WHICH KING DO YOU SERVE?
10th Sunday after Pentecost
2nd Samuel 18:5-33
If anyone has been around me for any length of time, they will tell you that I really love stories about kings, knights, medieval battles, and the sorts. In fact, one of my favorite films ever is “Braveheart”. Most of you probably remember this movie. It starred Mel Gibson and won the best picture in 1995. (And, oh by the way, I know Doc Dunn has it in his Best Pictures Collection).
I always admire the bravery and honor that is portrayed by the heroic knight figures or king figures. I also like the sagas about the kingdoms, and the battles that are fought to protect or enlarge the kingdoms. Likewise, I enjoy the old testament stories of the Kings, Princes, and others and how God works in and through them and their lineage.
So, I was intrigued when I saw an article in last Sunday’s local newspaper that was titled “Was David Judaism’s King Arthur?” The article basically contrasted the opinion of 2 sets of archaeologists. One side gave evidence as to how and why David did not even exist. The other side gave evidence as to how he did exist.
With that said, that is why we are mainly looking this Sunday at the old testament scripture from the lectionary. The relationship between King David and his son Absalom is laid out in 2nd Samuel Chapters 13 – 18. The story begins with Absalom’s ½ brother, Amnon, violating Absalom’s sister, Tamar. Absalom became extremely upset as you could imagine. He plotted to kill Amnon and succeeded. It is not clear how David fully reacted to this situation. We only see in Verse 21 of Chapter 13 that David was very angry. What we do know about Absalom, however, is that he began his quest to overthrow his father David as king. In Chapter 15 of 2nd Samuel, Absalom begins making himself as the king’s judge of the people. He makes empty promises to the people and “steals away the hearts of the people of Israel” – as we see in verse 6. The people of Israel begin looking to Absalom as king instead of the rightful king – David.
We don’t really know what caused Absalom to begin the overthrow. Was it his pride, jealousy, selfishness, or just anger over the way David handled the situation with Tamar and Amnon? But, what we do know is it was not Absalom’s appointed time to rule. It was David’s. And, Absalom would most likely be appointed as King after David dies. But, for whatever reason, Absalom decides he is to be king – now.
Aren’t Absalom’s attitude and actions very similar to people – us – in our day? “I want this __________ and I want it now!!!! For Absalom, it was all about ME…I am King… Don’t we also want to be our own kings? Don’t we also want to serve ourselves or make ourselves out to be king instead of serving the king?
Now let’s take a look at the people who were under the Kings rule, the men and women of Israel. As I stated earlier, many were following after Absalom and serving him because of the way he dealt with them – making empty promises – as seen in verses 4 – 6 of Chapter 15. They thought Absalom was a “Nice Guy”. I can hear the people saying “Oh Absalom is so nice.” He is also young, nice looking. You know, he is not as hard on us as David is...and so on and so on… However, many continued to follow David – serving him as the rightful, God appointed king. Needless to say, the kingdom was divided.
But, my attention was drawn to one person in Chapter 15. His name was Ittai the Gittite (see verse 19). This man was given permission by David to go back to his own land along with his relatives (as he was a foreigner) and not face the danger and possible deadly battle between David and his conspiring son, Absalom. But, look at Ittai’s response to David in verse 21. “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be”. Wow, this man knew who the rightful king was and was willing to give everything he had in service to the king – life or death. And, we see in Chapter 18 verse 2 Ittai was appointed as a commander over 1/3 of the king’s people. David was also apparently impressed by his willingness to serve and give everything he had towards that service no matter what.
Well, what about Absalom? What did he get for his conspiracy to overthrow his father as King? Absalom’s reward for his efforts to take over the kingdom was death. He didn’t get to be king over all of Israel like he wanted. He didn’t get glory. He didn’t get honor. He didn’t sit on the throne. No, all he got was death. And, David lost another son…another would be heir to the kingdom. Absalom’s pursuit of his own selfish desires brought him to death. Isn’t it exactly the same for us when we pursue our own selfish desires as well? They ultimately lead to non fulfillment, disappointment and ultimately - death.
So, which King do you serve? Which King in this day and age do we follow? Who do we give our service to? Who are we loyal subjects to? Is it our job? Is it the pursuit of riches or fame? Is it our family? Is it those or that person we have a significant relationship with? Is it our Church? Or, is it ourselves…much like Absalom?
Or is it the One True King appointed by God also known as Jesus Christ? For you see, in the new testament we find The King. The King foretold of by the prophets. However, this King is not what we expected. He didn’t come with sword, armor and earthly kingdom battles on his mind. No, He came to give us an example of how to truly live a life of service to others. His kingdom He talked about was not on this earth…no it was heavenly and for eternity. And, He was willing to ultimately give up His life as a sacrifice for the redemption of us…his subjects. And now He sits at the right hand of God in heaven awaiting our arrival. WOW, what a King!!!
Is this the King you serve? Are you like Ittai who we read about earlier? Do you recognize the One True King of the universe and are you willing to serve Him wherever and no matter what… life or death? Or, are you like Absalom, looking out for your own selfish desires being your own king? Serve this King… the King of Kings…the Lord of Lords…and truly live…forever. As we heard earlier in the scripture Anna read for us…He is the Bread of Life. There is a quote on the cover of this Braveheart movie…”Every man dies, not every man really lives”. Are you really living? Service to this King offers you life in His Kingdom eternally…
Let’s pray.
