King David Series: Regaining Momentum

Message 12 June 2016 King David Series: Regaining Momentum

Read 2 Samuel 15 and Psalm 3, 41, 55

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Psalm 3:3

The value of momentum

Everything that keeps moving forward has a force that works in favour of the motion. A forward pushing or pulling force propelling it to a destination or goal. A wheel rolling down a hill has gradient working in its favour to roll and accelerate downhill. When it reaches the bottom and rolls uphill the gradient works in its disfavour and unless it can find some greater force in its favour it will lose speed and eventually come to a halt. Life in general also can be gaining or losing momentum. In this sense momentum is about what to expect next. It is high when with a conviction that good things are about to happen (James 1:17). It is a sense of growing. Feeling of being on a path of progressively more and more waiting for you. A confidence that setbacks make way for come backs. A strong belief that delays are not denials. Sense of excitement. A positive anticipation and sense of excitement. Something positive that makes it hard for you to stop doing something. Something generating positive thought and conversation about what is happening. The thing that gives you reason and makes you want to keep going.

To move forward and attain your destiny you need to learn how to build and sustain momentum. Momentum has to be maintained. Negative momentum must be addressed before it is so low that it can’t be reversed or gangrene that it is spreading so much in a group, that when new people come the negative talk in foyers and prayer needs discourage immediately extinguish the fire for being a part.  If you can’t keep up the momentum you lose meaning of personal  life, a relationship or a group involvement.  So you need momentum at these three levels. Signs of loss of momentum at the personal, relational and corporate levels include:

>> In personal life. Loss of life meaning. Not seeing a future. Tarnished self image. Losing self esteem. Not excited about life anymore. Lack of life motivation for your vocation. Can’t find enthusiasm to learn and grow. First love and zeal for God has waned or disappeared. How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?

>> In a relationship. Feeling that something has been lost between you and the other person.  There is no more strong affinity. There is no more warmth and fire. The desire to be together has disappeared. Poor communication. The relationship is conflict ridden. Trust is eroded and in deficit. How do you feel when you think of the other person, are apart or are going to meet them?

>> In corporate life.  Leaders out of touch with the people they lead. There is disrespect for authority and boundaries. A general negative sentiment about everything. No motivation to push on. Cannot see where the group is going and the progress. The hope for a promised or expected future is dying. Conflict and mistrust levels are high. Increasing lack of energy, politicking, gossip, backbiting and even betrayal, rebellion and assassination of each other (1 Samuel 15:23). If not giving life you are killing (1 John 3:15). Little loyalty. High turnover absenteeism and lack of commitment. Low participation and cooperation levels. How easy is it to find an excuse to avoid a commitment? How delighted are you to sell the group programs to friends? In a church group - What happens inside you when hear of church events and commitments such as attending a prayer meeting. Does something in you leap with excitement or something takes a dive forcing you to hide.

What erodes momentum?

Momentum is lost  through loss of motivation and through resistance. Momentum stealers include leadership failures, scandals and fights. Lack of shared values and bonding among members. Unfulfilled promises - expectations raised but only to be dashed. Poor communication. Majoring in the past, minors and weaknesses. Losing sight of God, his plan and his presence. Delayed results – hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12).

What restores momentum?  The Case of David

David is a case in point. After he was appointed King, he was prosperous and experiencing relative peace but he lost something in his ability to keep order and peace in his home and nation. Discontent festered in the domains of his authority.  In his personal life he violated moral parameters by committing adultery and orchestrated the killing of the husband of the woman, Bathsheba. Bathsheba was a wife to one of his top mighty soldiers, daughter of another of his top mighty men  and granddaughter of his chief strategist and, friend and counselor – Ahithopel (2 Samuel 11:3;  23:34, 39).  In David’s home there was chaos as a consequence of his personal sin.  Amnon a son raped a daughter Tamar resulting in another son Absalom killing Amnon. He as a result fled to exile to a relative in Geshur. When he was brought back, for two years David would not see him. He had to burn Joab’s barley field to get attention.

