David Returns to Jerusalem | 2 Sam. 19-20
Sermon Discussion | 2 Sam. 19-20
Pastor Matt used the illustration of Noah and the Arc (with it’s happy giraffes) to show how we can be tempted to look at biblical stories at a superficial level, like a child, and not enter into the harder realties. Is this true of you? What do we have to do, how do we prepare our minds, to look at the deeper/harder stories of the Bible and not simply glance over them?
In 2 Samuel 19 David is grieving after the death his son Absalom and it is all consuming. His grief is impacting his decision making and the way others are interpreting him. Think back to a time when you were in grief. In what ways did it impact your heart and mind?
The death of Absalom, and this moment in David’s life, is one of his darkest chapters. Matt reminds us that the “Consequences for your sin does not mean God is not with or for you.” How was God still with David, and how was God with you when you were experiencing the consequences of your sin?
Galations 6:9 tells us to not grow weary in doing good. Even in the midst of living in the consequences of our sin, we need to persevere and continue the hard work of pushing through. Is there an area of your life that is hard, or the brokenness of this world is impacting you? Why is it important to remind yourself to push forward? What scriptures come to mind?
Joab took revenge on people, but David ultimately trusted in the Lord. Romans 12 tells us vengeance belongs to the Lord. Is there any situation in your life in which you have been wronged, or felt an injustice, that you are needing to trust the Lord to bring about resolve?
Matt reminds us loyalty to the King on your own terms is not loyalty to the King. When we follow Jesus, we follow him on his terms, in his ways, doing what he tells us to do. In what ways do Christians express loyalty outwardly, but inwardly rebel? What areas are you tempted to try and negotiate with Jesus?
You cannot outrun the consequences of your sin, but God’s grace is so much bigger than your sin. Looking over your life, how has God brought you nearer to him via the consequences of your sin?