In 2 Samuel 5, the king whom Samuel had anointed years before to replace Saul is finally recognized as the rightful king over all Israel. David, the man whom God chose for himself, after his own heart, is exalted and enthroned. As always, we’ll find that this story, like the whole story of Israel, anticipates […]
For the first few chapters of 2 Samuel have described Saul’s house growing weaker (2 Sam. 3:1). As we come to chapter 4 we see even the rubble of Saul’s fallen house is swept away. However, in contrast to this foolish man who had built his house on sinking sand, we see a wise man, […]
When Joab learned that Abner had made peace with David, he was not happy about, and decided to take matters into his own hands. 2 Samuel 3 not only recounts the tragic death of Abner, but also reveals the stark contrast between the heart of David and the heart of Joab. In this sermon, pastor […]
As Saul’s house grows weaker, and David’s house grows stronger, Abner decides to “switch sides,” giving his loyalty to Israel’s true king, David. In this sermon, pastor Joel reminds us that our king Jesus offers peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation to all the rebels and rivals to his kingdom.
Last week, we learned that David had become king and had made a wise political move to unite the tribes of Israel. He sent a winsome invitation to some of Saul’s loyal men, inviting them to serve him. Our passage today, however, doesn’t involve David at all. Rather, it follows the story of Abner and […]
David had been waiting patiently to receive the kingdom and the day had finally come. This is a crucial moment in the story of the Bible. Three times we read here that David was now king over the house of Judah. However, as we might expect, not all Israel was happy to receive their king. […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that lament is good and right in a world under death’s dark shadow. We mourn the curse of sin. We weep over the reign of death. But because of the gospel, we need not grieve as those who have no hope.
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds that, just like the beginning of 1 Samuel (with barren Hannah), even when all hope seems lost, death does not get the final word. The good news is that our God is in the resurrection business, and in his time and his way, his exalted king will deliver his […]
In this sermon on the death of King Saul and his sons, pastor Joel reminds us that we need a faithful king who will honor the Lord in life and death. And unlike the “good news” of Saul’s death, proclaimed by the Philistines, the good news of Jesus Christ that we proclaim is that the […]