On the national front momentum was in David’s disfavor. Things deteriorated so much that discontent with David was high. As a result Absalom was able to steal the hearts of the people. Momentum against a person can be so strong and loud that no one listens to the person. No one hears. Many don't look at facts and history but follow momentum. Momentum travels faster than facts and shortens memory. Perception of momentum gain or loss can go viral regardless of whether they are true or false.

Psalms three, 41 and 55 are prayers David made when he was fleeing from Absalom. David was losing public space but he reclaimed his private place. Prayer gives an ‘advantage in’ as in lawn tennis. By praying  David recalled faith. By praying David assumed Responsibility for finding a solution. By praying David acknowledged responsibility for his status quo. His disobedience gave rise to the consequences he faced. Who caused the rebellion and death of Absalom? It was David in the same way that Eli caused the death of priests at Nob.

David was humiliated. Psalm 3 Verses 1-2. He was overwhelmed by the increasing number of people that rose up against him from within the nation. People lost confidence in David being able to find help from God. They had written him off as one rejected by God. ‘There is no help for him in God.’ (Psalm 3:2; 55:5). How did things go so wrong? Interest in his past exploits and glamour was waning.  Could word about his sin have spread and eroded the respect and aura around him as a man of God? Could Ahithopel have harbored bitterness about what David had done to his granddaughter, Bathsheba? Did Absalom simply take advantage of what David was not fulfilling such as failure to provide justice to all who came to the gates? He also had ample time to achieve his goal and do it undetected long enough to win enough numbers and leaders. Did David fail to monitor what was going on? Eventually Absalom rebelled and declared himself king forcing his father to flee into the wilderness. He took on his side the chief counselor and right hand man of David Ahithopel. To show the nation that his father was totally defeated and there was nothing to fear of him, he slept with his father’s concubines on the roof top in public view. It appears even lies were doing the rounds. For an example in Psalm 41:8, ‘An evil disease, say they, cleaves fast onto him: and now that he lies he shall rise up no more.’

David was particularly concerned that even his closest right hand man and chief adviser Ahithopel had also deserted him. He felt betrayed and extremely vulnerable. Psalm 55: 12-14, 20-21   ‘For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:  But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.  We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. …  He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.  The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.’  Psalm 41:6, 9  ‘And if he come to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it.  …Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.’  

Things were so bad that he wished he had wings to fly away. ‘And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.  Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.  I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.’  Psalm 55:6-8

David prayed. When the chips were down David’s faith remained high. Psalm 3 verse 3-7; 55:1.  David felt low and down. He could not walk tall and lift his head high.  His faith was however still high. He still believed there was help for him from God despite increasing numbers thinking otherwise. He believed God was still the lifter of his head. He declared that he would not fear ten thousand people. He confessed what he believed of God and declared what he saw God do to his enemies. He also cried to God out loud. ‘I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.’ God heard him from his holy hill implying he had been completely forgiven.  He admitted his failures and called for mercy, ‘I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee (Psalm 41:4).  David learnt to appreciate being able to sleep and wake up still alive. It was proof to him that God was with him (Psalm 3:5; 41:11) . Realize even among people with him he was not certain who was really on his side. 

David strategized. ‘And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. (I Samuel 15:31). Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.’ (Psalm 55:9). David planted Hushai another close friend among the people of Absalom. They also set up a communication system to keep David updated on developments in Absalom’s camp. The ‘boy’ Absalom was a schemer but he failed to outdo the old man at it. Ahithopel’s better military advice was rejected in favor of Hushai’s and that turned the battle in favor of David (II Samuel 16:21-23; 17:1-3). When his advice was not followed Ahithopel knew they were losing so much that he left,  went home and committed suicide.

David regained momentum.  He cried out evening, morning and noon and won through prayer. He believed salvation belonged to God and that prayer worked (Psalm 3:8; 55:16, 17). Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7).

God answered David’s prayer. This was a major step in David regaining his spiritual momentum. He gave him the practical wisdom to win and also preserved him. When Absalom was defeated and killed he mourned him much to the displeasure of his cadres. He did not impose himself back to be King. He waited for the call by the people to have him back. ‘And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? Seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house (2 Samuel 19:11).’  It is interesting that Judah had to be reminded to make the returning King theirs. Yet they had been the first to appoint him King when Saul was killed.   David always waited for God, Saul couldn’t wait for God. David did not take matters into his hands but trusted God. Saul could not wait but David’s waiting saved Saul’s life twice in the wilderness.

