May 31, 2014
The story of David’s betrayal foreshadows that of Jesus. David wept on the Mount of Olives as he left Jerusalem. He was betrayed by a trusted advisor. And his advisor later hung himself. The Old Testament prepares us for the Jesus story, which is the gospel story. Yet, only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe.
May 30, 2014
When David was betrayed, he fled from Jerusalem going East towards the Mount of Olives. As he climbed the Mount he wept and prayed that God would have mercy on him. God heard David’s prayer and restored him to the throne. Centuries later, Jesus, Son of David, left Jerusalem to pray on that same Mount. Weeping he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). God prevented David’s betrayer from succeeding, but Jesus’ betrayer found him there on the Mount of Olives and turned him over to the authorities to be crucified. God showed David mercy, but poured out the judgment that belonged to us all upon His Son, Jesus. Jesus took the wages of our sin, so that God could show not only David, but all of us His mercy.
May 27, 2014
David was a sinner. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then conspired to have her husband murdered. Yet, God forgave him. How was David different than Saul? On one hand there is the mystery of God’s mercy. As the apostle Paul said, “God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy” (Romans 9:18). Then, on the other hand there is the different response to sin that David had. Saul made excuses, but David “confessed” and repented. Perhaps this is what made David a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). Not that he was without sin (he wasn’t). But that he was quick to confess and repent, asking God for forgiveness and mercy.
May 25, 2014
This prophecy was given to David through the prophet Nathan when he asked to build the Lord a temple to house the Ark. God told David that he was not the one to build him a temple, but that his son would be. This prophecy had both an immediate and an ultimate fulfillment. It was immediately fulfilled in David’s son, Solomon, who built a glorious temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. Yet, this temple was destroyed. Centuries later, another one was born to the house of David named Jesus. He is the ultimate fulfillment of this Davidic promise. He is both the Chief Cornerstone and the Builder of this eternal temple, which is the Church of the living God.
June 5, 2012
Worship means to ascribe worth to one who is worthy. It means to give what the recipient is worth. Worship should cost us something. Since Christ has saved us, He is worthy of our all. What have you budgeted for worship?
May 31, 2012
In many ways the story of David’s betrayal foreshadows that of Jesus. David wept at the Mount of Olives. He was betrayed by a trusted advisor. And his advisor later hung himself. The OT prepares us for the Jesus story.
May 27, 2012
David fasted and lay on the floor praying for 7 days that God would spare his son. But the child died as Nathan prophesied. Afterwards, David bathed, went to the Tabernacle to worship, returned to the palace and asked for food. Those who have lost loved ones can learn from how David’s faith affected his approach to death and grieving.
May 25, 2012
What God told King David through the prophet Nathan. Biblical prophecy often has an immediate, ongoing and ultimate fulfillment. Solomon, son of David, is the immediate fulfillment, building the Temple of which David dreamed. But Jesus, Son of David, Son of God is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. His throne endures forever!
May 31, 2011
After betraying David, Ahithophel committed suicide. This foreshadows Judas with Jesus. There was much in the life and times of David that pointed to the Messiah. But only those with hearing ears and receptive hearts were able to believe.
May 30, 2011
Fleeing from Absalom, David wept on the Mount. Jesus, Son of David, wept here too, crying out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!” He also prayed here in the Garden the night of His betrayal. Do you have a “Mount of Olives” in which to pray?