Day 108: Psalms 32, 86, 102, 103, 122

Today's reading consists of five psalms. There are a variety of themes and observations that could be made about these psalms but the grace and mercy and compassion of God seems to come through pretty consistently. I don't really have any comments...these are some excerpts that really spoke to me this morning:

Blessed is the one
   whose transgressions are forgiven,
   whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
   whose sin the LORD does not count against them
   and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent,
   my bones wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
   your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
   as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
   and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
   my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
   the guilt of my sin. (32:1-5)

You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
   abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, LORD;
   listen to my cry for mercy. (86:5-6)

All the nations you have made
   will come and worship before you, Lord;
   they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
   you alone are God. (86:9-10)

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
   and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
   they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
   and they will be discarded.
But you remain the same,
   and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
   their descendants will be established before you. (102:25-28)

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
   slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
   nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
   or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
   so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
   so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
   so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
   he remembers that we are dust. (103:8-14)

Day 107: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 51

David is at the height of his power. They say that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. This seems to be happening even to David, who has demonstrated such faith and dependence on God so far in his life and career, Yet 2 Samuel 11 begins with these words:

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 11:1)

David wasn't where he was supposed to be. He decided to take it easy and stay in Jerusalem with time on his hands...and a beautiful woman living next door. He was the king...he could have anything he wants...and he wants Bathsheba...never mind that she was married to one of his soldiers who was away fighting for him...where he should have been. That only makes it more convenient.

We're all very familiar with this story. Not only do we read it here in 2 Samuel 11, it seems we read it about every other day in the newspaper. Bathsheba ends up pregnant so David comes up with a scheme to make everyone think the baby is her husband's. He give Uriah a little R&R and expects him to go home to be with his wife...then her pregnancy could be explained and no one would be the wiser. However, Uriah has too much honor for that. Uriah's actions here probably really hit David hard...because I think Uriah does what David would have done if given a similar circumstance...back when he had honor...

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”(2 Samuel 11:11)

So David devises Plan B...

In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.” (2 Samuel 11:14-15)

David, David, David! It's amazing how sin can suck you in. You start with one thing and it just keeps leading to another. Satan had to be rejoicing right about now.

When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD. (2 Samuel 11:26-27)

So God sends Nathan to David to confront him about this whole situation. I'm sure Nathan had to be nervous about this...but God sent him and he had to go. He moves in gently with a story...a story about a rich man who treats a poor man unfairly...and David's sense of justice comes out and accuses the rich man. Then Nathan moves in...

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7)

David may have thought he had gotten away with it and started moving on but unless he was confronted it would continue to rot his soul. It wasn't just a one time thing. Oh it may have been the FIRST but it was a step, actually several steps, down a path...a path to ruin. And it wasn't as if no one knew about it. How about the messengers David sent to get Bathsheba? What about Joab? What if one of these people had intervened and questioned David's actions? I wonder what would have happened? The point to me is that we each of us needs a "Nathan" in our life. Someone who will confront us. On the other side of that...we each need to be brave enough to be a "Nathan" to someone who needs accountability.

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13)

These could be the most powerful words a person could ever say. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, none of us wants to admit that we sin...even though all of us know that all of us do. The fact that David did doesn't diminish him in my eyes at all...just the opposite. I have had great respect for David as I've read the account of his life...this statement raises that respect to new heights. It's so unusual. There's not a hint of "yes, but..." or "I did not have sexual relations with that woman..." or any other cover up, justification, or rationalization. Simply, "I have sinned against the Lord."

Then I love what Joab does next. I had never noticed this before. He goads David into getting back to what he should have been doing in the first place:

Joab then sent messengers to David, saying, “I have fought against Rabbah and taken its water supply. Now muster the rest of the troops and besiege the city and capture it. Otherwise I will take the city, and it will be named after me.” So David mustered the entire army and went to Rabbah, and attacked and captured it. (2 Samuel 12:27-29)

This is an important step in repentance...changing your habits to avoid the trap you fell into. You know the trap is there now. Use that knowledge to stay away from similar circumstances.

