2 Samuel 4

Only 4 chapters into 2 Samuel and we have already seen murder, war and more murder. The books of Samuel describe the history of God’s people, but its bloody, horrific and is a constant tool to prove God is not good. How often do we as Christians hear arguments that go something like, “How can good be good when he allows ___?” And the truth is that God never condones whatever is filled in the blank. It can be easy to read David’s horrific response to Ish-bosheth’s murder and think, “oh, God must deem this as okay, because he loves and approves David”. 

You would be wrong, friend. God loves David. God loves you, me and all his children deeply, yet his love for us does not mean he loves, approves or condones our sinful behavior. No, actually he hates our sin so much that we see that God forsakes his only Son because of it. That is the beauty of the gospel! God’s just wrath is fulfilled because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ - not only for us, but for David for this moment too. 

Church we must remember when we read these stories not only in scripture, but in our history books, in documentaries and even our news sources, that God IS GOOD. Always and forever, amen! God does not micromanage his creation, but is in the business of bringing life from death, redemption from sin, and healing from brokenness. Church, in the face of our sinful world would we believe the God will fulfill his promises of bringing justice to those who have sinned? Can we be honest and repent of when we’re the owners of such sin? Lastly, can we rest in the gospel knowing that Jesus has taken the cup of God’s wrath on our behalf and we are clothed in righteousness because of Him and Him alone?