Latest / Bible Study with Pr. Daniel Batarseh | Verse by Verse Series | Maranatha Bible Church - Chicago / 2 Samuel 17 (Part 2) Bible Study (Hushai Saves David) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Transcript

2 Samuel 17 (Part 2) Bible Study (Hushai Saves David) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh · Bible Study with Pr. Daniel Batarseh | Verse by Verse Series | Maranatha Bible Church - Chicago

0:00
Amen. Okay, meet me in second.
0:02
Samuel chapter 17. Students of God's word, lovers
0:06
of God's word. Second, Samuel chapter 17, I
0:10
believe in my estimation we paused at the appropriate place
0:14
in this chapter and I'm not going to give much of an
0:16
introduction. We're going to go straight into
0:18
it and second, Samuel chapter 15 or scuse me 17:15, is, where we
0:23
stopped. And this is where we will
0:25
continue. And if you've been with us week
0:27
after week, it will be easy to follow with me.
0:30
If not, let me give you a brief reminder of, where we're at who
0:36
shy? David's, friend is injured.
0:38
Jerusalem in God's perfect timing.
0:41
He is brought before Absalom, Absalom, strangely Astro, who
0:45
shies advice of what they should do.
0:47
Concerning King David. Hoosh.
0:50
I gave advice, and this advice was veiled, veiled for the
0:54
benefit of David and this advice had one strategy to cause delay
0:59
in order for David to win more time with his men, in order to
1:03
better be better prepared for the invasion of Absalom and all
1:07
of Israel. And at this point we see that
1:10
God gives us a commentary that the reason why who shies advice
1:15
was accepted, was not because of his eloquence and he was a, he
1:18
was a great communicator. He was rich with metaphor and
1:22
how he described the situation, how to present his case, it
1:25
wasn't because of his boldness. It wasn't because of his
1:27
confidence. It was because of what we see
1:29
here in verse 14, Verse 14. The second part for the Lord,
1:35
had ordained to defeat the Good Counsel of ahithophel.
1:38
So that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom, that's why
1:42
God had determined to destroy Absalom through these means, but
1:48
there's still a human element to all of this, right?
1:50
And that's what we're going to see.
1:51
So we get a glimpse of the Heavenly perspective.
1:53
Now we come back to the ground and we watch what's about to
1:57
take place and how absalom's defeat will unfold.
2:02
Verse 15. We read then who shy said to
2:05
zadok and abiathar the priest, the sand.
2:10
So that I he thoughtful Council Absalom and the Elders of Israel
2:14
and the sand. So I have counseled have I
2:17
counseled rather now therefore send quickly until David do not
2:22
stay tonight at the Ford's of the Wilderness.
2:25
But by all means Passover less the king and all the people who
2:29
are with him, be swallowed up. This is interesting.
2:35
Who shies advice was received. Absalom would wait, instead of
2:41
pouncing upon David, that very night and gather as many men as
2:44
possible in order to overwhelm David with the sheer number of
2:49
people on his side. And yet though, Absalom had
2:54
affirmed that this was going to be the plan who shy still senses
2:58
this urgency and sends message to David to leave as soon as
3:04
possible to flee as quickly as possible.
3:08
And what's going on, who shies mind for him to have such
3:11
urgency and there's simply one answer to that, he was under the
3:15
impression that at any moment, Absalom can change his mind that
3:19
in the same way, he was willing to hear.
3:20
I feel full and reject his counsel and embrace who shies he
3:24
can revert just as quickly. And so with a realistic
3:30
understanding of the fickleness of Absalom Precise concerned, he
3:35
sends word to David. He says, as soon as you can
3:38
leave cross the border gold cross, the river and hide and
3:43
prepare, don't wait one moment because you never know.
3:47
This man is unpredictable and you cannot assume based on what
3:52
he said that you have the Assurance of more time.
3:56
You might not have more time, you have to act.
3:59
Now, this is not something to consider further.
4:01
This is something consider. Italy in to act upon
4:04
immediately. Now if this is who shies heart
4:08
and is urgency concerning this matter, how much more the
4:12
believer with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Right?
4:15
When we present the truth, we must present it with urgency
4:18
now. You heard last week when we
4:20
study about the need to count the cost and that's what who shy
4:24
did for apps of. Hey, you better realize what
4:27
you're up against your before you pull the trigger and that's
4:30
true as well. But there is still an urgency in
4:33
the urgency of hearing the gospel and responding to it.
4:37
Is that you prioritize, it above all else, the moment you receive
4:41
it and and you make it a matter of This is what I have to deal
4:45
with. Now I'm not going to wait any
4:47
longer and though I do have to calculate I'm going to calculate
4:51
it right now. Not tomorrow, not the day after
4:54
not next week because this is an urgent matter and I plead with
4:58
you. I mean, we're beginning this
4:59
Bible study and we're in the presence of Believers, but God
5:01
knows your heart, if you're in this place and you have not yet
5:05
responded to the truth, if you're not made a decisive
5:08
decision, do so now Do not presume based on your age young
5:13
person based on your health based on your plans or your
5:17
dreams that everything will come to pass and you will determine
5:22
when it is that you can actually start following the Lord Jesus
5:24
Christ. That is as foolish as depending
5:27
upon the Reliance of absalom's word.
5:31
If absalom's attitude here reveals anything it is that
5:34
plans can change. And plans in your life can
5:38
change in the blink of an eye overnight.
5:42
Everything can change, death is not concerned about your bank
5:46
account. It's not concerned about your
5:47
dreams is not concerned about your hopes.
5:50
It's not concerned about anything.
5:52
And so, what David needed to do for himself, is what you need to
5:56
ensure for yourself that because tomorrow is not Grant guaranteed
6:00
because things can happen tonight, even then, you must be
6:03
ready. And the best way to be ready is
6:05
to deal with the most important thing about your existence.
6:07
And that's your Eternal destination.
6:09
God help you. If you are not sure about your
6:11
Eternal destination and sure. Today, that you have your soul
6:15
secure in the hands of God. And then you can rest assured
6:19
that if death comes tomorrow or 80 years from now, you're safe
6:22
in the hands of the shepherd. David needed to make a decision
6:26
and though, everything seemed like it would be delayed.
6:28
That was not the case. Things can change overnight and
6:31
so he would act as we will find out.