What maintains Momentum?

All issues have root and fruit levels . They are best addressed at the root and not the fruit levels. Momentum is a fruit. You direct the causes and fruit is Gods prerogative when the root conditions for it are met. Root issues develop underground out of sight - in the hearts and private lives of people. Roots are inward and fruit is outward. Root is identity and fruit is confirmation.  Root causes to be addressed to regain spiritual momentum include:

-        Revelation of God – his plans and future generates momentum. The revelation comes from the Holy Spirit illuminating the word of God and revealing Jesus. When you maintain sight of him and what he has and is doing for you will always be encouraged and have a reason to look forward to the future. You will know that with God something good is always about to happen. When you see him and maintain an awareness of him you will not be carried away with fear and worry. You will always have hope. He is hope personified and promise incarnate. When you see him you will worship. Without a revelation of God true  worship is impossible. Worship is a response to his appearing and faith is a worshipful response to his grace.  The depth of knowledge and awareness of God is the degree of fervency in worship.

-       Root focused prayer.  Paul’ s prayers dwelt on the root (Ephesians 1:15ff, Colossians 1:9ff, Philippians 1:7ff). Momentum comes from faith in God’s promises, character and what he has already provided and done. View the future positively based on God’s promises. If can't find source of momentum in the present.  You won't find it in the past but in the future. Whatever is in the future takes faith to appreciate.  The future is in the unseen. So can't rely on sight.  

-       Unity and harmony in relationships through walking in forgiveness and love is also a source of momentum. Being a part of a faith community is momentum generating as you are encouraged by what others are experiencing and sharing. Hebrews 10:25 gives encouraging one another as the agenda for believers coming together.

-       Momentum comes from God’s reviving presence through Spit filled and praiseful lives.

-       The fullness and work of the Holy Spirit in a group or a life also generates momentum. The Holy Spirit makes exciting things happen. Moving forward is not about will power but real power (Acts 1:8).

-       Obedience to God’s word generates a momentum inside that nothing else can produce. Actions that correspond to faith are rewarded by God with his presence and intervention. Every obedience manifests the presence of God and releases his power.

-       Maintaining high morale by not despising what God does. Don’t wait for some big thing or the final thing. Every step of God is big because God is big. When you are full of faith you implement and celebrate your small and short term victories because of what they mark – progress to a great future in God. You also celebrate the mile stones because they lay the foundation to the future goal. Momentum is sustained by sustained morale. Exciting social, conference, prayer and other events raise morale. Programs that involve something outside the regular and traditional such as inviting guest ministers, involving fresh players, leaders, ideas, creativity and strategies.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

 Johannesburg,

South Africa 

Mothers: Unsung Heroes

Message 6 May 2016 Mothers # Unsung Heroes

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home. -  John 19:26-27

Mothers are the most unsung heroes of the world. Their work is not officially classified as an occupation yet it’s the most important work happening. No one is able to pay for what they do. Your mother carried you in her womb for nine months. When you came out she received you and cuddled you. She nursed you, fed you, changed your nappies/diapers, wiped food off your mouth. She was there for you and wiped tears off your cheeks and nose. She cleaned up your space, bathed you and potty trained you. She rose up odd times of night to tend to you. With one eye and ear  on you she fulfilled her daily tasks. She cooked her best meals and washed dishes and clothes for you. She prepared your lunch box, and assisted you with homework. She sang and read you stories. She bought you nice things celebrated you and your birthdays. She believed in you and was always there for you. She washed, mended and ironed your stuff. Often she had to do this on top of a full time job. How many eyes, hands and roles do mothers have? They are simply amazing. 

The Lord Jesus in the midst of his most intense pain and suffering and impending crucifixion took time for his mother. He left an indelible model of the importance and priority of loving and caring about the welfare of one’s mother. Despite the agony he assigned John to look after his mother and asked his mother to receive John as her son. Of the Apostles John lived the longest. He must have had ample opportunity to care for Mary and must have done it well. 

