The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • The Wise Live by God’s Wisdom

    “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

    James 3:13

    The book of Proverbs was mostly written by the wisest man, King Solomon. His wisdom came directly from God (see 1 Kings 3:5-15). Remember what God specifically told Solomon. “4. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 5. Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 9:4-5).

    God gave Solomon great wisdom, and He expected Solomon to walk before Him in that wisdom. One of the most memorable recollections of this wisdom, is when the two women came before King Solomon, wanting him to resolve the issue of the baby (see 2 Kings 3:16-28). After Solomon’s judgment, “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment” (1 Kings 3:28). It did not take long for news of Solomon’s wisdom from God to travel abroad. “And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34).

    We partially understand the volume of Solomon’s wisdom. “And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five” (1 Kings 4:32). Yet with all of the wise words Solomon knew, spoke and wrote for all generations to read, he was a foolish man. Solomon knew the wisdom of God, yet he lived as a foolish man.

    King Solomon had many wives but only one son, Rehoboam. Rehoboam became a foolish king. His father, Solomon, had given him much instruction and even wrote most of the book of Proverbs to teach him how to be wise. The phrase “my son” is found twenty-three times in the book of Proverbs. Remember how the book begins. “1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4. To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:1-7). We now understand the purpose of this book.

    What was Rehoboam to do? “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8).

    Have you ever considered the fatal flaw in Solomon and Rehoboam’s situation? King Solomon told his son all of the things he needed to know in order to be a wise man who would become the king of God’s people, Israel. Yet, King Solomon did not live out the principles in his life that he taught his son. When reading about Solomon and his kingdom, he did not lead God’s people wisely. King Solomon was much like a slave driver to God’s people, whereas his father, David, was more like a shepherd who led Israel. That became evident when Rehoboam took over the kingdom at his father’s death. “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee” (1 Kings 12:4). Solomon had made a critical mistake as he ruled God’s people. He spoke God’s wisdom, but he did not live by God’s wisdom.

    What can one learn from King Solomon’s mistake?

    There is a famous saying that most people have heard: “Actions speak louder than words.” Understanding how Rehoboam’s life turned out, one can fully recognize that he saw what his father did, and he ignored what his father taught him.

    Many parents today do the same thing with their children. Most want their children to live a better life than they did, so they try to teach them good things. Often they teach them biblical principles by which to live. However, if the parents do not live by those biblical principles and instead do what they tell their children not to do, what do you think the children are going to do? Listen to what their parents say? Or do what their parents do? “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Christians must live a lifestyle (conversation) revealing God’s wisdom in their lives.

    There is another famous saying: “What a parent does in moderation, the child will do in excess.” Have you ever considered that your behavior in front of your children speaks louder than your words? In the case of Solomon and Rehoboam, it appears that Solomon’s actions spoke much louder than his words.

    Rehoboam will forever be known as the foolish king whose kingdom was divided.

    Have you chosen to tell your children the biblical principles by which they are to live?

    Or,

    Have you chosen to also live by biblical principles before your children and others?

  • In My Heart

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

    Psalm 119:11

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 6:

    “Walk in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 119):

      “Just as Moses reminded the people of God’s Law as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must know God’s Word as we walk in a Christian life. Then we can be as Psalm 119:1 tells us—“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”

      “Notice these words: blessed means “happy”; undefiled means “blameless; upright in one’s conduct.” Who else have we studied that God called upright or perfect? Noah (see Genesis 6:9), Job (see Job 1:1), God told Abraham to be (see Genesis 17:1), God told His people to be (see Deuteronomy 18:13), as well as David (see 2 Samuel 22:24). These men (and God’s people) were blessed when they walked with God (Job was even blessed doubly when he continued with God through his trials).

      “Notice the first verse begins with blessed (which also means “happy”), referring to the one who walks in the “law of the Lord.” This is completely contrary to what we learn in the world today. Many times, we are taught that “rules are impossible to follow, so why try?” How about “rules are only guidelines” or “rules were made to be broken”? Do these sound familiar? These sayings teach us something contrary to what God’s Word teaches us. Psalm 119 teaches us that to be blessed (happy), we must walk in the law of the Lord.

