Today's Treasure:
"Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him"
2 Samuel 12: 24
Read 2 Samuel 12: 15 - 25
In what ways did David respond to his child's sudden illness?
David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and slept on the ground
Imagine yourself in David's position after his painful loss. Read his immediate responses in verse 20. Which response would have been most difficult for you and why?
After the child died, David got up. He entered the house, bathed and put on lotion and went to worship. Then he went in to eat.
I definitely think the second response would have been the most difficult to me. First of all, losing a child is my worst nightmare. I could not imagine the agony of this situation...nor do I ever want to. It would be so hard for me to immediately get up and realize that I had to get on with my life. I pray that I would be able to worship for the life of my child and the goodness of God in the situation.
According to verse 23, what appeared to be David's sustaining belief through his grief?
He would be with his child after his own death
Describe God's attitude toward David and Bathsheba's second child?
He loved Solomon. As a matter of fact, he sent Nathan to have the child named Jedidiah, which means "beloved of the Lord"
Beth points out that it is difficult not to question whether or not David was wasting his time pleading for the life of his child. God already sent word to David that the child must die for David's sins. So, why should David bother asking Him to change His mind?
Consider the following verses:
Exodus 33: 3, 15-17
God refused to go into the land of milk and honey with the Israelites because they were a stiff necked people. He was afraid He would destroy them along the way because of their actions. Moses pleaded with God to accompany them. God agreed to go because He was pleased with Moses and knew Him by name.
Isaiah 38: 1 - 5
Hezekiah became ill, and Isaiah told him that he would die. Hezekiah wept to God and begged him for his life. He reminded God of his faithfulness to Him. God agreed to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life.
Beth points out that God did not create us to be unaffected by us. We are products of God's heart...not his head!!! The God of scripture is one who feels!!!
The following scripture describe emotions of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Psalm 59:8 - laughter
Psalm 95: 10 - anger
Zephaniah 3: 17 - delight
John 11: 33 - deeply moved, troubled
John 11: 35 - weeping
Ephesians 4: 30 - grief
We have to consider a few reasons why David's prayers did not change God's mind about the death of his child. It was not out of lack of grace or mercy. God's actions were in response to a need for an eternal purpose through what happened.
1. David's painful pleas forced him back to a crucial place of depending on God
All week we have been discussing how far David was from God at this point in his life. Up to this point, there is no mention of worship coming from David. He made many poor decisions because he didn't respect God enough to make him a part of his decisions. David was beginning to believe he could do anything on his own...without God. God can only take care of us if we depend on Him to do it. This tragedy was the only way God could make David depend on Him once more. You have to remember that David (1) multiplied his wives and concubines against the will of God, (2) took another man's wife and (3) took an innocent man's wife. He did all of this with no willingness to repent.
2. David's pleas would satisfy his spirit in the many months of mourning to come
David needed to know that he did everything possible to save the life of his son.
In your relationship with God, do you feel freedom to bring the desires of your heart to Him in prayer?
Yes, Yes, Yes
How do you usually respond if He does not give you the desire of your heart?
I am hurt and disappointed, but I try to stay close to and trust God
3. David's pleas ultimately insured his survival through the tragedy he and his wife would suffer
David's pleas returned him to an intimacy with God. David's relationship with God was restored when he was willing to fall before God and make known the desires of his heart again. Depending on God is the only way we can overcome tragedy in our lives. It is the only way we can see through the tragedy and regain our life afterwards.
Do you remember ever returning to the Lord in worship after a painful loss you believe He could have stopped?
Yes
When Scott and Tina had their accident, it was so difficult to understand why God would allow it to happen. I eventually had to depend on Him to get through it. Without God, I would have allowed so much anger to build up inside of me.
Then, we experienced the sudden death of Brian's mother. He is an only child, and I never expected him to deal with his mother's death as well as he has. I can testify to the fact that he has dealt with it so well because of his dependence on God. I will never forget the moment she died. Brian immediately fell to his needs and praised God for ending her suffering and allowing her to not linger for very long in pain.
4. David's pleas touched the heart of God to respond
We have to note that this chapter ends with David and Bathsheba being blessed with a son, Solomon. Scripture notes that God loved Solomon!!! We know the story of Solomon!!! When David was willing to fall before God, God did not ignore him. He had to discipline David in order to achieve eternal consequences. However, God did not discipline him without an ultimate show of love to follow!!!
In Him,
Tiffany
No comments:
Post a Comment