AlohaJanelle

This part of David's life, to me, is a representation of a "compare and contrast" narrative that God uses to show us some differences that are manifest in looking closely at the entire life of a person, in this case, David. Front half of David's life: Anointed of God, called and chosen, fervent and valiant warrior, his heart completely laid out before God, and also before the community of Israel. David is known as an Integrity-laden man of action who is led by God---David is mighty and certain to apply righteousness and goodness....in a word, Powerful and victorious, without question, without delay, without doubt. Last half of David's life: Somehow inert and motionless. A Mighty man and victorious warrior who led the nation of Israel into continual victory, now incapable of family decision-making that seems patently obvious to even the untrained Bible-reader. Without motion, without authority or power in his family. Big difference. Next, he is fleeing for his life from his son, when previously, he did not flinch before a giant. For me there are two great themes at play here: One: It is God's insistent Truth that there is no human being wothy of our worship. The truth of David's family failures helps me to keep Jesus on the Throne, and it also helps me to move through my own failures without condemnation. When I realize that a wonderful, God-chosen man like David can have deep flaws and failures in his human life, I am encouraged by this God Who loves so much. I am reminded that He has no favorites, and that His love is for us...and will empower us when we seek Him. Two: There is a theme of brothers and 'next generation' failure throughout the Bible. We see it first in the Garden of Eden. One son murders, one son murdered. Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac; one of bondage, one of freedom--- at odds with one another, Isaac has Jacob and Esau; Jacob flees and Esau rages...the thread of failure continues and is extensively displayed in David's life. Why? Where do we fail to teach and train our "sons"? It is obviously not enough to have a Godly lineage. What I notice as blantantly absent is the narration of the interaction of a father involved with the spiritual lives of his sons. David should be the man who knows how to show his sons about spending time in the Presence of the Lord, having lived his young life as a shepherd, dangerously exposed and alone, yet in joy and peace, singing to the Lord, his protector. Where is the testimony of David to his own children?? My prayer: May Jesus Christ Himself reveal to each of us His Truth.