In this famous episode David falls spectacularly, committing adultery with Bathsheba and then trying to cover up what he has done by orchestrating her husband Uriah's murder. It's what men so often do, use their power for sexual conquest. But as we read 2 Samuel 11, we're also invited to consider the dynamics of temptation and transgression in our own lives.
David's care of Mephibosheth embodies God's character of loving-kindness. He gives a model for care and inclusion of those with disabilities. We catch a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God looks like.
Jesus is king David's long awaited son, his kingdom is the everlasting kingdom promised in 2 Samuel 7.
David becomes king, makes Jerusalem his capital and brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, but all is not well as he has presumed to treat God how he likes, rather than follow God's word, and at home he faces domestic conflict.
David lament at the loss of his friend Jonathan offers a window into the common experience of grief and loss.
If Jesus really did rise from the dead, then he provides the comfort and hope we need in this world of conflict and death. He is the truth we can surrender to.
Karl Barth writes, "in its root and origin sin is the arrogance in which a man wants to be his own and his neighbour’s judge." On the cross, the only one who truly is the Judge was judged in our place so that we might receive his forgiveness.
Jesus demonstrated that he is “the resurrection and the life” when he raised Lazarus from the dead, and he wept with Mary and Martha. Similarly, he both gives us hope…
Jesus' healing of a man born blind is a window into the question of spiritual blindness. So often we think we can see but our pride makes us blind to…
Jesus has the authority to judge and to give life.