      “Read Psalm 119:2–11. These verses encourage us to seek God with our whole heart (119:2). We are to respect all of His commandments (119:6). Psalm 119:4 tells us we are to keep God’s precepts (laws) diligently (meaning “wholly; speedily”). It does take work.

      “How can we do this? Read Psalm 119:9–11. Listen, seek God with your whole heart, don’t wander (stray from God’s commands), and hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. Be encouraged to read the rest of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This principle must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Law laborious. We should be happy to walk in God’s Law.”

      After reading the previous excerpt, consider that the main theme of Psalm 119 is the Word of God. Notice the descriptions of God’s Word given in the following verses: “1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. 9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:1-9). In reading these verses, one can consider the multifaceted characters of the Word of God. See the following list of words which are frequently used for God’s Word throughout Psalm 119:

      • Law: (most frequently) means “teaching” whether it is the wise man who gently instructs a son, or God patiently teaching Israel. It is here we find just what God requires.
      • Testimonies: is as a witness emphasizing the content of God’s Word.
      • Precepts: a mandate from a superior (God) regarding the duties of those under Him (mankind).
      • Statutes: “to engrave” which implies permanent and unchangeable regulations.
      • Commandments: this word assumes the authority of the commander and the inherent necessity of obeying the content of the charge given.
      • Judgments: ordinances; decisions God has made as a judge in order to make earthly behavior conform to heavenly standards.
      • Word: God’s revelation; promises and revelations from the mouth of God.

      Having recognizing the importance of these words, one should understand the significance of obeying God’s Word (all of the Bible). “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). As we learn the importance of obeying God’s Word and living it out in our lives, we can learn how to abide in Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

      It is at this point we should acknowledge the importance of the following verse: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word is to become a part of who we are.

      Have you chosen to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are?

    1. He Leadeth Me

      “4. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”

      Psalm 25:4-5

      Have you taken time to consider the importance of the words in the following hymn?

      He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought!

      Author: J. H. Gilmore (1862)

      1. He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
      O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
      Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
      Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

      Refrain:
      He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
      By his own hand he leadeth me:
      His faithful follower I would be,
      For by his hand he leadeth me.

      2. Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
      Sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom,
      By waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
      Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain

      Refrain:
      He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
      By his own hand he leadeth me:
      His faithful follower I would be,
      For by his hand he leadeth me.

      This hymn reminds Christians of the importance of allowing God to lead their lives with “heavenly” encouragement as we traverse this world. Consider: the creator of the universe is interested in leading each of us as his dear children, expecting us to follow Him. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

      Remember one of the most famous Psalms that David wrote to help us. “1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:1-6). When one will follow the Lord, He will lead. The Lord will provide a place to reside while providing one’s needs. Sometimes the path may be in the “scenes of deepest gloom”. Yet even in those times, we are to remember “thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (see Psalm 23:4). The Lord will lead. However, one must choose to follow. Each individual must seek the path that the Lord has for them. “4. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5). If we will ask, the Lord will lead. Not only will He lead, but He will teach as well. It is in those times that we become a faithful follower. Sometimes we must wait upon the Lord, and it is then we learn to be patient and trust in Him.

      If one will only entrust the path of his or her life to the Lord as The Shepherd, it would change the outcome of that earthly life. It would be a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

      Have you chosen to follow the Lord, seeking the path that He has for your life?

    2. Betrayals

      “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

      2 Corinthians 7:10

      Have you ever experienced the betrayal of a friend? Did you understand the reasoning behind that betrayal? I believe it hurts the most when one is betrayed by a trusted friend. In instances such as this, one must learn to trust God. Consider the thoughts recorded in Psalm chapter forty-one from which we should learn much.

