The people God providentially placed within his life made the road easier and the burden lighter.  David was a rich man, not because he had wealth, position and power, but because he had friends!  May we all be blessed to have such friends in our lives too!

The Price of Sin

Day two hundred sixty-four

2 Samuel 15-19

The effects of David’s sin with Bathsheba are in full bloom.  David has seen his family demolished; innocent lives devastated and precious people destroyed.  All because of the choices he made.  He is at the lowest point of his life!  His own son, Absalom, has risen up in rebellion against David and has driven him from his palace and from the city of Jerusalem.  This passage finds David on the run for his life from his own son.

At this point in time David does not need a lecture on being a better father.  He does not need a seminar on how to govern a kingdom.  He does not need someone coming along to tell him what a failure he is.  He knows that well enough by now.  What David needs is a friend!

2 Samuel 15-19 talks about some friends that walked into David’s life at just the moment he needed them.  The scriptures say, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24).  I want to take a look at the friends that David had at this desperate time and the characteristics that made them "closer than a brother."

2 Sam. 15:18-22 – Ittai the Gittite a Heartfelt Friend

It seems that Ittai is the commander of a group of 600 men that came to Israel from Gath to follow David (v 18).  Gath, is in the land of the Philistines.  It was also the home of Goliath.  You might also remember that David spent some time living with the Philistians when he was on the run from King Saul (1 Sam. 27-30).  Apparently, David made an impression on Ittai and the rest of these men.  Now that David is on the run again, Ittai expresses his desire to be with David.

Ittai is a person who has been in the background.  This is the first time his name is mentioned.  But, when the chips were down in David’s life, Ittai steps up and demonstrates the depths of his life for the exiled king.  In fact, he pledges his absolute allegiance to David, even if it means death for Ittai (v 21).  That is a true friend.  Many people will be your friend when all is well in your life and when they can benefit from being around you.  A real friend loves you when you have absolutely nothing left to give!

2 Sam. 15:23-28 – Zadok and Abiathar Humble Friends

Zadok and Abiathar were priests.  They were men of God who loved David and wanted to follow him.  When he fled from Absalom, they followed David bringing with them the Ark of the Covenant.  David, however, sends them back to Jerusalem, placing his trust in the power of God to deliver him (v 25-26).  David tells them that they can best serve him by being his eyes in the city. Then, without comment, the two priests turn around and carry the Ark back into the city. By returning to Jerusalem and agreeing to act as spies for David, these men took a great risk!  They put their very lives on the line for their friend.

These two demonstrate one of the great marks of a true friend.  A genuine friend will love you and accept you, even when he does not understand you or agree with you. A real friend will stand by you regardless of the risks involved.  They will stick out their necks for you.  They will be there when others turn and walk away.  A genuine friend might even get hurt in the process of taking your side.  But, no matter when you look, you will find them standing firm, in your corner. That is a real friend! If you have a friend like that, then God has greatly blessed your life.

2 Sam. 15:30-37 – Hushai the Archite an Honest FriendThe next friend to come to David’s side was a man named Hushai.  We are told in verse 37 that he is David’s friend.  He comes to meet David as David is leaving Jerusalem, and Hushai is clearly in mourning.  He is broken hearted over what is happening to his king and to his friend.  David sends him back into the city.  He tells him to go to Absalom and feign allegiance.  David wants Hushai to counter the counsel of Ahithophel.  Ahithophel was David’s counselor and he was also Bathsheba’s grandfather.  Maybe he saw the rebellion of Absalom as an opportunity to get even with David for what he had done to Bathsheba and Uriah.  So, Hushai does what David asks and saves David’s life (2 Sam. 17:15-22).  He served as David’s eyes and ears in the throne room.  He was heroic in that he laid his life on the line for his friend.  One slip and Hushai would have been a dead man!

Few, but precious are the friends that will take that kind of stand for you.  David was blessed in that he had a few people who were willing to take a chance to help him in his time of need.  He had Hushai, Zadok, Abiathar, their two sons Jonathan and Ahimaaz, an unknown girl who took a message (17:17), and an unnamed woman who hid Jonathan and Ahimaaz as they carried a message to David (17:18-21).