6:34
But look, here in verse 17, what do we see after?
6:38
so, David receives this word and it's going to be received rather
6:42
from these chain of individuals. Now, Jonathan, and a hemas were
6:48
waiting at AndroGel. A female servant was to go and
6:52
tell them and they were to go and tell King David for there
6:55
are not to be seen and touring the city.
6:59
When you read the rest of this chapter, you're going to see a
7:02
lot of names. A lot of names and these names
7:06
are generally good. And when you zoom out and you
7:09
consider all the actors in This scene, you get the impression
7:13
that they are there different parts in this Grand chain of a
7:17
good cause and each link, each participation is equally
7:21
valuable to the significant achievement of getting this word
7:25
to David and what you kind of get out of that.
7:28
The fact that there is so much detail about who's playing what
7:31
role in, who's helping who, and how one action is affecting
7:35
another action. The sense is, That there is an
7:39
importance here with the function of a community.
7:42
Of people rallying together for the cause of King, David.
7:46
In our case is the cause of King, Jesus.
7:49
And every single role, though, the position is prominent or
7:53
hidden, though, the names are known or they are concealed.
7:57
Every single role is crucial to seeing the purposes of God
8:01
accomplished. And the Bible is is so extremely
8:06
clear concerning how the local church can succeed and advance
8:11
and progress in strength and healthy size and Effectiveness,
8:17
and their witness. It's no secret.
8:20
You know, for those who rely on other schemes, the they might
8:24
receive some kind of results but it won't be the results of the
8:26
bible promises. But if we want biblical results
8:30
and if you're a person who really cares about the glory of
8:32
Jesus, Christ on the Earth being known, being shared being
8:36
declared. Then you'll care about what I'm
8:38
about to say. Paul the Apostle gives one major
8:41
ingredient one, major ingredient to how it is.
8:45
We can see the function of the body of Jesus Christ at its full
8:49
potential at its full potential. And the secret, which is not
8:54
really secret because it's plain is in Ephesians 4 and I want you
8:57
to see it in one verse Ephesians 4:16.
9:01
This is so encouraging because It includes you.
9:05
It includes you. There's an exclude.
9:07
You it's not reserved for an elite group of people who are
9:10
super spiritual know. It includes you if you're a
9:13
born-again blood-bought Christian, this will stir your
9:16
heart. I pray.
9:16
It does at least In Ephesians 4:16.
9:21
We read look what Paul says from whom the whole body joined and
9:27
held together by every joint with which it is equipped.
9:32
When each part is working properly, makes the body grow so
9:37
that it builds itself up in love.
9:41
How does the body grow? There are two factors that need
9:44
to be at play here. The first one is here when we
9:47
are joined and held together by every joint with which it is
9:52
equipped, that is a call. And that is an invitation for
9:57
every believer who is identified as a member of the body of Jesus
10:00
Christ, when every member is closely connected to other
10:05
members of Jesus Christ, This genuine connection.
10:10
This intimate Fellowship, this consistent communion is
10:16
absolutely vital. It's the Bedrock, it's the
10:19
foundation to seeing any church flourish.
10:22
So, what that means is you and I have to be extremely
10:26
intentional. Of being immersed in involved in
10:30
the lives of other like-minded believers, you have to be and to
10:35
reserve your presence from the lives of others.
10:40
Is to be a hindrance to the growth of the church when I'm
10:44
talking about the growth. I'm not just talking about the
10:46
the numeric growth though. That is important.
10:49
I'm speaking about the maturity, the brightness, the power of the
10:54
church requires you to be closely connected to other
10:59
members to refuse to do. So again, is to play a negative
11:04
role. It's like one of my fingers
11:06
trying to escape my hand. One of my limbs trying to escape
11:09
my joints, it's just, it's sabotaging. and yet, a lot of
11:14
people who think that they can be saved and yet not be
11:19
connected. That's dangerous, but that's
11:23
just the beginning. Because now, physically
11:26
speaking, I can have all my limbs, all my organs.
11:29
All my nerve, endings everything in place, right?
11:32
As you see, and yet that doesn't communicate that my body is
11:37
actually healthy. I can have everything and check
11:41
all the boxes of what makes me human so to speak, at least in
11:45
complete sense. And still, not know, all that it
11:51
is that I can know in this physical frame.
11:54
Why? Because it depends upon the
11:55
condition of these members. That will determine who I am.
12:01
At least in my function, not in my were three identity, I'm
12:04
talking about physically, but just bear with me with this
12:07
metaphor. And that's why Paul adds.
12:09
What is he adhered when each part is working properly?
12:15
So, the first thing, demands your presence, but you had to go
12:19
beyond your presence, your presence here tonight.
12:21
That's wonderful. Your present once a week or more
12:25
at a local church, that's great. But your presence is step one.
12:29
The next thing is your participation Your active
12:33
participation, a lot of people can't even.
12:36
They do have a job with step one.
12:38
Half a job is step one. They're barely present their
12:42
barely here. They come once in a while and
12:48
they just kind of sporadically make themselves known to ensure
12:52
that. Okay we meet met some kind of
12:54
quota at least we showed our face so that the pastor's won't
12:56
bother us. You're doing half a step one.
13:01
Step one is to be consistent in the lives of other people for
13:05
them to know your name for you to know their name, to know
13:07
something about their lives. But then step two is closely
13:10
connected and that's to actively participate and effective
13:15
participation requires a humble acknowledgement of your
13:19
god-given gifts and the faithful application of that gift in the
13:24
place that God has positioned you within that, local setting.
13:28
Right? And what I love about this
13:30
chapters, you get that impression that people here are
13:34
different but they're working together.
13:37
You heard about zadok and abiathar, you heard about
13:40
Jonathan. And I imahara's, you heard about
13:42
this female servant whose unnamed and that's not the only
13:45
one scroll down here and look at Verse 18, But a young man saw
13:51
them and told Absalom so both of them went away quickly and came
13:56
to the house of a man about hareem who had a well in his
14:00
Courtyard and they went down into it and the woman took and
14:03
spread a covering over the wells mouth and Scattered Grain on it
14:08
and nothing was known of it. Now we come to this mysterious
14:12
couple that opened their home to these two messengers of David
14:16
who are outside of Jerusalem and this couple hides the These two
14:20
Messengers. That was a dangerous feat.