      Most people recognize enemies; those who speak evil against them, often without cause. “5. Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 6. And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. 7. All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt” (Psalm 41:5-7). Matters are even worse when those “enemies” gather other people to join with them in “whispering” against a specific individual. It hurts all the more when they gather against you.

      However, there is something even worse. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9). It always hurts the most when it is a close friend, one that you trusted, comes against you. Understanding that this is a Psalm of David, one cannot help but if he had his friend Ahithophel in mind as he wrote it. Ahithophel had been David’s friend, one of the trusted men in his kingdom in whom he relied upon when it came to dealing with his enemies. This man was one whom David had most likely eaten with often. Yet we find Ahithophel chose to side with David’s son, Absalom, when Absalom tried to steal the kingdom from his father (see 2 Samuel 15:12, 31). So how did David handle this situation? “10. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 11. By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me” (Psalm 41:10-11). David prayed. David understood the importance of not stooping to their level by trying to get even. More than that, David trusted God knew what Ahithophel had done, and that God would deal with Ahithophel in His own timing. Remember another thing David wrote; something that he had learned long before. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalm 56:11). Remember that Ahithophel betrayed David in order to help bring Absalom to the throne.

      These are interesting verses to learn, and even more interesting is the example we find in the New Testament. When Jesus was spending His last evening with his twelve disciples, He made an interesting statement. “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me” (John 13:18). Jesus had just washed their feet and was teaching them. He quoted David from Psalm 41:9 as He taught them. Jesus knew the entire time that Judas would be the one to betray Him. Yet knowing this, Jesus loved Judas and taught him just as He did the other disciples. Shortly before this, Jesus had told them the following: “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to washhisfeet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all” (John 13:13). Jesus had often disclosed to His disciples that He would be “delivered into the hands of men” (see Mark 9:31 and Luke 9:44). Because Jesus knew Judas’ heart, He knew Judas was a traitor. He was now revealing that one of them was going to lift up his heel against Jesus – if only they had had ears to hear what Jesus was teaching them. Remember that Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

      Consider: Ahithophel was close to David, yet he betrayed David. Ahithophel chose to help a new man become the ruler.

      Also consider: Judas was close to Jesus (one of his closest followers, closer than Jesus’ family, and was one who was involved in some of Jesus’ most intimate teachings and conversations). Yet Judas chose to betray Jesus. Judas chose money over Jesus – the only One who could give him everything.

      Ahithophel went out and hanged himself when his counsel was overruled. “And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father” (2 Samuel 17:23). Instead of repenting, he ended his life.

      Judas went out and hanged himself after he betrayed Jesus. “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5). Instead of repenting, he ended his life.

      “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Because of God’s grace and mercy, anyone can be forgiven if true repentance is offered. However, sorrow of the world worketh death.

      Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend?

      Have you ever chosen things of this world and betrayed Jesus?

    3. The Kindness of God

      “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

      Joel 2:13

      Have you ever worked on a puzzle? Can you make out the complete picture with only a few pieces? Consider the way God’s heart was revealed in the Bible to the world. It was revealed piece by piece. One thing at a time. However, when one takes the time to put some pieces together, you begin to see a picture.

      David was a mighty king. Remember how God had David described in the New Testament. “And when he had removed him (King Saul), he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). In 2 Samuel chapters 1-8 David had become a mighty ruling king in the land of Israel, having subdued the enemies that had encompassed the land. He had brought the Ark of God to Jerusalem, the new capital. “And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went” (2 Samuel 8:14b).

      David then sought out one from the house of the former king, Saul, to whom he could show the “kindness of God unto”. “And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet” (2 Samuel 9:3). Jonathan and David had been great friends. David wanted to show a special kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. After King Saul and Jonathan’s deaths, Mephibosheth had been hiding out in Lodebar. David sent for him. David extended grace to him by exalting him to not only have all of his land restored (of which he had lost), but also to sit at the king’s table. He basically adopted Mephibosheth in the family as one of the king’s own sons.