2 Sam. 17:27-29 – Shobi, Machir and Barzillai Helpful Friends

These three men were nobodies who became somebody’s in the life of David.  They walked in when most everyone else walked out.  When they came, they came in at the right time and they came with exactly what David needed.  Let’s look at these men a little closer.

Shobi – He was an Ammonite.  His father, Nahash the king of Ammon was cruel beyond words (1 Sam. 11).  His brother Hunan had embarrassed David’s messengers (2 Sam. 10).  But, Shobi became an ally of David and stood by him through these difficult days.  David had fought against his people.  But, Shobi did not allow the past to cloud his love for David.

 Machir – He was the man from Lo-debar who gave shelter to Mephibosheth.  He was the kind of person who had a tenderseemed to want to reach out and help others.  He may have thought that he had already given enough, but he gave more because he was David’s friend. He never forgot what David had done for Mephibosheth.

Barzillai – He was an old man and had plenty of money (2 Sam. 19:32).  He could have said, “Get someone else!  I’m old and I’m tired.”  But, he didn’t!  He was David’s friend and he rose to the challenge. When he was needed, he came and he gave to his friend.

These men reveal the true nature of friendship.  They gave without being asked and they asked for nothing in return.  They gave out of love with no hidden agenda.  They did what they did because they loved David.  He was their friend and no price was too high and no inconvenience too great.  They did what they could for their friend!

Notice where David is when these three some to him.  He is in a place called “Mahanaim”.  This is not the first time this place has been mentioned in the Bible.  The first time it is mentioned in during the life of Jacob. As Jacob returned home after 20 years in exile, the angels of the Lord met him in “Mahanaim” (Gen. 32:1-2).  Just like the angels came and ministered to Jacob; Shobi, Machir and Barzillai came and did angel’s work in David’s life.  How thankful David must have been for friends like these!

2 Sam. 19:1-8 - Joab an Honest Friend

The last friend we will consider is David’s nephew, and the commander of his army, Joab. During the battle to retake Jerusalem and to bring David back to the throne, David’s son Absalom becomes trapped in a tree by his hair (2 Sam. 18:9-17).  Joab finds him hanging there and he and his armor-bearers kill Absalom.  When David hears the news, he is devastated and goes off by himself to mourn (2 Sam. 18:23-33).  David is overcome with grief and guilt and cannot comprehend that the kingdom had been returned to him.

When Joab hears how David is acting, he went to David and rebuked him for not praising the people for bringing him back to the throne.  He reminds David that there are larger issues at stake.  David is still king and as king; he has a responsibility to the people.  He reminds David that he has a job to do!  David sees his error and goes out to meet the people.  Joab was a friend because he told David the truth!  He would not stand by and watch his friend make a mistake that he would later regret.   

That is what a friend does!  They will tell you the truth about your life and your decisions.  They do so not to hurt you, but to help you avoid the pain that comes with foolish errors.  Here is what the scriptures say about this kind of friend, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kissess of an enemy are deceitful" (Pro. 27:6).  David had a friend like that in Joab and he had a friend like that in Nathan the Prophet (2 Sam. 12:7). If you have a friend who loves you enough to tell you the truth, then you are a blessed individual.  Real friends pull no punches, they tell us the truth.

This period of David’s life was the hardest he would ever face.  And, he faced it with the help of his friends.  The people God providentially placed within his life made the road easier and the burden lighter.  David was a rich man, not because he had wealth, position and power, but because he had friends!  May we all be blessed to have such friends in our lives too!

Can You Do It Without God?

Day two hundred sixty-two

It was my turn to teach a lesson for FHE.  I have been thinking about what to teach for the last week.  This morning I prayed that the Spirit would be with me and help me to put everything together in a way that the would touch the hearts of my family.

When I sat down to work on my blog this morning, nothing was happening.  I think I was too preoccupied with my lesson.  So I didn't write and decided to just wait and see what happened throughout the day. 

Last week I had the idea to give a lesson on gratitude, so I put on the quote board the following statement:  'I am grateful for...' and I waited for my family to respond.  It was great to see the board marked up with the things that each of us were grateful for.  I thought that I had this lesson in the bag.  