14:26
This is life risking stuff here. If you're caught, you're done,
14:31
you're committing treason and yet without hesitation, they
14:36
were willing to risk their lives for David's sake.
14:39
And here's what's so beautiful about this.
14:41
This is such a heroic act and you don't even know their names.
14:46
Do you? I don't know their names, you
14:50
have no idea who what their names are unsung heroes.
14:54
Let me put it this way. These aren't the characters that
14:56
you're going to find in your Sunday School.
14:57
Curriculum of the champions of the Bible.
15:01
They're hidden. Right.
15:05
And what's so powerful is that the Bible even tells us in the
15:10
New Testament? That although we might not in
15:13
our flesh acknowledge these figures, we are to cherish them
15:19
nonetheless not just looking at stories but even in our own
15:23
context you and I are called to protect and even praised those
15:31
that can be often overlooked and their service to the Lord Jesus.
15:36
And Paul again uses the metaphor of the body to communicate that
15:41
truth to you. And I and I want you to see that
15:44
in First Corinthians. Now, we looked at Ephesians 4,
15:47
but now we go to First Corinthians 12 and I want you to
15:50
see, Paul's masterful words, his presentation of how you.
15:55
And I are to walk in partnership with one another, And resist the
16:00
temptation to evaluate. Someone's worth like the world
16:03
does. 1st Corinthians. 12 look at verse 22.
16:07
Are you there? Verse 22.
16:11
On the contrary Paul says, the parts of the body that seem to
16:15
be weaker indispensable. And on those parts of the body
16:19
that we think less, honorable we bestowed, the greater honor, and
16:23
our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty,
16:27
which are more presentable parts.
16:29
Do not require, but God has so composed, the body giving
16:33
greater honor to the part that lacked it.
16:37
Apollo's a genius. Obviously, it's by the spirit
16:40
but what a mind he had that God used.
16:42
Let me summarize what he is saying here.
16:44
Physically speaking, there are some of your body parts that you
16:49
can live without It's right. We see people living as a tease.
16:54
We see people living without their site without the ability
16:57
to hear, they're able to still function and they are, they are
17:01
just as important as anybody, everybody who has the ability to
17:03
do all those things, right? but there are some parts of your
17:07
body that you cannot live without They're instrumental to
17:11
your survival, without them, you cease to exist without them.
17:14
You cannot move on, you cannot go on and what he is saying
17:19
here, is that, yeah, you can afford to lose a limb, but you
17:22
can't afford to lose your heart, for example.
17:26
And the point is this, That there are some elements of who
17:31
you are that you cannot live without and like are hidden
17:34
organs, for example, that pump life into our system, there are
17:38
ministers within the local church.
17:41
That might not be easily perceived or as obvious in our
17:46
recognition of their service. That are also crucial and major
17:52
contributors to the dynamic of the congregation.
17:56
In the same way again, let me say it that there are parts of
17:58
you that are hidden that even your body communicates are so so
18:03
vital, right? You have you have the skeletal
18:06
structure that that hides and shields naturally?
18:09
The things that are absolutely sensitive but not just sensitive
18:13
so needful for you and your existence, the church.
18:16
The local church has members within that are often overlooked
18:20
not seen And yet are needed in order for that church to thrive
18:26
and survive. Paul by the spirit is trying to
18:31
encourage those in here who might function in a role that
18:35
week after week is, is behind the veil behind the curtain, not
18:40
on the platform and yet and yet is absolutely special.
18:45
Not just in the sight of God, but in the very practical means
18:48
of how the church moves forward as a church be encouraged.
18:53
Be encouraged. Even how we clothe ourselves,
18:57
right? Paul, trying to say the things
18:58
that you cover with your clothes.
18:59
My face is exposed, my hands are exposed, and though, they might
19:03
be seen, there are parts of you that that received greater
19:06
protection, greater modesty. And what he's trying to
19:10
communicate his, you out there in the churches who might not be
19:13
constantly seeing who might not be on the YouTube live stream.
19:18
Who might have people walk over you and walk by you.
19:20
And don't understand the vein that you are, the nerve that you
19:24
are in the church be encouraged, God values you and he wants the
19:30
church to see what God sees as well.
19:32
So it's not just for us to do. That's just the case.
19:34
You know, there are people in the background.
19:36
Oh yeah they're great. No he wants you to absolutely
19:38
feel in your heart. We can't do this ministry
19:40
without some of you in this place.
19:43
We can't preach, we can't sing. We can't share without some of
19:48
you here where nobody will ever know your name on the Earth.
19:52
But God does and God will reward you.
19:55
And God cherishes you, and he prizes you and he values you
20:01
even when others in the same church, don't?
20:04
I love these hidden characters. Such members may not hold
20:09
offices or titles but they are worthy of our protection.
20:12
They are worthy of our praise the same way.
20:15
Our natural frame conceals and shields those vital parts of who
20:18
we are. Let's hear look at Verse 18
20:20
again. So you have this this group of
20:24
people working together And then in verse 18, unfortunately there
20:28
is a Young Man Who Saw and told Absalom about this female
20:33
servant meeting with these two. Spies that belonged to David, he
20:36
rushes to the king and he reveals the suspicious activity.
20:42
And what's significant here is that these two Jonathan Hamas,
20:45
they make a detour and they hide and where do they hide of all
20:49
places at a home? That is located in bahurim.
20:57
You have to have your rear-view mirrors, when you read the Bible
20:59
and you have to ask yourself from time to time, why is that
21:02
important? And the reason why it's
21:05
important is when you consider the closed context, because you
21:09
read this word before you've seen this place mentioned
21:11
before, and I'm going to invite you to answer it.
21:13
Does anybody here know the last time we have read a value team.
21:21
Any idea. Yes.
21:29
Very good. Did you hear him?
21:31
That is where shimei was located?
21:34
You remember shimei, right? If you don't come here to 16:5,
21:41
In 2nd Samuel 16 5 we read when King David came to bahurim.
21:46
There came out a man of the family of the House of Saul
21:50
whose name was shammai the son of Gera.
21:53
And as he came, he cursed continually When we study, that
21:57
we came to the conclusion that bahurim was a region that was
22:03
filled with strong, Saul supporters.
