February 28, 2021

THE RIGHT WAY TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT

February 28. 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Is there a situation in your life that you wish you could make right, with people who are still living? How would you handle it, if so? Is it something you can share with the group?

This past week we finished the book of Judges—men who had been ruling in Israel after the death of Joshua—and moved into the years when the people demanded a king. In 1 Samuel, we read of Saul, who was the first king of Israel. Because he did not obey God’s commandments, God raised up David, known throughout history as “a man after God’s own heart.” Certainly, David had times when he did not obey God’s commandments as well, but his actions at those times indicated David confessed his sin and repented and was restored to fellowship by God. Today we will look at one of the accounts of David’s reign, which may help in our own walk with God, providing lessons as we glean nuggets of truth from this episode of his life.

 

Focal Passage: 2 Samuel 21:1-14

 

Go to the Source

  • Read 2 Samuel 21:1. What are some results that will occur when a country is in the throes of a long famine? Why do you think David may have been concerned that the famine could be a result of sin? What happened immediately after David prayed? How did God respond?
  • Can someone paraphrase the original situation that occurred in Joshua 9? Read 2 Sam. 21:2a. What had Saul done? How do we know that David realized how seriously God takes an oath? What did David do to correct the situation to end the famine?
  • What are some types of famine that might occur in our lives today? Read Hebrews 13:8. In light of the situation with the Gibeonites, is there even a small possibility that any of our present sufferings are tied to unconfessed sin in our home?
  • If you answered yes to the last question, what should be done in order to bring about an end to what you are going through? (Think about it if you would rather not share).
  • Read 2 Chron. 7:14. Who are “my people” in this verse? Is there more than one answer?

For any of the answers, would the solution be the same? In America, is it citizens or Christians?

  • If God’s children are concerned that unconfessed sin is a problem, and they have a godly repentance, how will God respond? Will He ever turn a humble child away?

 

Act when He speaks 

  • Read 2 Sam. 21:2b-3. What were some of the options David had, after God told him what the problem was? Do you think David considered any of them?
  • As you read the verses of this narrative, what do you feel was in David’s heart regarding this whole situation?
  • If you have something that you know is causing a problem between you and God, is there any possibility that you have chosen to ignore it, or even compromise, rather than to take steps showing genuine repentance?
  • If you are aware of a problem, how do you think God might ask you to correct it? Can you share?

 

Be people of peace

  • Can someone relate what has happened between verses 4-10? Did David completely take care of the situation with the Gibeonites? Did he do everything he needed to? If this were your situation, would you feel you could say you were finished? (What would God say?)
  • Read 2 Sam. 21:11-14. We have a saying: “above and beyond [the call of duty].” How can you explain that feeling as you read of David’s actions after he has done what the Gibeonites have asked?
  • Again, if this were you trying to rectify a situation that had been causing you grief, do you honestly think you might “go the extra mile,” or would you just be so glad it’s over, and you want to put it all behind you? What is your natural response?
  • If you were truly striving to be a person of peace, which would be the obvious answer?

 

Close

The Bible, as we read in 2 Timothy 3:16, is for “instruction in righteousness,” and we find lessons in so many unlikely events. Today we remember the Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua into making a covenant with them soon after the Israelites began to enter the Promised Land. Yet even though the covenant had its origin in a lie, God still honored the oath that was a result. Four hundred years later, Israel suffered a long famine, and David is concerned that sin might be the problem for the famine. If we have a problem in our life, do we ever wonder if it could be the result of a sin that was never repented of, and seek God’s heart on the matter? What are some of the famines that you have experienced? Are you concerned that there could be a connection between what you are going through and some situation that was never taken care of?

There are few things that bring the sense of peace that we can experience when we have a right relationship between us and our heavenly Father. That is one reason He wants us to always keep a short account when it comes to sin of any kind—just as you want your child to come to you about any problem in their life, especially if it is something that has affected your relationship. God desires a bond between us that is free from the stain of sin.

As we leave the books of 1 and 2 Samuel to make our way into Kings, we want to remind ourselves that there is one more famine that the Bible speaks of: in Amos 8:11, we read, “’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord.’” This seems to be even more possible now than ever before, as we take into consideration how much wickedness there is in the world. Be sure that you are committing scripture to memory. It will be not unlike storing away food for your body to use in a time of need. You never know when it might be the only word of God that you will have.