Then sometime during the week another thought kept nagging at me:  You need to talk about the importance of keeping God in your life.  Okay, I can tie that into gratitude, that's not too hard.  But then another thought:  Talk about finding success in life.  This was becoming more than a simple lesson! 

I found some inspiration in my scripture study of 2 Samuel 11-12.  It was Nathan that helped me.  When Nathan was told by God to tell David that He knew what sins David had committed (coveting, adultery, and murder) he chose to do it with a story.  So I asked each member of my family to share a scriptural story that they thought was about a person who was a success.  Their choices were pretty amazing:  Abinadi, Moses, and Daniel.  They shared their story and what the success of that person was.  We talked about what it was that each person did that made them successful.  Answers included: Faith, Perseverance, Enduring, Obedience, Gratitude, Prayer, etc.

When we came to showing gratitude to the Lord I posed the questions: What would our lives be like if we showed more gratitude towards the Lord each day? What if we actually talked to Him and told Him what we were grateful for each day instead of writing it on the board?  Would their be power in this? 

The characteristic that took up most of the discussion was their relationship with God.  What type of relationship did each of them have with God and how did it help them in their success?  

We were lucky to watch three movies this week that went along with this lesson:  Facing the Giants, Skin, and On a Clear Day. Each of these movies had messages that showed modern day people as examples of these characteristics.  It was a nice coincidence and it was very helpful in the lesson. 

The lesson ended with what I can only say was an inspired moment.  What was each of our success stories?  How can we ensure success in our lives?  If we look at the plan we have for our life can we do it without God?  That last question was the one that really got them thinking. Then I took the opportunity to share my testimony and asked them to never shut out God in their lives. To look for ways that they could build a better relationship with God and make it a priority in their lives.  I hadn't really planned on that, but I'm glad that I listened and did it, because you could feel that it had touched their hearts. 

I don't think that my post can tell the whole story of what this lesson meant to my family, but I felt like it was worth writing down.  I know that I learned a lot from this lesson.  It was interesting to be led this week by the Spirit and not even recognize that it was happening.  I love that I was able to use what I was learning in the scriptures, the things that my family did together, and bring it all together with a spiritual moment.  Thank you Heavenly Father for hearing my prayer and answering it in such a great way.  I couldn't have done it without you!!

   

Bullies

Day two hundred sixty-one

I am so looking forward to a day of rest, I need it.  I thanked the Lord for His wisdom in providing us a day to rest our bodies and to focus on Him so that we might be rejuvenated for the next week! 

2 Samuel 10

Chances are that you have been a victim of bullying at some point in your life.  Maybe it was in the form of verbal abuse such as name calling and threats, or physical abuse such as hitting, shoving, kicking, etc.  Or maybe you have been the victim of the latest type of bullying: cyber bullying.  Whichever it is for your particular situation, you probably still remember the emotional, mental and physical scars that come with it.

In chapter 10 we see a clear case of bullying going on.  David sends his servants to show kindness to Hanun who has just been made ruler over the Ammonites due to his father's death.  Instead of excepting this gesture from David, Hanun and the other princes bully his servants.  They shave off half of the servants beards and cut up their clothes apparently to the buttocks area, then send them away. (2 Sam 10:3-4) 

If you understand the significance of the beard to these people, and their desire for modesty, you will know that this was extremely embarrassing for them and they felt ashamed ( 2 Sam 10:5).  Much like we do when we have been the victim of a bully.

Bullying is a serious problem discussed in the scriptures several times.  How are we doing in our day with the bullying problem?

Here are the facts:

Youth (bullyingstatistics.org)

• American schools harbor approximately 2.1 million bullies and 2.7 million of their victims. (Dan Olweus, National School Safety Center).
• It is estimated that 160,000 children (15%) miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. (National Education Association)
• 1 out of 4 kids is Bullied. An American Justice Department school bullying statistics and cyber bullying statistics studies shows that this month 1 out of every 4 kids will be abused by another youth.
• A survey conducted by the American Association of University Women reported that 85% of girls and 76% of boys have been sexually harassed in some form and only 18% of those incidents were perpetrated by an adults.
• Young bullies carry a one-in-four chance of having a criminal record by age 30. (Study by Leonard Eron and Rowell Huesman).
• 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.
• 71% of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.
• One out of 20 students has seen a student with a gun at school.
• 28% of youths who carry weapons have witnessed violence at home.