Mothers are gifted to carry the load only them can carry. ‘And Moses said unto the Lord , Why have you afflicted your servant? and I have not found favor in your  sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?  Have I conceived all these people? have I given birth to them, that you should  say to me, Carry them in your bosom, as a nursing father bears the sucking child, to the land which you swore to their fathers? (Numbers 11:11-12)’

Moses compared the burden of caring for six million constantly murmuring people to the challenge of a nursing father left to care for a sucking child. The situation was even worse those days - they had no milk formulas. The baby would cry and the father would  try singing, throwing them in air, moving around etc. but nothing would work. Having such a nurse was also a nightmare for the child. Yet a mother can carry them in her bosom leaving smiles on the face.

Mothers are strong. Don’t mistake their tenderness for lack of toughness. When the going gets tough in the home mothers face the brunt of how the most can be done with the barest resources. Even when some men desert their families mothers are more likely to stick it out. Humanitarian organisations have a bias to supporting women with income generation ideas and capital because when the mothers succeed the chances are highest for the benefit to flow into the whole family.  There is discussion about the possibility that the flu man catch is different from the one women catch because when men have a cold, exaggerate the symptoms. The discussion is so serious that some are investigating if there is a scientific basis.

Mothers love selflessly. Mothers are not just women who gave birth but those who commit to the nurturing and well being of their children. A story I read, the teacher asked the class to state their answer as a fraction:  If there’s 10 at the table and one apple pie, how much does each one get?  To her disappointment the answer she got was one ninth. One kid said “Do you know my mother?  If there’s that many at the table and only one pie, she will have none”  Mothers are so loving they will not spend on themselves unless all the children’s needs are met

God uses mothers. Eunice and Lois laid the foundation of faith in Timothy. ‘I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.’ 2 Timothy 1:5. They have the best of wishes for their children. They inspire lifelong foundation of godly principles in the children they carry, pray and care for when they are helpless and see them as the only hero they know – with the father of course.

Mothers are not perfect. Though a mother is the person you go to when looking for someone who will always be on your side and really listen and understand. She is not perfect. Mothers are a type of the care and love God has.  When she comes short God has promised to be with you.

 ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up (Psalm 27:10)’

Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; Your walls are continually before Me.… (Isaiah 48:15-16).

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children:  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us  (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

Honor your Mother. Overcome the tendency to be more kind, and considerate with your friends, your boss and everyone else. Love and take care of your mother. Tell her how much you love her. Honoring your mother come with a promise.  Honor your  father and mother so that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord has given you and that it may go well with you. (Deuteronomy 5:16)

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

 Johannesburg,

South Africa 

King David Series: Anointment is not Appointment

Message 6 March 2016 King David Series # Anointing for the Calling

But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. 1 Samuel 23:14

So David  waxed  greater and greater: for the LORD  of hosts  was with him. 1 Chronicles 11:9.

Anointing comes with calling then placement follows. The timing of the two does not always coincide. Anointing facilitates and enables the called to accomplish their calling. The anointing does not therefore appoint a person for a position of ministry or leadership. It designates and gives potential. The journey from anointing to appointment can be grueling as was the case with David. In between he was a fugitive in arid rocky terrain who learnt to stay connected to his rock of ages. During the process he was refined in resolve and character as preparation for the appointment. Anointing preserves through storms and valleys that lead to appointment. It refines the inner man in preparation. It enables during the appointment delay and facilitates execution post appointment. It gives the abilities that will be recognized by others and result in appointment. Appointment gives legitimacy. Anointing gives capacity.    Prior to appointment David operated in the capacity but not in the position.

God called David from the Sheep cote to replace Saul. Calling is or being made aware of your divine assignment. The failures of Saul included failure to inquire of and obey God’s instructions and seeking direction from a spirit medium (1 Chronicle 10:13-14). David was a product of God’s grace. God could have said giving the people a king had failed. Instead he gave them an eternal kingdom in line with the concept of theocracy they had rejected. David was a product of grace meeting heart attitude qualifications. Even though both were chosen by God, Saul was a product of human demand fitting their expected physical stature qualities.  A young musical shepherd boy would have been rejected by the people. The lesson they needed was that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called.