J.D.Sarver
2nd Samuel 18:5-33
If anyone has been around me for any length of time, they will tell you that I really love stories about kings, knights, medieval battles, and the sorts. In fact, one of my favorite films ever is “Braveheart”. Most of you probably remember this movie. It starred Mel Gibson and won the best picture in 1995. (And, oh by the way, I know Doc Dunn has it in his Best Pictures Collection).
I always admire the bravery and honor that is portrayed by the heroic knight figures or king figures. I also like the sagas about the kingdoms, and the battles that are fought to protect or enlarge the kingdoms. Likewise, I enjoy the old testament stories of the Kings, Princes, and others and how God works in and through them and their lineage.
So, I was intrigued when I saw an article in last Sunday’s local newspaper that was titled “Was David Judaism’s King Arthur?” The article basically contrasted the opinion of 2 sets of archaeologists. One side gave evidence as to how and why David did not even exist. The other side gave evidence as to how he did exist.
With that said, that is why we are mainly looking this Sunday at the old testament scripture from the lectionary. The relationship between King David and his son Absalom is laid out in 2nd Samuel Chapters 13 – 18. The story begins with Absalom’s ½ brother, Amnon, violating Absalom’s sister, Tamar. Absalom became extremely upset as you could imagine. He plotted to kill Amnon and succeeded. It is not clear how David fully reacted to this situation. We only see in Verse 21 of Chapter 13 that David was very angry. What we do know about Absalom, however, is that he began his quest to overthrow his father David as king. In Chapter 15 of 2nd Samuel, Absalom begins making himself as the king’s judge of the people. He makes empty promises to the people and “steals away the hearts of the people of Israel” – as we see in verse 6. The people of Israel begin looking to Absalom as king instead of the rightful king – David.
We don’t really know what caused Absalom to begin the overthrow. Was it his pride, jealousy, selfishness, or just anger over the way David handled the situation with Tamar and Amnon? But, what we do know is it was not Absalom’s appointed time to rule. It was David’s. And, Absalom would most likely be appointed as King after David dies. But, for whatever reason, Absalom decides he is to be king – now.
Aren’t Absalom’s attitude and actions very similar to people – us – in our day? “I want this __________ and I want it now!!!! For Absalom, it was all about ME…I am King… Don’t we also want to be our own kings? Don’t we also want to serve ourselves or make ourselves out to be king instead of serving the king?
Now let’s take a look at the people who were under the Kings rule, the men and women of Israel. As I stated earlier, many were following after Absalom and serving him because of the way he dealt with them – making empty promises – as seen in verses 4 – 6 of Chapter 15. They thought Absalom was a “Nice Guy”. I can hear the people saying “Oh Absalom is so nice.” He is also young, nice looking. You know, he is not as hard on us as David is...and so on and so on… However, many continued to follow David – serving him as the rightful, God appointed king. Needless to say, the kingdom was divided.
But, my attention was drawn to one person in Chapter 15. His name was Ittai the Gittite (see verse 19). This man was given permission by David to go back to his own land along with his relatives (as he was a foreigner) and not face the danger and possible deadly battle between David and his conspiring son, Absalom. But, look at Ittai’s response to David in verse 21. “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, surely wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there also your servant will be”. Wow, this man knew who the rightful king was and was willing to give everything he had in service to the king – life or death. And, we see in Chapter 18 verse 2 Ittai was appointed as a commander over 1/3 of the king’s people. David was also apparently impressed by his willingness to serve and give everything he had towards that service no matter what.
Well, what about Absalom? What did he get for his conspiracy to overthrow his father as King? Absalom’s reward for his efforts to take over the kingdom was death. He didn’t get to be king over all of Israel like he wanted. He didn’t get glory. He didn’t get honor. He didn’t sit on the throne. No, all he got was death. And, David lost another son…another would be heir to the kingdom. Absalom’s pursuit of his own selfish desires brought him to death. Isn’t it exactly the same for us when we pursue our own selfish desires as well? They ultimately lead to non fulfillment, disappointment and ultimately - death.
So, which King do you serve? Which King in this day and age do we follow? Who do we give our service to? Who are we loyal subjects to? Is it our job? Is it the pursuit of riches or fame? Is it our family? Is it those or that person we have a significant relationship with? Is it our Church? Or, is it ourselves…much like Absalom?
Or is it the One True King appointed by God also known as Jesus Christ? For you see, in the new testament we find The King. The King foretold of by the prophets. However, this King is not what we expected. He didn’t come with sword, armor and earthly kingdom battles on his mind. No, He came to give us an example of how to truly live a life of service to others. His kingdom He talked about was not on this earth…no it was heavenly and for eternity. And, He was willing to ultimately give up His life as a sacrifice for the redemption of us…his subjects. And now He sits at the right hand of God in heaven awaiting our arrival. WOW, what a King!!!
Is this the King you serve? Are you like Ittai who we read about earlier? Do you recognize the One True King of the universe and are you willing to serve Him wherever and no matter what… life or death? Or, are you like Absalom, looking out for your own selfish desires being your own king? Serve this King… the King of Kings…the Lord of Lords…and truly live…forever. As we heard earlier in the scripture Anna read for us…He is the Bread of Life. There is a quote on the cover of this Braveheart movie…”Every man dies, not every man really lives”. Are you really living? Service to this King offers you life in His Kingdom eternally…
Let’s pray.
J.D.Sarver
posted by the sojourning pilgrim | 2:46 PM
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