Good Morning “Trainers of Your Replacements.” Today we are in 2 Samuel 21.
At first glance this chapter reads like a simple record of King Davids duties. But there is a subtle hint of what came across to me as both sadness and rejoicing.
The chapter begins showing David typically caring for Israel. In it we see yet another example of the ripple effect of sin on generations to come. Israel has been in a 3 year drought. Drought such as this has the potential of decimating a nation. “”So, David sought the face of The Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”” 2 Samuel 21:1 NIV. You see Israel has sworn to spare the Gibeonites, but in Saul’s zeal he tried to destroy them all. Reminder: God remembers our commitments even when we forget.
What can David do to atone for Saul’s sin? The Gibeonites respond - they want seven of Saul’s male decedents, they want their lives. For the sake of Israel and Gods favor, David obliges them. Talk about “sins of the father.”
The rest of the chapter records David’s conquering of the Philistines. 4 more giants are mentioned specifically. But in the recording what do you notice?
“… David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.” 2 Samuel 21:15 NIV. David gets into trouble…
“But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.”” 2 Samuel 21:17 NIV
David, the shepherd had become a mighty warrior, effective in command and control. He was also an effective force on the battlefield. However David is getting up there in years, apparently easily exhausted. What do we see next?
David’s men, take over and take care of business. Question… how is it that David’s men were the warriors they were? They were simply following in David’s footsteps as giant slayers. They were WELL trained.
Herein lies one of the purposes of mentorship and discipleship. God has uniquely placed each of us in our current area of influence. None of us can carry on there forever. Students graduate and move on. Adults move around and change jobs etc. We all eventually age and struggle to continue in the particular ministry area we’re called to. Then what? Are we building into someone to the degree that our station will be covered? We have a responsibility to train our replacements. David did it. Isn’t that what Jesus did? (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
Love you all! Dig in!
At first glance this chapter reads like a simple record of King Davids duties. But there is a subtle hint of what came across to me as both sadness and rejoicing.
The chapter begins showing David typically caring for Israel. In it we see yet another example of the ripple effect of sin on generations to come. Israel has been in a 3 year drought. Drought such as this has the potential of decimating a nation. “”So, David sought the face of The Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”” 2 Samuel 21:1 NIV. You see Israel has sworn to spare the Gibeonites, but in Saul’s zeal he tried to destroy them all. Reminder: God remembers our commitments even when we forget.
What can David do to atone for Saul’s sin? The Gibeonites respond - they want seven of Saul’s male decedents, they want their lives. For the sake of Israel and Gods favor, David obliges them. Talk about “sins of the father.”
The rest of the chapter records David’s conquering of the Philistines. 4 more giants are mentioned specifically. But in the recording what do you notice?
“… David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.” 2 Samuel 21:15 NIV. David gets into trouble…
“But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.”” 2 Samuel 21:17 NIV
David, the shepherd had become a mighty warrior, effective in command and control. He was also an effective force on the battlefield. However David is getting up there in years, apparently easily exhausted. What do we see next?
David’s men, take over and take care of business. Question… how is it that David’s men were the warriors they were? They were simply following in David’s footsteps as giant slayers. They were WELL trained.
Herein lies one of the purposes of mentorship and discipleship. God has uniquely placed each of us in our current area of influence. None of us can carry on there forever. Students graduate and move on. Adults move around and change jobs etc. We all eventually age and struggle to continue in the particular ministry area we’re called to. Then what? Are we building into someone to the degree that our station will be covered? We have a responsibility to train our replacements. David did it. Isn’t that what Jesus did? (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
Love you all! Dig in!
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