• -       Anointing is God’s favor for a task/calling. A virtue God puts on a person to attract his favor for a function or task. Favor is being chosen despite your demerits. Its being preferred, supported, defended, resourced and given what you do not deserve. It is being shown kindness, having rules broken for you as you are dealt with in an extraordinary way. Being given special treatment.
• -       Anointing is God’s hand on a person to do the impossible. Anointing is God’s hand and weapon. It demolishes His enemies. It kills giants. Before the anointed giants have to fall. Anointing defuses fear and inspires boldness to do what the calling beckons.
• -       Anointing is God’s transformer. The anointing does not only bring giants down but it brings giants up.  David transformed the discontent, indebted and distressed into an army by which he conquered. He transform rascals to radicals. They respected his anointing. Anointing imparted through submission. The anointing made people anew and their names - Abram, Jacob, Simon, the two Sauls. Made people exclaim  ‘Is Saul among the prophets.’
• -       Anointing operates in ranks or in accordance with the calling. It flows with revelation believed and acted on. David understood the purpose of his anointing.
• -       Anointing is potential to be released. Anointing is activated by utilization through prayer, faith and obedience to God.
• -       The anointing uses circumstances to mold you to fitness of purpose. Anointing is an apparel, or adornment for a function. E.g. If working in a factory you need an overall, in a mine a helmet, etc.  Anointing brought the army and resources. Anointing attracts resources -  Day after day men came to help David (1 Chronicles 12:22).
• -       The Anointing you respect will work for you. If you dishonor the anointing of God on others you discredit your own God given anointing. David received, released and respected God’s anointing. He would not harm Saul because he was anointed. David also respected the anointing by his willingness to suffer because of it and patiently moved in it.
• -       Anointing is God’s property. It is a part of God’s nature.  Watch out how you deal with it. He extends it to people but does not abandon it to them. He gives without repentance (Romans 11:29) – explains the question ‘was Saul still anointed’. It is a divine trademark of authority.
• -       The anointing teaches, guides and protects. Saul a veteran soldier missed David twice. Not because of lack of skill but because the anointing shielded David. David was saved from Saul’s plots, manipulation and violence. When Saul sent soldiers to arrest David at Ramah, they all prophesied (1 Samuel 18). Saul went personally and also prophesied. Could have been prophesying of how David would be king. Saul said that when he met with David in the wilderness where he was hiding. At wilderness of Maon Just as Saul and his army were about to capture David amazingly a messenger reported that the Philistines had raided Saul’s land. He was forced to cut off his pursuit to defend his land against the Philistines. The Lord's timing is amazing.
• -       The anointing brought to David both triumph and trouble. He was not after the limelight but the limelight sought him out. By it he killed giants.  The anointing then lands him in a wilderness. Once again God used the desert to refine his servant. The nation of  Israel spent forty years in the desert. Jesus spent forty days. The Apostle Paul spent 3 years. The anointing will help you, it will feed you feed and preserve. It was enough to feed a band of 600 men and their families. They did not suffer from hunger and thirst.  God of prosperous times was the faithful God in the rough and tough wilderness. David faced betrayal and disappointment from people he helped in the wilderness. The residents of Keilah and Ziph are examples ((1 Samuel 23:19). But God was with him and did not hand him over to his enemies. God’s prophet, Gad, provided guidance e.g. advised him to leave Adullum cave. His journey:

Anointed at Bethlehem - Music boy in palace - Back to Sheep Côte - Valley of Ela/Goliath – Military exploits at war front - Music boy in palace - Ramah to Samuel – back to palace – Nob to the priests -  King Achish – Adullum - Wilderness of Judah – Keilla - Wilderness of Ziph - Stronghold of Horesh (Jonathan visit encourages and predicts he would be second to him 1 Samuel 23:16, 17) - Wilderness of Maon - wilderness of Engedi with impenetrable rock formations (1 Samuel 23:29) – to Achish of Gath – Ziklag – Appointed king at Hebron – Settled as king in Jerusalem – brief exile from Absalom – Returned to Jerusalem.

In the rocky rugged places David still praised and prayed to God.  The Psalms reveal a tension from his struggles and faith (e.g. Psalm 31, 18, 63).   "Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.  Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge." (Psalm 31:2-4)

The anointing on Christ – the anointed, messiah - was to enable him for the work he had to do to save the lost. E.g. – the messiah. The anointing of the Holy Spirit even raised him from the dead (Romans 8:11).