      This is a great picture of the way that the Lord deals with people. When we are separated from God, He reaches out to us. He sends messengers after us where they find us in our exile, separated from God. God touches our heart, extends His grace to us, and will forgive us of our sin. When we receive this gift of grace, He then lifts us up, restoring life to us, and adopts us as His very own. We are then privileged to sit at His table, able to fellowship with Him. This is what being a Christian is all about.

      There is another event in the life of David that reveals another picture of God’s gracious, loving kindness. In 2 Samuel 10, David heard the king of Ammon had died. “Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me …” (2 Samuel 10:2a). However, the counselors of Hanun gave him bad advice. When David’s servants came to Hanun, he mistreated them and sent them away. King David sent to meet them to have them taken care of. When the children of Ammon heard they “stank before David” (means “be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious)”), they hired other nations to go fight with them against David. Take note that they did not repent of the rejection of David’s words, or of the evil they had done to David’s men. “And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men” (2 Samuel 10:7). King David’s men defeated the enemies who planned to come against them. So much so, that they made peace with Israel and feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

      This is a great picture of when God extends his grace, and it is rejected. He sends His messengers with words of peace. God is love, but God is also holy. He will not permit evil and sinful men to mistreat His messengers with impunity. When His messengers are sent with the Gospel message, God will not allow people to treat His Gospel message as garbage. God gives time for repentance and a change of heart. But if one refuses the Gospel message, God, who is holy and righteous, will respond as his holiness and righteousness demands: in his wrath. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

      However, what do we understand from reading God’s Word? “12. Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13. And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil” (Joel 2:12-13). When one will turn to God with all of his or her heart, God is merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. He will forgive and turn from the evil that was destined to befall one.

      Have you received the “kindness of God” and given your heart and life to Jesus?

      Or,

      Have you rejected God’s extension of Grace in the Gospel message, waiting for the wrath of God?

      http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

    4. Confess, Do not Cover

      “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.“

      Proverbs 28:13

      In most people’s eyes, King David was a much bigger sinner than King Saul was. Saul chose to disobey God’s Word. David took another man’s wife and ordered the death of her husband in battle – premeditated murder. That sounds much worse to most people. However, according to God’s Word, both men were sinners before a Holy God. “2. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. 3. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 53:2-3). The penalty has not changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament. “For the wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23a).

      Why then was David considered the best king that Israel ever had when he was such a sinner? He understood the way a sinner must come before a Holy God; in true repentance.

      Remember when King Saul was confronted with his sin by Samuel. “Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?” (1 Samuel 15:19). What was Saul’s reply? “20. And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me … 21. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:20-21). Notice he did not admit his sin. Instead, he justified his sin with his own words. Samuel reminded Saul what God requires, not what man thinks God requires. “22. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Saul thought God expected a sacrifice. Samuel declared God required obedience to His Word, not rebellion. Saul stubbornly fulfilled his own will, not God’s. When Samuel declared God rejected Saul from being king, Saul admitted he had sinned. Nevertheless, Saul still refused to submit to God and repent. Instead, he asked Samuel to “keep up appearances.” “Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God” (1 Samuel 15:30). Saul declared he would worship “the LORD thy God.” Saul revealed his attitude toward God.

      Recall what Samuel told King Saul, even before his kinship ended. “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee” (1 Samuel 13:14). God had chosen a young shepherd named David. Before Samuel anointed David, God told him “… for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b).

      After David’s “great” sin, Nathan the prophet came to him and confronted him with, “Thou art the man” (see 2 Samuel 12:7). Immediately, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). When David was rebuked because of sin, he immediatly repented. Psalm 51 is a heartfelt prayer from David’s heart revealing this repentance. “2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight …” (Psalm 51:2-4a). David understood what God expected. “16. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17). David recognized that God sees the heart.

      In light of these things, David was the greatest king that Israel had, not because he was sinless, but because he understood how a sinful man must approach a Holy God – with complete repentance and a change of heart. He wanted his heart cleansed. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

      One can clearly see through King Saul and King David the following verse revealed: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

      Are you like King Saul who covered his sin and did not prosper?