22:08
And we see that with shimei, obviously with his colorful
22:10
language, but we also see that David received help from the
22:17
very same place, think about it. This is the, this is an
22:20
encouragement by making this connection from the very same
22:23
place. That David was assaulted came
22:26
vital assistance. God is always ready to raise up
22:32
support in the most unlikely times of from the most
22:35
unexpected places. That's the point.
22:40
And there's so many truths that can support.
22:43
That argument one of my favorite Proverbs in the new in the Book
22:46
of Proverbs rather It's Proverbs, 16:7 and Proverbs
22:53
16:7. We read when a man's ways,
22:55
please. The Lord.
22:56
He makes even his enemies. Be at peace with him.
23:00
When a man's ways, please the Lord.
23:02
He makes even his enemies. Be at peace with him.
23:06
Consider that for a moment. If you want to know how God can
23:14
raise up support from the most unlikely places in the most
23:17
unexpected times, Then all you have to do is set yourself to
23:22
live in a way in which you, please God, and on that path of
23:26
pleasing. The Lord consciously with your
23:29
heart with your affections from time to time in God's perfect
23:33
sovereignty, he can raise up, even your enemies, your foes to
23:37
be your friends. Now that proverb doesn't assure
23:41
us that all your enemies will end up being your friends, some
23:44
of the greatest men and women of God have received The sword from
23:49
their enemies and face death because of their enemies, the
23:53
enemies of the truth. But what it does mean is that
23:56
God can do it. God is able to do it.
23:59
And who does God do it for those who please him?
24:02
Those, who seek to please him, he can transform a heart change
24:07
of perspective. He can subdue, even a reluctant
24:10
individual, the most envious unpleasant individuals that you
24:14
might know in the hands of God can become some of your
24:17
strongest. Aid, as you seek to serve God
24:21
saying, how does that work? I can tell you some stories, you
24:23
might not believe me. It's incredible.
24:26
How people can support financially in a way that even
24:30
Believers, don't. And those people that support
24:34
don't even believe the truth that you're preaching.
24:37
It's amazing. How you have some people who can
24:40
somehow come to your Aid. When in fact, everything
24:46
NaturallySpeaking doesn't make sense for them to do.
24:49
So there's so many testimonies of this and I'm not going to
24:51
take the time to share those this proverb promises that in
24:54
some cases God can do Supernatural things even with
24:57
the enemies of the God-fearing. And so you see out of the place
25:01
of bahurim, you have a couple that are willing to serve
25:05
David's cause but then we read on and we see what, what
25:09
happens. Exactly verse 19, and the woman
25:11
took and spread a covering over the wells mouth.
25:14
And Scattered Grain on it and nothing was known of it.
25:17
When Absalom servants came to the woman at the house, they
25:20
said, where's I amaz? And Jonathan, and the woman said
25:24
to them, they have gone over the brook of water, and when they
25:27
had sought and could not find him, they returned to Jerusalem.
25:32
Does this look familiar? This is look familiar to anybody
25:36
here. I heard somebody say it who
25:40
Rahab didn't rehab, you something very, very similar to
25:43
spies came to her from Israel. She hid them when the men who
25:47
were after these spies came and asked she misdirected them.
25:50
This is, this is like, almost a mirrored picture of what took
25:53
place in Joshua chapter 2 and we don't want to read too much into
25:56
it. But I think to some degree this
25:59
parallel activity, is meant to give us a hint.
26:03
A little nudge and then not just this, that The fate of Absalom
26:08
will be very similar to that of Jericho and Absalom had
26:12
everything going from at this point, he had the support of the
26:14
nation, he had a strong Army, he had charm, he had personality,
26:19
he had a strategy, but Absalom was not fighting against a man.
26:23
He was fighting against God. And no matter what you have in
26:27
your Arsenal, no matter what kind of personality you have, if
26:29
you're going to fight against God, it's always a losing
26:30
battle, always. And so, in the same way that God
26:36
brought down the walls of Jericho, God is about to bring
26:39
down the pride of this man. And crush him. and the people of
26:46
God in the purposes of God will prevail, no matter how high how
26:49
strong The opposition maybe that is what we're prepared to see
26:54
that is what God's Providence and the evidence of his
26:57
Providence is encouraging us to see the see unfold.
27:01
But listen, you've heard about God's Providence a thousand
27:04
times during this Bible study. If you've been with us for
27:06
years, God's Providence has been mentioned so many times.
27:09
And why is that? It's not because it's my one of
27:11
my favorite doctrines though it is.
27:15
It's because the Bible is absolutely blanketed with God's.
27:19
Providential work at different points in history, he's always
27:22
at work in Hidden ways and through natural means he is
27:27
performing Supernatural accomplishments.
27:31
And every time we're confronted with that, we're supposed to
27:33
take courage, right? And not just take courage.
27:36
We're also supposed to remember that though.
27:37
God is Sovereign, you and I have a human responsibility in all of
27:40
this. So, yeah, God will provide you
27:43
an income but guess what? You got to apply for jobs, okay?
27:47
You got to apply and God will protect you, but it's a good
27:50
idea to wear your seatbelt. And God can solve relational
27:55
problems. But sometimes that's going to
27:57
require you to have awkward conversations to confront
28:00
somebody who's in the wrong for him to do that, right?
28:02
God can do amazing things but it doesn't mean we sit back and
28:06
watch him. Do it in the name of prayer.
28:08
Prayer is good, but it doesn't. Negate participation Providence
28:13
is awesome. But God works through obedience
28:15
now through lazy observation. So we see God's Providence at
28:19
work here. We see something so special and
28:23
that David here, receives the news.
28:25
Finally. And what does he do?
28:28
Verse 21 after they had gone, the men came up out of the well
28:32
and went and told King David. They said to David rise and go
28:35
quickly over the water for the sand.
28:37
So has a, he thoughtful counseled against you, then
28:40
David arose and all the people who are with him and they
28:42
crossed the Jordan by Daybreak, not one was left.
28:45
Who had not crossed the Jordan. Okay.
28:47
Okay, we read in verse 14 that it was purposed, that he
28:51
fulfills Council would be defeated so that Absalom would
28:54
be destroyed. But what did David do?
28:56
He got up and he left He still did something.