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.  - Luke 4:18;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  - Acts 10:38

All saints anointed. Touch them not as much as David said touch not the anointed.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you , and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teaches you of all things , and is truth , and is no lie , and even as it hath taught you , ye shall abide in him .  - 1 John 2:27.

In your wildernesses God is working out his plan in you. As a believer you are already anointed. You possess the Holy Spirit of God who connects you with the very mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). You have the nature of Christ. You have the kingdom in you. Its all there. The Holy Spirit adorns the believers (Luke 24:49). The Apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from high. You are designated with kingship as you rule with Christ. You have power to transform lives through discipleship.  Put on strength and rise up. Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor (Isaiah 52:1),Tap into the anointing. Tap into the mind of Christ. Rise up and walk by faith not by sight. You are called to join in the mission to share Christ and nurture people in him. You are called to know God and bring glory to him through what you do.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

 Johannesburg,

South Africa 

King David Series: The Sure Mercies

Message 5 June 2016 The King David Series # The Sure Mercies

It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today. - 2 Samuel 16:12 ref 5-13

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. – Acts 13:34 cross ref. Isaiah 55:3

In many ways David was a symbol of God’s mercies. He showed mercy.  He received mercy and He was a promise of mercy to come through his Son who would reign forever.  No wander he was a man after God’s heart. God is merciful and shows his mercy as he chooses (Exodus 33:19; Psalm 116:5; 145:8-10).

As evidenced in the Psalms often David would ask the Lord to have mercy on him. He would say ‘Be merciful to me’ and ‘be merciful to us’. He was not only asking for forgiveness of sin but was acknowledging that everything God does including extending his grace is an act of mercy. They are premised on his mercy. He knew every prayer is a cry for mercy.  At the foundation of human relations with God is mercy. That is why at the heart of the tabernacle of Moses that typified the real one in heaven is the MERCY SEAT. Mercy is the only way a holy God could deal with sinful humanity. Mercy reconciles Divine perfection with human imperfection. God’s  throne is a throne of mercy where through the blood of Jesus believers can approach confidently when in need of mercy and grace.

If you understood David’s heart of mercy  you could bring him to mercy as Nathan did with the story of the poor who was treated unjustly (2 Samuel 12:1-7) or find mercy with him as Abigail (1 Samuel 25) and Abner (2 Samuel 3) did.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Mathew 5: 7)

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. (Psalm 18:25)

David understood that God was merciful and that showing mercy brought God to one’s side. He exercised great restrain and patience to show mercy. For without both mercy is impossible. His mercy however, as the man himself, was not perfect but his heart definitely leaned I the right direction. An example of imperfection is his forgiveness of Shimei then later instructing Solomon to deal with Shimei.

Mercy however proved an invaluable ingredient in David’s strong people skills. Because of it he was a master diplomat that given a chance he would negotiate as an option to fighting. He had incredible wisdom to effectively engage with friends and foe. There is always opportunity to fight out every disagreement. The lesson from David is that there are battles to fight but sometimes better results come from using alternative approaches. David chose his battles and showed great restraint in dealing with everything that was going wrong.

I. David Showed Mercy

David tended to be merciful even to his enemies so much that his compatriots such as Joab were puzzled. While David used diplomacy to explore all possibilities to solving differences Joab believed in winning by force of strength.

-           Abigail understood the merciful and diplomatic attributes of David and negotiated to save her family. Negotiation is persuasive communication in which people with differing views attempt to reach agreement on an issue. A negotiator gives trade-offs within set limits of what is acceptable, best and worst case outcome.  To negotiate well Abigail understood the situation. She set her objective to save her family from David’s wrath after her husband had send David’s servants away unceremoniously. She took with her generous provisions because she understood David’s interests in the situation. She was willing to give away something.  She identified common ground by agreeing with David that her husband had been unreasonable. She bowed down and showed respect deserving of a person of David’s stature and to show her good faith. She proposed a solution that appealed to the values of David by highlighting that David was not the kind to fight his own battles. He was one who trusted God to fight for him. She argued, ‘When The Lord has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself.’ She saw from a spiritual view. Where Nabal saw young men deserting their masters Abigail saw a king in waiting. She as a result managed to reach a peaceful agreement with David.