      Or,

      Are you like King David who forsook his sin, and God showed mercy upon him?

    5. Our Approach

      “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

      Hebrews 10:22

      There is a very familiar event that takes place in 2 Samuel. David had been established as king, and he decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the new capital of Israel. This was important because the Ark of the Covenant (or testimony) with the mercy seat upon it, was the place where God met with man in the days of the Old Testament (see Exodus 25:22). Bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem was a good thing. See that it is also called “ark of God”. If you remember, the Ark of the Covenant had been taken by Hophni and Phinehas into a battle with the Philistines. Israel lost the battle, Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant had been taken (see 1 Samuel 4:1-10). When it was returned to the land of Israel, the Philistine’s sent it back on a new cart (see 1 Samuel (see 1 Samuel 6:7-12). It ended up in the house of Abinadab where it remained (see 1 Samuel 7:1). Now David was going there to bring it into Jerusalem.

      “2. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. 3. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 4. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 5. And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6. And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 7. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:2-7).

      Remember that bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem was a good thing for David to do. However, he did it the wrong way. He moved the Ark of the Covenant the same way the Philistine’s had moved it, which sounded like a good way to move it. They were having a great time playing music before the Ark of God, much as a time of worship before the Lord. However, David had not taken the time to seek God, nor how He would have it moved. Because of this error, there was a death. David was displeased, “And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?” (2 Samuel 6:9). In 1 Chronicles we understand that David found out the way God intended for the Ark of the Covenant to be moved (see 1 Chronicles 15:2). It was then they were successful in moving it to Jerusalem.

      One cannot help but recognize the casual way that even King David approached God. David had no wicked thought in him in this venture. He only wanted to do something good for God and His people. Yet, because he did it man’s way and not God’s way, God was not pleased with David’s effort. David had to seek God, and do things God’s way.

      How often do we approach God with the same attitude? Christians have the right to approach the throne of grace because of Jesus, anytime (see Hebrews 4:16). However, we often come before the Lord presumptuously, much like David. The right is there. But the means must be correct. God is holy, and we are sinful people; even after we have been saved by grace. The grace that we have been privileged with does not give us the right to approach God any way that we want to approach Him. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

      When the religious leaders asked Jesus why His disciples did not according to the traditions of the elders, Jesus quoted Isaiah: “6. He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me withtheirlips, but their heart is far from me. 7.Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teachingfordoctrines the commandments of men.8. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,asthe washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:6-9). Recognize that just because they were religious leaders, they were not approaching God in the correct way, for their heart was far from Him. Christians must come before the Lord with a true heart, not worshiping the Lord in vain by keeping man’s traditions.

      Have you considered how you approach God? Is it in the ways of man?

      Or,

      Is it with a true heart in full assurance of faith?

    6. David

      “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.”

      1 Samuel 18:14

      Saul was the first king of Israel. Samuel declared God would remove the kingdom from Saul and his family because of rebellion and disobedience to God’s Word. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons” (1 Samuel 16:1). God rejected Saul as the king of His people, but He had chosen one who would fulfill God’s will (see Acts 13:22).

      Samuel anointed David with oil. Up to this point in the Bible, the priests were anointed, and Saul had been anointed. Yet, we do not read that Samuel mentions to David why he has been anointed. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah” (1 Samuel 16:13). However, notice that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. It makes one wonder if at this point, David thought in his heart that all there was to that anointing was that the Spirit of the Lord upon him.

      In the next chapter of 1 Samuel, we read of David and his mighty victory over Goliath. See where David is in 1 Samuel chapter 18: “And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants” (1 Samuel 18:5). It is shortly after this, because the people ascribe the death of ten thousand of the enemy to David, “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18:9). Yet, understand the following: “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14).