29:01
God is very practical. He's very realistic and he asked
29:05
us to do. What seems the most reasonable
29:07
in your situation, and then he'll come with the
29:09
supernatural. It's just important to know
29:12
because you have people in the name of Faith.
29:14
Who do crazy things, right? They don't see a doctor or get
29:19
medication because they think that God will intervene God can
29:22
intervene, and he can heal you, but the same Paul who laid hands
29:25
on people and saw them recover. Also told his son, Timothy
29:29
drink, some wine for your belly. So that might, that might be
29:34
over your head but there's some people who really, really,
29:36
really need that. God is powerful.
29:39
He is providential, but he wants us to be practical.
29:44
David got up and he left now. This is this is suspenseful
29:48
right. We see this intensifying moment
29:51
where the Brewing tension is now coming to a boiling point.
29:55
Absalom and David are about to Face Off, Father and Son in a
29:58
very heartbreaking situation but the spirit of God, suspends this
30:03
moment and turns our attention away from Absalom away from
30:07
David and his quick Paste scene and brings us now to I feel full
30:12
again. And what you're about to read is
30:14
very dark verse. Very dark and for some people in
30:18
here and might hit home more than the next, but it's
30:22
important to deal with and it's found in verse 23.
30:26
When I, he thoughtful saw that his counsel was not followed, he
30:30
saddled his donkey and went off home to his own City, he set his
30:35
house in order and hanged himself.
30:38
And he died. And was buried in the Tomb of
30:43
his father. Zai.
30:48
So full after his counsel was rejected.
30:55
Goes home sets his house in order and hangs himself.
31:00
My question is, why a couple of people came up to me last Friday
31:05
and that we talked about this briefly and I told them you have
31:07
to wait till next Friday in order to get your answer but I'm
31:10
curious to know your thoughts. Why did I overdo this?
31:14
This is a dramatic, this is dress.
31:15
This is permanent. There's nothing more permanent
31:18
than this that you can do in life.
31:21
But why did he do this? Any idea.
31:26
Yes. Okay.
31:32
So there might be this idea of his rejection, right?
31:38
His plan, his desire was shot down and his ego was so affected
31:44
that he couldn't even live another day.
31:46
And that is the common view of this and do that can be some
31:49
part in it. I think there's something deeper
31:51
going on here. I thought I had a smart mind.
31:54
I thought full knew how to interpret the future in some
31:57
sense. And that's because yes, you have
32:00
something. That's right.
32:05
He doesn't have a future and why is that?
32:10
Because he believed what Absalom could not see that, if who shies
32:15
advice was received, then it would fail.
32:20
He knew what douche I said, would not bring success for
32:24
Absalom. He knew that it would actually
32:26
seal absalom's death and not just absalom's death.
32:29
But if David gains the Victory and comes back for the throne,
32:32
I'm going to be killed as well. And so, what I thought was
32:37
thinking is I'm finished, this is done.
32:40
I rebelled against him. He's definitely going to win if
32:44
they're going to implement it, who shies plans.
32:45
So I rather kill myself than die by the hands of the one that I
32:50
hate with all my heart. Bitterness is scary stuff, man.
32:57
Hatred is scary stuff. Hatred will do things to you,
33:02
not to the person that you hate hatred, will destroy you more
33:05
than the person that you want to see destroyed.
33:08
And this man is willing to hang himself and he's a very strong
33:11
picture of a Judas who betrayed the son of David and once he
33:15
realized the regret of his decision, didn't repent, neither
33:19
as I feel full. But he destroys himself out of
33:24
the sorrow. And I thought was a very strong
33:27
picture of Judas. Actually, where was David found?
33:32
When the news of Agatha's betrayal came to him.
33:35
Does anybody remember in case you don't go to 2nd Samuel 15,
33:45
And look at verse 30, actually, look at verse 31.
33:48
They look at verse 30 and it was told a heath, offal is among the
33:52
conspirators with Absalom. And David said, oh Lord, please
33:54
turn the council that he thoughtful into foolishness.
33:57
But when was that told verse 30, but David went up the ascent of
34:02
where the Mount of Olives. Yeah, where did Judas plant his
34:09
lips on that precious face of the savior?
34:13
The very same amount. And so you see here a very eerie
34:20
mirroring of judases ways. And it's very difficult to move
34:25
on from this verse without addressing at least to some
34:28
level, the issue of suicide. You have believers who feel
34:33
differently about who have different theological bends on
34:36
it. You have some who think that
34:37
suicide is the unforgivable sin. You have others who believe that
34:43
it is possible for a Believer to undergo such dark moments in
34:47
their lives that they are willing to entertain such a
34:51
Temptation and even execute that Temptation and still be received
34:56
into eternal life because of their confession of faith.
35:01
It's difficult because we don't have a clear systematize
35:05
understanding of what happens with that particular sin.
35:09
I'm under the persuasion that it is absolutely possible for a
35:13
genuine Born. Again, believer to be harassed
35:17
by the lies of Satan and to be agitated by the cowardice of the
35:22
flesh. To commit self murder.
35:27
Absolutely, it's possible. But at the same time, if I was
35:31
sitting before somebody who was genuinely considering committing
35:37
such an act against themselves, this is me I would look at them
35:43
and after different conversations come to the point
35:47
of challenging them to examine the sincerity of their faith.
35:52
Again, not because a Christian cannot stoop to such
35:55
hopelessness that is absolutely possible.
35:58
But for a Believer to come to a point where they're willing to
36:03
cross that line, I would want to in a loving way, call them to
36:09
say, brother, you need to or sister, you need to examine
36:13
yourself very carefully. Why is that?
36:16
Because the Bible defines a Christian with many beautiful.
36:21
Awful things. And one of the most precious
36:24
aspects of a Believer is that they are filled with an
36:29
otherworldly life-giving hope. A hope so powerful that it can
36:36
enable that person to endure, all sorts of pain, all sorts of
36:41
loss, or all sorts of defeat and all sorts of suffering of
36:45
various kinds. It's a hope that energizes.
36:48
You, it doesn't eliminate the Dark Cloud that can hover over
36:53
your mind and your heart, but it is a hope that can help you push
36:57
through. And make it to the other side
37:01
and live to tell about how the Lord though.
37:04
You diss, you despaired of life itself.