This whole series of events was the basis for one of the most beautiful of David's Psalms. Everyone loves

Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
   blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
   and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
   and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
   and justified when you judge. (Psalm 51:1-4)

There's another key...acknowledging that God is right in judging me guilty. So many approach their own feelings of guilt by trying to get rid of the guilt feelings without dealing with the fact of guilt.

But there's more...

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12)

Not only does God forgive when we confess...he makes us pure again...as if we had never sinned!

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
   you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart
   you, God, will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)

Day 106: Psalms 65-67, 69-70

We spend so much time and effort trying to look good. I don't mean physically...I mean spiritually. None of us like to reveal the fact that we have sin in our lives...even though we all do. Oh, we "admit" that we are all sinners in the most general of terms but rarely if ever do we get specific.

But here's the thing:

You, God, know my folly;
   my guilt is not hidden from you. (Psalm 69:5)

And even better:

When we were overwhelmed by sins,
   you forgave our transgressions.  (Psalm 65:3)

And on a more personal note:

But as for me, I am poor and needy;
   come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
   LORD, do not delay. (Psalm 70:5)

Day 104&105: 2 Samuel 8-10, 1 Chronicles 18-19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75

David seems to be at the height of his power. He is defeating all his enemies because...

The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. (2 Samuel 18:6)

Not only did God give him have military power over his enemies he also was ruled his people well:

David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. (2 Samuel 8:15)

It seems he went looking for good things to do for people...even, and especially, those who were descendants of Saul.

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)

There was a man named Mephibosheth who was Jonathan's son, Saul's grandson. Because of his deep friendship with Jonathan David had Mephibosheth brought to him and said:

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

I'm starting to consider another characteristic of David...it seems he never did anything half-way. When he was in battle he was no match for his enemies...and, by today's standards, was ruthless and barbaric. Check this out:

David also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. (2 Samuel 8:2)

But, on the other hand, he went out of his way looking for ways to show kindness to a crippled grandson of his former enemy. Everything he did was with all his heart, soul, mind and strength...and it was done for the glory of God, not himself.

King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued: Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. (2 Samuel 8:11-12)

 That's why David could write a psalm like Psalm 20:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
   but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

In reading today's psalms I noticed something I hadn't really ever paid attention to before. Some of the psalms have a little heading, or title, or description at the top. I've read those before and noted whether it was a psalm of David or someone else but there are some that also have a note about the tune that is to be used to sing them. Like this:

To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” (Psalm 60 heading)

Or this:

To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” (Psalm 75 heading)

It seems the idea of writing new words to existing melodies is as old as scripture itself. I find this interesting.

I also thought this bit of Psalm 75 was noteworthy:

No one from the east or the west
   or from the desert can exalt themselves.
It is God who judges:
   He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalm 75:6-7)

I'm reminded that I always need to be examining my motives...are the things I say and do for the purpose of exalting myself? I should let God take care of any exalting...or bringing down...that's going to take place.

Day 103: 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalms 1-2, 33, 127, 132

God makes a promise to David that his kingdom would last forever:

Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”  (2 Samuel 7:16)

The last part of 2 Samuel 7 is David's prayer in response to God's promise. As I read his prayer I noted once again the combination confidence and humility. He is humbled by God's promise to him but it is that very promise that gives him the confidence to pray. I think this should be our example as well. We approach God humbly, to be sure, but yet confidently because He of His promises.

“LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. (2 Samuel 7:27-28)

Today's selection of Psalms are some of my favorites. I thought I'd just quote some of my favorite parts:

Blessed is the one
   who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
   or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
   whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Ever wonder about God's interest in politics?