-           David spared Saul from death two times. He showed restraint and kindness even when he had the power and opportunity/ good reason to penalize, hurt Saul. He showed great patience and faith in God to fight for him. He waited for God's time to be appointed king. As God said vengeance was his. Sparing Saul saved him from being perceived as a rebel. He allowed God to work things out. How patient are you when an outgoing or outdated situation lingers on.

-           David mourned Saul. Later when Saul died he deeply mourned him. As an act of mercy towards Saul he even killed the person who brought the news and hoped to reap benefits from doing so. Further David had the remains of Saul and Jonathan removed from their former resting place and buried with honor.

-           David killed the assassins who brought the head of ishbosheth to him. Ishbosheth had delayed David’s kingship over the whole of Israel for years (2 Sam. 4:5-12). The name Ishbosheth means "man of shame."

-           David brought Absalom back.  He was king and had just brought his son, Absalom, home to set aside their differences (2 Samuel 14:1-21). Absalom had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. Joab saw how David was concerned about Absalom and facilitated through the woman of Tekoa who told David a story of a pitiful situation. Through it they persuaded David to bring back Absalom to Jerusalem from exile. They succeeded by appealing to the merciful side of David who was already concerned about Absalom.

-           David mourned Absalom. He had pleaded with his army generals to spare Absalom. The king gave this order to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “For my sake deal gently with the young man Absalom.” (2 Samuel 18:5). Yet Absalom instead of being grateful after being brought back from exile stole the hearts of Israel, betrayed his father and took the kingdom away from him. David had to suffer humiliation and  run away into exile himself as a result. Absalom even slept with his father’s concubine on the roof top. Absalom however had no chance with the Old man who was a seasoned strategist (2 Samuel 17:5)  leading to him dying in battle. David mourned and was rebuked, ‘And so Joab rebukes David… "Thou hast shamed their faces; for, while they have shown such a value for thy life, thou hast shown no value for theirs, but preferrest a spoiled wicked youth, a false traitor to his king and country, whom we are happily rid of, before all thy wise counsellors, brave commanders,…’  [This was of course a part of the consequences of his sin of adultery and murderous cover up announced by Nathan 2 Samuel 12)]. 

-           David mourned Abner (2 Samuel 3).  David opted for diplomacy to bring the 11 tribes of Israel yet to appoint him king into the fold. Abner was the man who called the shots in the Northern tribes. After being challenged about his relationship with one of the late Saul’s concubine (3:9) sought peace with David.  He now claimed to be acting in response to God’s choice of David as King over all Israel. So  he struck a peace deal with David. Just as the news went round Abner was killed by Joab who wanted vengeance on Abner for all the trouble he had caused and for having killed his brother Asahel. The killing of Abner brought the two sides on the brink of war. Joab cared little  about diplomacy or politics. David publicly mourned and instructed all to tear their garments in mourning and honor to Abner (3:31).

-           David showed mercy  to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 19:24-30). His mercy called him from hiding to sit with him at the table in the palace. He did not only forgive but restored what was Saul’s. Still showed mercy when Mephibosheth stayed behind when David ran away from Absalom. On return he welcomed him back. Saul’s servant Ziba had lied that Mephibosheth who was crippled had deliberately back stabbed David by remaining in Jerusalem for which he got all that belonged to Mephibosheth. Yet David took only half of the belongings back and gave them to Mephibosheth.

-           David showed mercy to Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5-12). A man who yelled curses at David and threw rocks at him. He yelled out, “Get out of here you murderer, you scoundrel! The Lord is paying you back. You stole his (Saul’s) throne.” Yet David stopped Abishai from killing Shimei. His argument was perhaps God had allowed the abuse to provide an opportunity for him to show mercy so that God  could in turn  show mercy to David. Showing mercy left the door open for him to receive mercy. If expecting God to do great things with you leave behind right seed. God is not mocked. God sees what you’re going through. He sees the attacks and has not forgotten you. He will restore you. May take a while but watch it.