37:07
You relied on God and God brought you through that kind of
37:10
a hope. It's so because we are described
37:14
with that hope. We have Triumph, we have
37:19
Triumph. And from there, I would also say
37:23
and I also believe that suicide is one of the most defying
37:31
statements of the lordship of Jesus Christ.
37:34
What I mean by that, when you become a Christian, what happens
37:36
when you become a believer, you put your life completely over to
37:42
the will. And the control of God.
37:47
And to take my own life. With to say to God that the
37:54
prerogative that exclusively belongs to you.
37:57
I now assume for myself. I want to determine my faith.
38:02
I don't I'm not leaving it up to you to determine what happens
38:05
with my days. What happens with my future?
38:07
What happens with my lat, I will determine when I am unsatisfied
38:11
enough to press the eject button.
38:16
And to sabotage what you might have had for my life, right?
38:21
That might sound harsh that might sound severe, but this is
38:24
emergency protocol stuff. Right?
38:28
And one person said it very powerfully and referencing
38:32
Christians, that they could not imagine standing before Jesus
38:37
Christ after committing self murdered and I would agree with
38:42
that. So that is what I would say to
38:47
somebody who would entertain it for themselves but I would have
38:50
a completely different tone for somebody who might have had a
38:53
loved one that has done it and all the complicated ideas behind
38:59
it and the what ifs? That's a different conversation
39:02
for a different time. But let me say this before we
39:05
move on from this place there's so much more I can say about
39:07
that. And I know that it might be an
39:10
incomplete kind of address concerning such a vast subject.
39:13
But if you're a person today, who feels that tendency Remember
39:19
who you are in Christ Jesus. Remember what the holy spirit is
39:23
deposited in. You remember what it means to
39:26
have Jesus Christ, Lord of your life.
39:29
I understand that no matter how daunting, it may seem, no matter
39:32
how worrisome, no matter how fearful tomorrow might be or how
39:37
overwhelming today might be He has you in his hand, he will
39:43
bring you through. He will perfect the work that he
39:47
started in you. And Satan would love to try to
39:54
obstruct what God has been working on since you confess him
39:57
as Lord. So, sometimes when it comes to
40:03
those who are in a dark place, we have to, we have to just
40:07
remind them of their identity, and I get it there, chemical
40:11
things that go on and sometimes, their neurological issues.
40:14
Again, it's a vast subject, but let me just speak planing speak
40:19
straight. God has a purpose for you,
40:22
still. And I very Temptation should be
40:26
indicative that you have absolute value in.
40:29
Satan doesn't want to see you fulfill it.
40:33
So this man, he hangs himself. and and more than hanging
40:39
himself, there's something worth Our acknowledgement and it's the
40:44
contradiction of his actions. What does he do before?
40:47
He hangs himself. He sets his house in order.
40:52
So he comes home and he puts his Affairs in place.
40:57
And when we say that's a wise thing.
40:59
Absolutely. It's a wise thing.
41:01
We should have our order. We should have plans, we should
41:05
have things put in place so that when we do depart from this life
41:09
we're not leaving ramifications and issues for our loved ones to
41:12
deal with that. Could have been better handled
41:14
by us. Right?
41:16
So that's smart. And yet with this wisdom, We see
41:21
a collision of foolishness in the very same breath, he sets
41:25
his house in order, then he hangs himself like what are you
41:27
doing? And this is an extreme example,
41:32
is it not but listen the same contradiction as being lived
41:36
out, all around us. Absolutely, it is.
41:40
And what way? How many people are excellent at
41:43
business, but their families are being destroyed at the same
41:45
time, huh? How many people invest in their
41:50
bodies? And yet, their souls are
41:53
deteriorating. How many are so consumed day
41:57
after day? The first thing, when they wake
41:59
up, the last thing they do, when they go to bed their bank
42:02
account, their stocks, their Investments.
42:04
And yet there is not one passing thought about what will happen
42:07
when they stand before. God, It's happening all around
42:11
us, people. And it might not be physical
42:14
suicide, but it's spiritual suicide.
42:18
There is spiritual suicide, happening.
42:20
Every single moment of every single day.
42:25
People who might be very prudent and smart in some areas, but in
42:29
the areas where it matters the most, they're absolutely idiotic
42:34
and foolish. Please don't be that person.
42:40
Please don't be really smart in this life but very stupid with
42:44
your soul. Please don't be so concerned
42:48
with the temporal and so quick to dismiss the Eternal, that is
42:53
exactly what he thoughtful is doing.
42:55
He's willing to put so much effort and time and energy for
43:00
that, which matters in this life alone, but when it came to his
43:04
eternal State, he was willing to throw it away.
43:10
Yet people are doing that day after day.
43:14
Verse 24, then David came to mahanaim.
43:20
And Absalom cross, the Jordan, with all the men of Israel.
43:23
Now, Absalom had set a Mesa over the Army.
43:26
Instead of jaw of a Mesa was the son of a man named.
43:29
If through the issue might who had married Abigail the daughter
43:32
of nakash, sister of xariah jobs mother, it's a mouthful, isn't
43:36
it? Only to add to this Family Feud.
43:40
You have more family members involved in this than you
43:43
thought. At first But then we read on an
43:46
Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.
43:48
Now, look at this in verse 27, when David came to mahanaim This
43:54
is twice in a very short amount of time.
43:57
We have this name, brought forth to us.
44:01
Does anybody remember the first time it is mentioned in all of
44:04
the Bible. No, not when he's fleeing from
44:11
Saul good, guess though it's much earlier in the Old
44:15
Testament than that. When was the first time the
44:21
place my name, my name. Did you whisper it?
44:29
Earlier, but that's a good guess to, that's another strong guess
44:31
even earlier than Joshua. I'm patient.
44:37
I can wait. I'll give you more time to
44:42
scroll through your Scrolls. One is the first time Joshua you
44:50
have any idea? No.
44:53
Okay, I'll tell you. No guesses.
44:58
Somebody said, Genesis. I'm not going to ask how you
45:01
found out. Okay, that's good Genesis where
45:08
Okay, so let's just go together, shall we?
45:12
Genesis chapter 32. It's with Jacob.
45:20
Jacob was ready to meet with his brother, Esau.
45:25
And on his way, we read something.
