"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice." 1 Kings 19:11-12 (nkjv)
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Read: 2 Samuel 12:18-31/1 Chronicles 20:1-3, 2 Samuel 8/1 Chronicles 18, 1 Chronicles 11:10, 2 Samuel 23:8-39/1 Chronicles 11:11-47
The Daily Bible doesn’t give commentary on today’s reading and I’m kind of glad it doesn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I fully enjoy the commentary that this chronological Bible offers, but it doesn’t focus enough on some of the people we read about. One such person is David.
In yesterday’s reading, I saw how unlike David I am. David makes some poor choices (ok, not so unlike him there); he commits adultery and plots a murder to get what he wants. Then when his friend and prophet of God confronts him about it, exposing David’s sin, it’s in David’s response that I don’t recognize myself.
I wouldn’t have done that. My pride would’ve reared it’s ugly head, raising back and puffing up in anger, revealing a threatening hood of embarrassment, hissing and spewing hate toward the person who called me out. I’m pretty certain I would not have responded in anguish, humility and love.
But David did. David realized what he had done and immediately falls prostrate, begging for God’s forgiveness and of course he gets it… but along with disobedience comes punishment.
Today’s reading reveals more of David’s heart. David’s baby that Bathsheba gave birth to is now deathly ill. David is beside himself, pleading for God to spare this child, fasting and weeping for 7 days.
David’s attendants were even afraid to tell David when the baby dies because of how violently David had mourned him during this illness. But oh to have a heart like David…to realize that even though God didn’t give him what he truly wanted, God’s plans are best.
And do you see how God blesses David for his faithfulness? If you keep reading…
“Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he named him…” 1 Samuel 12:24
Men and women for centuries have given their lives for their love of this country and for our freedom. We are so grateful for the price they have paid allowing us the privilege to live in a free country with no fear and opportunity abundant.
That is why we pledge our allegiance to Old Glory…to our flag of 50 stars and 13 stripes, and why we feel pride when we sing out, hand over hearts, to the “Star Spangled Banner.” We know what has been sacrificed, are inspired by the love and price that has been paid, and are impelled to stay faithful to it.
What does it mean to pledge allegiance to something?
pledgenoun \ˈplej\
Definition of PLEDGE: a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear
al·le·giancenoun \ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s\
Definition of ALLEGIANCE1 (1) : the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government (2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides2 : devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause
As Americans we respect the price that was paid, we love and are proud to be part of this incredible country, and are devoted to support it… but as Christians, do we show the same respect, love and devotion to the One star and His stripes?
We have an obligation to support it…
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17
We should be loyal to it…
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17
Show we are proud of it…
“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” 2 Timothy 1:12
Show our devotion to it…
“Pay to all what is owed to them: …respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:7
Stand up for it…
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8
Understand what has been sacrificed for us…
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
There is a song that gets me every time I hear it. I love the message because it is exactly how I feel about my relationship with Christ;
“It ought to be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love
It’s like I’m falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made
Me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me”
“More Like Falling In Love” – Jason Gray
I love this country, and am so thankful and blessed to live here. But the love I have for this country does not compare to the love I have for my Savior. One day this country will fall from my eyes and the only thing that will matter is the One standing before me.
And like most people, I long to hear those words…
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21
I am thrilled that you have visited my site, and my prayer for you is to see that God is alive, very real, and at work in every moment of your day!
There are no coincidences, ironies, or luck in life… every tiny detail is fashioned and planned by Him, and He wants you to see how tangible and involved in life He really is!
It's at these moments when “I Spy God,” and what my stories focus on…because God wants to get your attention!
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