READING FOR MAY 14, 2025: 2 SAMUEL 7, 2 CORINTHIANS 13, PSALM 41:5-13 2 SAMUEL 7 In some ways David’s spiritual life is like a game of ping-pong. Does that seem familiar to any of us? David goes from extreme devotion to God to clear disobedience to God. In this chapter he reflects upon the fact that he lives in a luxurious house, while the ark of the Lord resides in a tent. Likely, Saul would have never given that situation any thought because his focus was self-preservation. Another good gesture by David was his running this concern past Nathan the prophet, who initially gave David the go ahead to address the situation. In this case, however, the prophet was premature in giving David this approval. (Even God’s spiritual leaders are not perfect, as we will eventually discover in life and the Bible.) But God eventually and graciously made His will known through Nathan to David.
God reminds David that he took him from the pasture to the throne and made him successful in all his endeavors. In addition, He will make David a great figure among all the nations and throughout history. Through David, in ways David could never understand, God promised to establish His kingdom forever. We might ask, how could that be or how has that happened? Let’s let a reliable source, the angel Gabriel, explain it to us as he did to the virgin Mary: “You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:31-13).
David’s response is one of insightful humility and complete thankfulness, which we would do well to emulate. Think of it. Who are we that God the Son should take on our sins, die in our place, and offer us the gift of grace through faith allowing us to walk with Him daily and live forevermore? If David was almost at a loss for words based upon his incomplete knowledge of God’s grace, we should be utterly astounded. Is this what Charles Wesley was getting at?
“And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?”
2 CORINTHIANS 13 Paul informs the church that he intends to make his third visit to them soon and will not spare anyone. Ever have such a guest at your home? He reminds them how to practice church discipline, likely so they can get ready for his visit by clearing up any bad practice. He also recommends that they test themselves to see if they are really Christians.
READING FOR MAY 14, 2025 CONTINUED: 2 CORINTHIANS 13, PSALM 41:5-13 Paul does not tell us in this chapter what this test entails. Remember he also told them to examine themselves in 1 Cor. 11:28-32, but again no methodology was given. He does give them lots of examples of behavior that would indicate they are not Christians in 1 Cor. 6:9-10. Theology professor Kevin DeYoung finds that 1 John gives three good signs to determine this:
- Theological Sign—We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (5:10-13), that He came to earth as a man (4:2) who was the promised Christ/Messiah (2:22), and that it is He alone in whom we trust as our Lord or total master (4:14-16, 5:1, 5).
- Moral Sign—We must live a righteous life (3:6-9) and confess our sins when we fail to do so (1:9-10). Again see 1 Cor. 6:9-10 for a list of unrighteous behavioral examples.
- Social Sign—We must love other Christians (3:14, 4:7-12, 21).
Dr. DeYoung states all three signs must be present (2:4, 6: 4:20, 5:2). Since Paul states we should test ourselves, LET’S TAKE THE TEST.
Paul closes the letter by affirming a blessing for them from each person of the Trinity: Grace from God the Son, Love from God the Father, and Fellowship from God the Spirit.
PSALM 41:5-13 In verse 4 David confesses to sinning against God and asks for mercy. Then he quickly lists additional reasons he needs mercy. He describes enemies that say one thing in his presence and then slander him when they leave--the opposite of speaking truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Perhaps the deepest wound is the betrayal of David’s close friend who had dined with him. In fact, Jesus quoted this verse 9 in describing Judas at the last supper (John 13:8).
David remains confident of God’s love for him, though, because he had not been defeated by these enemies. Furthermore, he asks to be healed so that he might repay them. This kind of repayment is of course not our prerogative. Possibly David had the obligation to execute this judgment, though, as head of state: “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Rom. 13:4).
David concludes by praising the God of Israel, not a god of his own making. He also reminds us that the God of Israel had no beginning and has no ending. He is the only eternal being that exists. He deserves our praise. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.