Why do the nations conspire
   and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
   and the rulers band together
   against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
   and throw off their shackles.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
   the Lord scoffs at them. (Psalm 2:1-3)

Of course I like this one:

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
   it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD with the harp;
   make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
   play skillfully, and shout for joy. (Psalm 33:1-3)

This is one I first learned from a plaque I received as a gift when I was in HS and I've liked it ever since:

Unless the LORD builds the house,
   the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
   the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

Days 101&102: Psalms 15, 23-25, 47, 89, 96, 100, 101, 107

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
   Who may live on your holy mountain?  (Psalm 15:1)

This question opens today's reading. The answer to the question begins like this:

The one whose walk is blameless,
   who does what is righteous,
   who speaks the truth from their heart... (Psalm 15:2)

...and he continues with a description of a good and righteous life. I think this may be one of the problems I have with the Psalms. In many of the Psalms you could get the impression that it's a pretty clear cut, black/white issue. The good guys who don't lie, cheat and steal are God's people and live long, happy, healthy lives while the bad guys who do those mean things are cast out. Live a good life = accepted by God, live a bad life = rejected by God. The same thing happens in Psalm 24:

Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
   Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not trust in an idol
   or swear by a false god. (Psalm 24:3-4) 

The thing is, I know there is more to the story than that. It's not that those things aren't true, they are. The problem is that no one can do it. Even at our absolute best we can't, on our own, live up to this standard of goodness. That's why after reading these Psalms we need to then read:

Do not remember the sins of my youth
   and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
   for you, LORD, are good.  (Psalm 25:7)

We sin. But He offers forgiveness. 

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
   toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
For the sake of your name, LORD,
   forgive my iniquity, though it is great.(Psalm 25:10-11)

There was a lot of talk recently about judgment day. We should probably think about this more than we do but because of forgiveness judgment is not something we need to fear:

Clap your hands, all you nations;
   shout to God with cries of joy.
For the LORD Most High is awesome,
   the great King over all the earth. (Psalm 47:1-2)
Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
   he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
   and the peoples in his faithfulness. (Psalm 96:13)

That's not the message we usually hear from those predicting the end of the world.

Day 100: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16

One of the keys to David's ability to lead and retain his humility & confidence is that he knew the source of it all. He knew it was God who was really in control, not David:

David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. (2 Samuel 5:12)

During this time of relative peace and unity the decision was made to locate the ark of the covenant and bring it up to Jerusalem. While in transit there was a slight accident. The ark began to slip and one of the men (Uzzah) reached out to steady it. He was struck dead by God. This has always seemed sort of unfair to me. Apparently it seemed unfair to David as well:

Then David was angry because the LORD’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” He was not willing to take the ark of the LORD to be with him in the City of David. (2 Samuel 6:8-10)

This seemed to elude even David's acute sense of justice. But after a few months he decided to try again to bring the ark to Jerusalem. The text doesn't really say anything about what was going on in David's mind. What happened that made him change his mind? Here's what I think: I think David decided to submit to God's judgment even though it seemed unfair to him.

As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. (2 Samuel 6:16)

She "despised him"  because he was acting so lower-class. He was the king, after all. And, more importantly, she was a queen...and this seemed so "common". She wanted to be respected and looked up to. She was the daughter of a king and now she was the wife of a king and royalty simply doesn't act this way. We all have a tendency to get caught up in our own importance, don't we?

David gets a pretty cold greeting when he gets home:

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (2 Samuel 6:20)

But, see, David's celebration was not done for the people. It was for God:

David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. (2 Samuel 6:21-22)

I think it's worth asking ourselves a few questions about our own worship. Why do we worship the way we do? Whose eyes do we feel are watching us? Do we prefer certain types of music in worship (rock, pop, traditional) because it reflects to others the way we want to be perceived? Do we dress a certain way (coat and tie, jeans and t-shirt) because of how we want people we view us? There's a song the kids used to sing based on this scripture about being undignified but if our being undignified is because that's the image we want to project to others then we've sort of missed the point. When we worship, who do we perceive as our audience? David's celebration was "before the Lord".

Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
   ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
   bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
 Tremble before him, all the earth! (1 Chronicles 16:28-30)