      King Saul offered his daughter, Michal, to David as his wife if he would kill one hundred Philistines (the Israelite’s’ enemy). “… But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25b). Saul wanted David to die at the hand of the Philistines. David killed two hundred Philistines to win the hand of Michal. “And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29). It tells us that David behaved himself more wisely than all of the servants of Saul (see 1 Samuel 18:30). David was just serving God and his king. We see nothing in David’s actions that reveal he had heard that he was to be the next king of Israel. Samuel knew, but up to this point we do not read that he had told David.

      During all of this, King Saul’s son, Jonathan became great friends with David. He helped David elude King Saul’s attempts upon David’s life more than once. David fled for his life from Saul (see 1 Samuel 19:8-17). “So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth” (1 Samuel 19:18). One cannot help but wonder if David had many questions for Samuel. Why did Samuel anoint him? Why did King Saul continually try to kill David? What is going on? Do you suppose that it is at this point in time that Samuel tells David that God had chosen him to become the next king of Israel?

      When King Saul heard that David fled to Samuel, he sent messengers to take David. Some interesting things happen. When the messengers came to take David, the Spirit of God came upon them and they prophesied. This happened three times, so Saul decided to go himself. Read what happened: “23. And he (Saul) went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24. And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 19:23-24). In this verse, stripped off his clothes means “he laid aside his armor and his royal vestments.” Do you suppose this happened to confirm to David what Samuel had told him? That one day, Saul would no longer be king, and that one day David would become the king of Israel? Wouldn’t that be like something God would do for David? To confirm that one day David would be king in place of Saul?

      At this point in David’s life, he began to flee. “And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?” (1 Samuel 20:1). David had done nothing worthy of death by King Saul. However, as you read chapter twenty, there is a great covenant made between these friends: Jonathan and David. One can almost gather that Jonathan now understands that David will one day become the king of Israel. Moreover, Jonathan is fully supportive of his friend, David. David spends the next several years running from King Saul. Yet, one can recognize God’s hand upon David’s life. During these years, God was preparing David to become the great king of His people.

      Have you learned to behave yourself wisely (like David), even when you do not fully understand the plans God has for your life?

    7. Saul

      “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”

      Psalm 19:13

      Samuel was an important man in the Old Testament. He was called as a young boy and lived a faithful life serving God as a judge, priest, and a prophet. However, when he was old, the people of Israel declared that they wanted a king. “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Samuel was not pleased. However, he obeyed God and anointed the people a king (see 1 Samuel 8:7). His name was Saul.

      Saul became the first king of Israel. God gave him what he would need to be a great king. Saul was:

      • goodly, handsome, and head and shoulders taller than all (see 1 Samuel 9:2)
      • given a new heart by God (see 1 Samuel 10:9),
      • given the Spirit of God that would come upon him (see 1 Samuel 10:6, 10)
      • given loyal friends (see 1 Samuel 11:12)
      • privileged with the guidance and prayers of Samuel (see 1 Samuel 12:23)

      When Saul began, he looked, acted and sounded like a great king. He led the people into a victorious battle against the enemy (see 1 Samuel 11). Yet in spite of these advantages given to him by God, he failed miserably. It was not long before Saul chose:

      • to become deceitful (see 1 Samuel 13:3-4 where he took credit for Jonathan’s victory)
      • to become impatience (see 1 Samuel 13:9-11 after he had been told to wait in 1 Samuel 10:8)
      • to show irreverent presumption (see 1 Samuel 13:12-14)
      • to become prideful (see 1 Samuel 14)
      • to be disobedient to God’s Word (see 1 Samuel 15)
      • to became presumptuous in his sin against God (see 1 Samuel 15:19-21), falsely proclaiming he obeyed God and blaming the people for his sin.

      It was at this point in Saul’s kingdom that God rejected him as king of Israel.

      What is a presumptuous sin? Sins that are committed with knowledge: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin” (John 15:22). Read the prayer in Psalms. “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression” (Psalm 19:13).