-           David showed mercy to Nathan and Gad who brought hard prophecies which he humbly received. Some kings persecuted prophets for bringing the word of the Lord.

-           He showed mercy to Adonijah who tried to usurp kingship from Solomon (1 Kings 2)

II. David Received Mercy

David made some major blunders in his life and found mercy with God (Psalm 32, 51). They included lying, murder and adultery and are listed in the message with link below. Adulterers were to be stoned. ‘If there is a man who commits adultery with another man's wife,  the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.’ Leviticus 20:10

http://wordoers.blogspot.co.za/2016/05/king-david-series-rise-up-and-move-on.html

When life was going well with David in 2 Samuel he experienced decline in his spiritual and political glamor. The decline continued until when he repents from counting people and built an altar to God at the threshing floor he bought from Arauna. From then own he resumed in Ernest activities to prepare Solomon and preparations for the building of the temple.

III. David Promised Mercy

David’s mercy was defected but God through the Davidic covenant promised the rise of Jesus Christ who would sit on David’s throne forever guaranteeing perfect mercies to all believers. Jesus the son of David perfected mercy.

And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. – Acts 13:34 cross ref. Isaiah 55:3

Isaiah 55 is an invitation to the Sure Mercies of David     

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price...

 verse 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 

... Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord .  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

... So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:...

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:...

The mercies of David must have been a common subject among the people of Christ’s day. The Canaanite woman understood that the son of David perfected mercy. When her daughter was tormented by evil spirits she cried out Son of David have mercy (Luke 18:1-10). She had so much faith she negotiated even just for the crumbs. She knew where there is mercy there is room for negotiations. The Lord had mercy on her.  Blind Bartimaeus, desperately wanted his sight (Mark 10:46-52). He cried out Son of David have mercy on me. The more they tried to stop him the louder and more he cried out. The Lord had mercy on him. 

In Christ you received mercy. Unto whom mercy is given mercy is required. Jesus gave a parable of a servant who received mercy but failed to extend mercy (Mathew 18:28-33). In you is a promise of mercy to someone else - share it. The promise of mercy through Christ is deposited - receive it. 

Whatever your need the sure unfailing mercies of David can save, heal, restore, deliver and provide. Let your faith arise and call out, Son of David have mercy on me.  The Lord will have mercy on you. 

Additional:

As much as was possible, David’s life was spent in diplomacy motivated by mercy.

-           He convinced Saul he could kill Goliath through the story of how he had killed a lion and a bear.

-           He asked what reward was attached to killing Goliath even though he was not fighting for the reward. In fact he was not given the reward of promised tax exemption, Saul’s daughter nor riches. He still had to find 100 foreskins to get Saul’s daughter for which he brought 200. Much unlike some African men who negotiate lobola on the basis of pleading for reductions. David however still lost the wife only to demand her back years later when he became King.

-           Twice he met the man doing everything to find and kill him. But his persuasion convinced Saul not to kill him but instead to prophesy that David would indeed become king.

-           He had to be forcefully ejected from Saul’s Palace. He would have lived and served Saul. But his faithful service, his  victory over Goliath, his valiant exploits in the army, his soothing harp music to Saul, his appeal to Samuel, his marriage to Saul's daughter and his soul friendship with Saul's son, all failed to win Saul's favor. He had to be missed by a spear twice - for most once is enough to say enough is enough.

-           David made strategic alliances even through whom he married as was the practice in those days. (1 Chronicles 13).

-           Developed a mutually beneficial friendship and strategic alliance with Hiram a Canaanite king of the wealthy city of Tyre. Canaanite people who believed in Baal were usually the enemies of Israel. Hiram probably initially wanted protection.  He in the process provided materials, skill and ideas for building David’s house as well as the temple that Solomon built. A lesson is that some of your provisions are in the hands of a Canaanite. God will give wisdom to engage and unlock them without compromising your values (1 kings 5:1). 

-           Negotiated shelter from Saul with King Achsh of the Philistines. This despite having killed their giant Goliath and having escaped earlier by playing the mad man. He was even given land, at Ziklag. While he was protected from Saul his army defended the Philistine southern borders from non-Israeli enemies.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

 Johannesburg,

South Africa