Adults (bullyingstatistics.org)
One would think that as people mature and progress through life, that they would stop behaviors of their youth.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  Sadly, adults can be bullies, just as children and teenagers can be bullies. While adults are more likely to use verbal bullying as opposed to physical bullying, the fact of the matter is that adult bullying exists.  The goal of an adult bully is to gain power over another person, and make himself or herself the dominant adult.  They try to humiliate victims, and "show them who is boss." 

This is such a problem that the experts have classified the different types of adult bullies:  Narcissistic Adult Bully,Impulsive Adult Bully,Physical Bully, Verbal Adult Bully, and Secondary Adult Bully.

How does God feel about bullies?

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord." (Lev 19:18; Matt 22:39; Mosiah 23:15; D&C 59:6)

Did you notice that this message is in each of the standard works?  That should say something about the importance of this message!  Bullying goes against the commandments of God.

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matt 18:6)

We are all God's "little ones" and he takes the abuse of each of us very seriously.

Dealing with bullies
The first thing David does is take care of the victims. I love in verse 5 that David protects and cares for the victims, "...and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return."  He was protecting them from further abuse and ridicule. 

Then he faces the bullies, not alone, but in large numbers (2 Sam 10:7).  There is something to be said for this technique.  I think that many who have witnessed bullying would like to speak up, but often out of fear think, "I am one person, what if they turn on me?" When you gather as a group to confront a bully they tend to back down.  There is definitely power in numbers.

I realize that in David's story they did end up fighting, and that may be the case in our time too.  However, such violence tends to occur in fewer instances, the majority of bullying situations end without such violence.The fighting now a days tends to end up in the legal system if it is reported.   

The great thing about David's story is that he not only stops the original bullies, but he sends a message to all other would-be bullies that it won't be tolerated.  The message is received loud and clear! (2 Sam 10:19)

This is a topic close to my heart.  I have been on both sides of this issue.  I am not proud of my behavior as a bully, it was usually towards my younger brother and luckily we have made amends.  It is however, the victim side that gets me so riled up, because I have been the victim more than the bully.  The message I take away from this chapter is that I need to be there for the victims and stand up for what is right.  It is okay for me to feel fear, but I still need to do the right thing! 

Amazing Grace

Day two hundred sixty

I am filled with love for my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ today.  My prayer was filled with gratitude for the ability to feel their love in my life and the lives of those around me.  I also asked that I might be an example of their love in the lives of others.  May others see my love for the Lord in my words and deeds today!

2 Samuel 9
A story is told about Fiorello LaGuardia, who, when he was mayor of New York City during the worst days of the Great Depression and all of WWII, was called by adoring New Yorkers 'the Little Flower' because he was only five foot four and always wore a carnation in his lapel. He was a colorful character who used to ride the New York City fire trucks, raid speakeasies with the police department, take entire orphanages to baseball games, and whenever the New York newspapers were on strike, he would go on the radio and read the Sunday funnies to the kids. One bitterly cold night in January of 1935, the mayor turned up at a night court that served the poorest ward of the city. LaGuardia dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench himself.

Within a few minutes, a tattered old woman was brought before him, charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She told LaGuardia that her daughter's husband had deserted her, her daughter was sick, and her two grandchildren were starving. But the shopkeeper, from whom the bread was stolen, refused to drop the charges. "It's a real bad neighborhood, your Honor." the man told the mayor. "She's got to be punished to teach other people around here a lesson."

LaGuardia sighed. He turned to the woman and said "I've got to punish you. The law makes no exceptions--ten dollars or ten days in jail." But even as he pronounced sentence, the mayor was already reaching into his pocket. He extracted a bill and tossed it into his famous sombrero saying: "Here is the ten dollar fine which I now remit; and furthermore I am going to fine everyone in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so that her grandchildren can eat. Mr. Baliff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant."