45:27
The first two verses of Genesis chapter 32, Jacob went on his
45:32
way and the angels of God met him.
45:35
And when Jacob saw them, he said, this is God's Camp.
45:40
So he called the name of that place my name.
45:44
You see what's happening here. Jacob is obviously nervous for
45:49
this long awaited encounter with his brother.
45:53
Esau, the last he heard about Esau is that he wanted to kill
45:56
him and you've heard me say this more than once, that his mother
45:58
promised them. I'll send you back from your
46:00
uncle's once his anger subsides and she never does, which
46:04
implies that he was still angry. Nothing had changed with Esau's
46:09
feelings towards his brother and now he knows that he has to meet
46:13
with him and so he meets with him and on his way to meet him.
46:17
God knows and God knew this man, Jacob needs some encouragement.
46:22
And so the way he encourages and strengthens his faith, Is that
46:26
he opens his eyes to see a host of Angels in this region.
46:31
And that Revelation was so profound him that he names that
46:34
location meant my name, which means two camps.
46:38
In other words, what Jacob Learned was I'm not alone here.
46:42
I'm not by myself. I'm not abandoned, I'm not going
46:45
to confront this issue. Apart from God's assisting
46:49
presence. He is with me and he is son for
46:53
the angels to show that he is with me.
46:57
That's what this place meant. That is the very DNA of my name.
47:01
And now you have David David ready to be encountered by his
47:07
son. There's not have the best
47:10
intentions for him and yet though David arrives to this
47:14
place David does not have the same experience that Jacob does,
47:18
but he still does have an experience.
47:21
And the experiences, this Angels didn't show up.
47:25
But godly people did. A set of godly people, came to
47:32
him at mahanaim. And the way they acted the way
47:37
they assisted, the way they came to his support, made it seem as
47:40
though, they did come from heaven, Let me show that to you
47:44
here. Look at verse 27, when David
47:48
came to mahanaim chaubey's, the son of nahas from Rabe of the
47:53
ammonites and Mahir, the son of a mile from load, the bar and
47:58
barzillai the gileadites from Rogan leme brought beds,
48:02
bastions basins, and Earthen vessels wheat, barley flour,
48:05
Parts grains, beans, and lentils, honey, and Kurds, and
48:09
sheep, and cheese from the herd for David.
48:13
And the People with him to eat for.
48:15
They said, the people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the
48:19
wilderness. So, you have David.
48:25
Experiencing something so precious.
48:27
Not at the hands of Angels by the hands of real life people.
48:33
And I thought, who are these guys?
48:36
Because they're not very familiar to us.
48:40
I just want to look at a couple of them.
48:42
Would you bear with me? Because this will hopefully
48:44
bless you. Look at the first person
48:46
mentioned showed me the son of Maharaja from Raba.
48:50
The ammonites, is that a Jew? Is that an Israelite?
48:54
No and more than not just an Israelite.
48:59
The David have history with the ammonites answer.
49:03
Yes. And when you realize that who
49:06
shall be as it's even more profound, he is who the son of
49:10
NE hash and who is the hash at one point.
49:15
He was the king of the ammonites.
49:17
Do you remember that? Do you remember the story in our
49:21
time together on a Friday night? Where David heard of the death
49:25
of nakash? And there was a man who took his
49:29
place and second Samuel 10, it was the son of Maharaja and so
49:33
he sends Messengers to bring consolation and comfort.
49:39
And this man was told they're actually here to spy.
49:43
Don't let him get away with this and so he cuts half their beard
49:47
and he strips them of their clothes and he sends them back.
49:49
You remember that? And then it started a war.
49:52
This show be is the son of that same King who died and the
49:56
brother of the one who did that to David's men.
50:01
Think about that, that's significant.
50:04
And it should teach you many things.
50:05
And here's one thing, you should teach you that you and I should
50:08
be very slow to assume the character of someone based on
50:13
the actions of those that they are helplessly associated with
50:19
And you and I should know that though there are some who does
50:22
not respond to our Mercy. with Mercy, kindness with kindness,
50:28
there are who will show be did when he realized the kind of
50:32
man. David was he came at a favorable
50:35
time and showed love and compassion though he was an
50:39
enemy and that makes me very happy to know that I can look
50:44
out in a world. There were, there are enemies of
50:46
God enemies of Christ. And yet, there are people who
50:49
still belong to him to some regard.
50:52
But look at my here, the son of a mile from Lodi bar.
50:55
Who's he? This is not the first time he's
50:58
brought to us in the scriptures and idea of who he is.
51:07
Shelby was the brother of hanoun who replaced his father Mahir on
51:11
the other hand. Was somebody that we have heard
51:15
of before? do you remember when David asked
51:19
about any of the sentence from Saul who are left ziba, told
51:24
them that there was one And when David asked where he was
51:29
mephibosheth, the answer is in 2nd Samuel 9.
51:33
And this is what we read in 2nd Samuel, 9 verse 4.
51:35
The king said to him, where is he?
51:39
And ziba said to the king, he is in the house of my are the son
51:42
of a meal at Lodi bar. Soma here, the last time you've
51:50
heard of him was that he was taking care of a paralyzed man
51:55
and his family. He opened his home to him and he
51:58
had him stay as long as he needed to stay.
52:01
And eventually he was summoned to promotion because of the
52:03
kindness of David. And now the next time you see
52:05
him out here, he realizes that David is in trouble.
52:08
David is in need and so he comes to David's age.
52:12
You know what I get from this guy, this guy really enjoys
52:15
taking care of people He takes deep delight and finding
52:20
individuals that are struggling and that are in need and that
52:24
cannot lift themselves up and he comes as soon as he can to make
52:29
a way for them. You know, I was looking at my
52:32
here, briefly this afternoon, and I thought to myself, this is
52:34
probably one of the closest illustrations, to the
52:36
manifestations of one of the gifts of the Spirit, not the
52:39
gift of tongues, not the gift of healing, I think gift of
52:42
Prophecy. The gift that Romans 12 tells us
52:45
about of Mercy. The gift of Mercy, Mercy is a
52:52
supernatural gift. At least the some most of us
52:55
here, understand that mercy. And I hope all of us understand
52:58
that Mercy is is a Christian. Attitude, we all should have
53:02
mercy but there's a gift of mercy and the gift of Mercy is
53:06
the special intuition. The sensitivity this deep desire
53:11
and delight and collecting your resources and your time to help
53:15
those that others might neglect or Overlook.
