just for a moment...

I have been reading Samuel and 2 Samuel over the past few weeks, and to be honest I just don’t get it. When I finish, will have to go back and start over. If the Lord wants to speak to me through these words I obviously need to listen a little more closely.

My reaction so far: if these books were made into a movie it would be called Boys Will Be Boys. Senseless violence. Petty revenge. Hurtful words. Pillage and take what you want. It’s like The Sopranos on steroids.

And in the midst of all these, you find these words. Nathan’s revelation.

The LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.

After a moment of prayer and celebration, David goes on to defeat 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. After all, boys will be boys.

In any case, this passage made me think about Christmas. In the midst of mortgage payments, office politics, competition and ambition, God interjects himself so we can gather for a moment of prayer and celebration. Each year our Lord reminds us that he kept his promise, that a kingdom awaits us, and that we his people will ensure forever.

Now I just hope I don’t run into any Moabites tomorrow.

Peace and joy to you.

Ed G