2 Samuel 17:1-29 

If Abasalom would have followed Ahithophel’s advice, David would have been defeated. But David not only had Hushai on his side, David had God on his side! Hushai was wise in alluring Absalom through pride, to lead this mighty army in a grand victory over the great David – no doubt Absalom relished in the glory of it all. 

Husahi warns David to flee, sending the message through the two sons of Zadok, Jonathan and Ahimaaz as God protects them every step of the way, all would go “well.” You can already tell who’s going to win this war – the Bible is true, if God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Ahithophel sees the writing on the wall – he’s fully aware of the fall of Abasalom, and the enemy gets a hold of this man, completely, by tragically influencing him to take his own life. 

2 Samuel 17:23 (NKJV) “Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.”

My heart aches whenever I hear of someone committing suicide – this is the agenda of the adversary, to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

David takes his position. Absalom organizes his army. It’s sad to see and say that all Israel was encamped against David in Gilead. How did it come to this? Three letters s-i-n.

O Lord, please help me to learn from the mistakes of these men. Help me to ALWAYS remember that God is not mocked, whatever a man sows, that he will also reap, and we won’t reap it alone, others will feel the pain, even experience death. 

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John 19:23-42 

It’s hard to fathom the thought that the soldiers were playing games at the foot of the cross, but while the God of the universe was in the process of redeeming us from our sins, they were casting lots for Jesus’ Tunic. It was a fulfillment of Psalm 22:18. Keep in mind that Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies at His first coming.

While Jesus was on the cross He thought ONLY of others, and of course this was His opportunity to make sure that His mother was among believers. Jesus entrusted her into the care of John the Beloved.

After Jesus had finished the work, He said, “I thirst.” Considering His others-oriented heart, and lack of thought for self, it almost surprises me, that He would say, “I thirst.” It’s natural that His tongue and lips would be parched, but why would He say this at this point? I’m a firm believer the reason for the request for a drink, something to loosen His lips was because He had something to say. And that’s exactly what follows.

John 19:30 (NKJV) “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

The other Gospels tell us that Jesus said this loudly, crying out for all to hear, “IT IS FINISHED!” The Greek word means to accomplish, to finish, to pay in full. That’s what Jesus did on that cross, He finished the work of salvation for us. He paid our sin-debt in full.

The fact that they didn’t have to break His bones, and that they pierced His side are other detailed prophecies concerning Christ from Psalm 34:20 and Zechariah 12:10.

The water and blood not only testified of the fact that Jesus died, but it also tells us how He died – of a broken heart. His heart had ruptured, and the sac surrounding his heart was filled with fluid. 

O Lord, I’m so sorry that I not only killed and crucified You, but I broke Your heart. Please help me not to break Your heart with my sin, any more.

Joseph of Arimathea laid his life on the line, by asking for the body of Jesus, otherwise our Lord’s corpse may have been devoured by beasts. We’re grateful to him for rising up, as well as Nicodemus, and the ladies (unlikely heroes). They prepared Jesus’ body and laid it in a rich man’s tomb…but it would only be for the weekend.

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Psalm 119:129-152 

This time the Psalmist covers three Hebrew letters of the alphabet. Keep in mind that each stanza would begin with the same letter – this would help in the memorization of the text…all about the Bible.

The Psalmist saw God’s Word as wonderful light that he loved to keep. I’ve always appreciated the heart behind v. 136.

Psalm 119:136 (NKJV) “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law.”

Does it break my heart that people don’t keep God’s Word?

The Psalmist sees God’s character in His Word as righteous and upright. And again, he expresses his love for the Word.

Psalm 119:140 (NKJV) “Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it.”

Where do we go when trouble and anguish attack? We run to God through His Word!

Psalm 119:143 (NKJV) “Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.”

I love the way the Psalmist rose before the dawn, and stayed up late at night, hoping in and meditating upon God’s Word (Psalm 119:147-148)

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Proverbs 16:12-13

Human kings are given authority in order to serve the people with righteousness. It is then their throne will be secure, and it is then when leaders are loved.

If only our government officials and all leaders would rule with the fear of God and in the best interest of the people.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.