53:20
You have this magnetic ability and discernment to look and find
53:24
people and you take a special delight.
53:27
And pouring into them. And it's a blessing for you to
53:31
help whereas, for others, it might be a blessing, but it's
53:33
also a burden. That's not for the person as the
53:35
gift of Mercy. It's like absolute joy to step
53:40
in and to do what others might not want to do.
53:44
So if you ever want to an Old Testament picture of what the
53:46
gift of Mercy? Looks like look no further than
53:48
Mahir. And if you're a person in this
53:50
place, that feels the same way of the way.
53:52
I just described you might have the gift of Mercy.
53:54
The Holy Spirit might have put that in your life, in your
53:56
heart. And for any church, or any
53:59
person to be connected to another, who has the gift of
54:01
Mercy. They're like Angels Sent From
54:04
Heaven, man. They're so precious.
54:09
And this man indeed was a special person to David.
54:14
You want to know who real friends are.
54:16
Get in trouble and see who calls.
54:20
Don't know who real friends are. when you have nothing to offer
54:24
them and yet they're willing to offer themselves, That's who our
54:29
real friend is. And instead of identifying who
54:32
that person might be, I mean it's good to thank them and
54:34
praise God for them be that person, right?
54:39
A lot of people want the gifts of the Spirit, I'm not against
54:42
the gifts of the Spirit. But what about those gifts,
54:45
like, Mercy, how many people pray for that one?
54:50
I sure many do. But all like those members that
54:54
are not often seen that are hidden Mercy.
54:56
Mercy, so needed in a day so much unforgiveness and coldness
55:02
There's another guy here. Did you see his name?
55:04
Kind of difficult to pronounce his name barzillai.
55:08
We're going to deal with him later.
55:11
And Pastor Danny might correct me and how I'm saying these
55:13
names after the Bible study? I thought so.
55:21
So we see here, another character and he's going to,
55:23
he's going to come back to us in a couple of chapters.
55:27
But I want to end this Bible study with a quote, sometimes I
55:30
do that. The quote is from no other than
55:34
my good friend Spurgeon. The talk about Brazilian another
55:42
time and let me end from a quote with this man Prince of
55:45
preachers who makes it beautiful, illustration and
55:48
comment about the connection of my knee between Jacob and David.
55:51
And it is this quote Spurgeon said I infer from this. that if
55:57
at any time, a servant of God Is marching onward in his master's
56:03
work and he needs assistance of any sort.
56:08
He need not trouble about it, but rest in the Lord for succor
56:13
and help will surely come if not from the Angels Above yet from
56:19
the church below. And Spurgeon as only Spurgeon
56:25
can made the wonderful application with idea of my name
56:30
from Jacob to David by mentioning how our help is
56:36
either invisible or visible. Either comes from Supernatural,
56:43
being sent from God, that you may not be able to perceive like
56:46
Jacob did but can trust by faith that they are sent to administer
56:51
Aid to those who are saved or from those that you can see and
56:55
perceive and walk by day by day. And the encouragement here is
57:00
you can expect that from God. The same way, Jacob didn't the
57:04
same way. David did we are continually
57:07
walking under a mahanaim. We're continually walking.
57:11
It's not just one area. It's a lifestyle.
57:14
We are always walking. With two camps.
57:20
And you and I should be blessed by that to know that God is
57:23
always with us. And I want to bless God with you
57:27
tonight for this Bible study. And I'm excited to have the
57:30
conversations afterwards with you.
57:32
But until then, let's pray and pour out our hearts before the
57:35
Lord of Glory. What a mighty God we serve what
57:41
a mighty God. We serve Angels.
57:43
They bow before him Heaven and Earth adore him.
57:48
What a mighty God. We serve.
57:50
Does anybody know that song? Yeah, it's a classic.
57:55
Lord, we thank you. Like telling you what?
58:00
A mighty God we serve Lord. we trust that through the the
58:10
delivery of this study though, imperfect T' and even through
58:15
Me. Maybe are distracted hearts.
58:18
That your word will not return void.
58:26
Oh God, your word is profound. We are moved by it.
58:31
Each time it is expounded to us. Words.
58:38
Can't express what you mean to us.
58:42
Help us believe that the god of David, the god of Jacob, is our
58:45
God. Lord in this place.
58:54
We often feel the temptation to rush.
58:57
But teach us again, the Delight of sitting at your feet.
59:02
And simply adoring you for who you are.
59:06
Lord. There's none like you.
59:15
Forgive us for inconsistencies, forgive us for our failures,
59:18
forgive us. For maybe looking at the things
59:25
that we shouldn't be looking at and listening to the voices.
59:27
We shouldn't be listening to but we praise you that we can come
59:31
here week after week. And believe that you are
59:35
gracious enough to speak to our hearts and to realign our
59:39
thinking and our affections to where they belong.
59:45
Lord, I don't know what some here might be dealing with you
59:49
know. It might be dark, it might be
59:53
devilish but it is not beyond the hope that you have for those
59:58
who are yours. We pray that hope was swallow up
1:00:01
all the spare All fear. All lies.
1:00:09
And that every person who Belongs to the Lord, Jesus
1:00:12
Christ would be anchored with the truth that you have a
1:00:15
purpose for their tomorrow's and even in their pain, there is
1:00:18
purpose. And even though life is not
1:00:21
played out the way they thought you have a better way and you
1:00:26
have a better script for our sanctification and Lord.
1:00:30
We pray for those who might feel as though their service to God,
1:00:37
Is not significant or meaningful, and they come week
1:00:40
after week and they do things that seems menial.
1:00:44
Louis said they would realize the preciousness of who they are
1:00:48
and you pray that they would realize through this brief
1:00:51
mentions that you have actually set them up to be the most
1:00:54
treasured and prized of your church.
1:00:59
And Lord with everything that was said in between in passing.
1:01:03
We trust that you've spoken to us.
1:01:05
Now, we speak to you again and song and give you glory and
1:01:07
honor and thanks in the precious name of the living Christ.
1:01:11
We pray. Amen, and amen Church.
1:01:14
Let's stand and worship God together.