So the following day the New York City newspapers reported that $47.50 was turned over to a bewildered old lady who had stolen a loaf of bread to feed her starving grandchildren, fifty cents of that amount being contributed by the red-faced grocery store owner, while some seventy petty criminals, people with traffic violations, and New York City policemen, each of whom had just paid fifty cents for the privilege of doing so, gave the mayor a standing ovation.

That is the essence of grace!  It recognizes our wretched condition; it pays our debt and it gives us more then we could ever have imagined.  No wonder it’s called amazing!

This chapter in 2 Samuel provides one of the clearest pictures of grace in the scriptures.  God uses David as a living illustration of what grace is all about. 

"Any"

David says that he wants to show “kindness for Jonathan’s sake.”  The word for “kindness” is also translated “goodness, mercy, favor, and loving kindness.”  It is the Old Testament equivalent to the New Testament word “Grace.”  Grace is often defined as “the unmerited love and favor of God toward the undeserving.”  Grace is one person accepting another in a positive manner in spite of the unworthiness of the person being accepted.

David desires to extend grace to a member of Saul’s family.  This is amazing in light of the fact that in those days, when a new king came to power, he usually destroyed every member of the former king’s household, in an effort to prevent any rebellion by that family.  David had the right to execute judgment, but he chose to demonstrate grace instead. David did this, not because the house of Saul deserved it, but because of his relationship with Jonathan, and because of two promises he had made years before.  David had promised both Jonathan and Saul that he would not totally destroy their offspring (1 Sam. 20:13-17; 1 Sam. 24:20-22).  So, this grace is extended because of another.

When David decides to extend grace, he does so without any limits.  He is looking for “any that is left of the house of Saul.”  It did not matter that the house of Saul was the house of his predecessor and bitter enemy, David was willing to extend grace to “any” member of the house of Saul.  The key word is “any”.  David was not looking for people who met a certain criteria. But, anyone who was of the family of Saul was a candidate for grace. 

Thankfully God's grace knows no boundaries!  It extends to all men regardless of their past, their race, their social standing, or their deeds.  God does not reach out to save the righteous, but the sinner (Mark 2:17).  God extends His grace to “whosoever will” (Matt. 11:28; John 7:37). You see, no one deserves it; but all can have it.  That is what makes grace so amazing!

Condition

David discovers that one of Jonathan’s sons is still living.  He also hears the news that this man is crippled.  Yet, the response of grace is not to ask what kind of man he is, or even how bad he is crippled.  Grace does not concern itself with the man’s background, his surroundings, his abilities, his appearance, his future potential, etc. The response of grace is to ask “Where is he?”  As soon as David hears where this man is, he sends his servants to “fetch” him.

So it is with the grace of God.  He does not look upon us and concern Himself with our crippled spiritual condition.  He looks upon us though the eyes of grace.  He sees us exactly like we are, but He loves us in spite of what we are.  He knows all about our past, our problems and our potential, yet He responds by drawing us to Him anyway!  Again, amazing!

Expanded

When Mephibosheth came to David, he did not get what he deserved, he received grace.  When he received grace, he also received more blessings than he could have ever imagined.  Grace was expanded. 

The same is true for all those who except God’s grace. When grace is extended and embraced, everything changes!  

We are promised security (John 6:37-40; John 10:28; 1 Pet. 1:5)

We are promised a home in Heaven (John 14:1-3) 

We are promised that our needs will be met (Phil. 4:19, Matt. 6:25-34)  

We are promised His presence all the way home to Heaven (Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20) 

That is what grace gives to all those who embrace it. I can think of one word to describe these blessings, Amazing!

Grace is one of my favorite topics to study.  Every time I get into it I learn something new and I am reminded of God's love for His people.  In some of my notes from a previous study session I found this quote:

Between here and heaven, every minute that the Christian lives will be a minute of grace.

~ C.H. Spurgeon

What a great way to look at our lives; every minute filled with grace!  Somehow it makes my day  better thinking about it this way!  Every day can be an amazing day filled with grace!