      Saul was not disadvantaged. God had given him everything he would need to become a great king. Yet with all that he had all going for him, Saul chose to disobey God’s Word. “22. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). God wanted obedience above all else. Because he disobeyed God, God rejected him as king.

      Saul could have repented at that point. Instead, he only admitted that he had sinned. There was no change in his attitude or life. “24. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 25. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD” (1 Samuel 15:24-25). Notice that Saul wanted forgiveness of sin, but he did not want to turn from that sin. Repentance would have been revealed if Saul had wanted to turn from that sin. Instead, he wanted Samuel to turn with Saul. That was the opposite of what was required for forgiveness. Why wouldn’t Samuel turn with Saul? “And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15:26). Samuel understood what Saul was saying. Remember what happened when Samuel would not return with Saul. “27. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. 28. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou” (1 Samuel 15:27-28). The thing that determined the removal of the kingdom from Saul and his family was when he disobeyed God and determined to continue in that choice. God would choose a man who would seek after God’s heart. A man who would obey God. Read how it is explained to us in the New Testament. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22).

      Apart from God, Saul was just another man. When God allowed Saul to become the first king of Israel, Saul had the opportunity to be a mighty leader who followed God and led the people back into a right relationship with God. However, when Saul became proud, presumptuous, and refused to obey God’s Word, he failed disastrously. When Saul would not repent and turn back to God, he then lost the kingdom to a man who sought after God’s own heart.

      Have you chosen to obey God, and not continue in presumptuous sin against God?

    8. A Picture in Ruth

      “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

      John 14:21

      In my last post, I remembered a people who had what many call a “Kadesh-barnea” moment: because God’s people refused to obey God to enter into the Promised Land, all but Joshua and Caleb over the age of twenty died in the wilderness. They never progressed into the life God had for them. 

      There is an even greater picture found in an individual. A woman named Ruth.

      Ruth was a woman from Moab who had married into the Israelites. When her husband died, she returned with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the land of Israel. She declared her faith in the God of Israel (see Ruth 1:16-17). The whole book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of an amazing love story – for both Ruth and Boaz. However, there is also a great picture for us that should be recognized found in the full commitment of Ruth.

      Once in the land of Israel, Ruth began to live according to the Law of God’s people. Naomi immediately recognized God working in the life of Ruth (see Ruth 2). However, there was a major step that Ruth must take. Although she had moved to the land as a part of God’s people, there was something that needed to be done that could only come by a Kinsman Redeemer (Boaz). This would allow her fully live as an Israelite. Naomi, who understood God’s Law, instructed her in what she needed to do. “3. Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4. And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do” (Ruth 3:3-4). Ruth was to present herself to Boaz (much as one would propose marriage), enabling him to be able to bring her fully into the family of God’s people. Ruth had to make the first step. This is a picture of what each Christian must do in order to move forward into a full relationship with Christ. Once one has become a Christian, it is up to that person to present oneself to Christ, in order to fully live a Christ-like life (see Romans 12:1-2 as a reminder). There are four definite steps that will bring our hearts and lives to the place where we can live as Christians in this world.

      Step 1: Wash thyself: Knowing God has forgiven our sin, we need to actively remove sin from our lives.  

      • “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).
      • “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
      • “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

      Step 2: Anoint thyself: We need to remember that we have God’s Spirit within us (our anointing) and allow Him to teach us.

      • “21. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). See also 1 Corinthians 2:9-11.
      • “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him” (1 John 2:27).

      Step 3: Put thy raiment upon thee: Remember that we are clothed with Christ’s righteousness.

      • “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:22).

      Step 4: Get thee down to the floor: Fully commit to the Lord in every aspect of your life, understanding He will help you.  

      • “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
      • “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

      Too many Christians are willing to remain forever trapped in Ruth chapter two (living with only the gleanings left by others not realizing that God has so much more for them). It would make all of the difference in a Christian’s life if they would just fully commit to this new life found only in Jesus.  “21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:21-24).

      Have you reached your Kadesh-barnea moment in which you decided to fully submit to and live for Jesus?