God as Reflected in Jesus Worthy of Praise

 2 Samuel 9-10    1 Chronicles 17-19     Psalm 146    Galatians 2

Reading the story of David trusting the Lord, caring for the family of his enemy, being blessed and his power and territory increasing is a story of God rewarding the faithful. Note also that those that oppose David and attempt to humiliate his followers face a great cost. God being with David attracts the people to him because he reflects the ways of the Lord. There really are two key points today, David, bringing a blessing to his defeated enemy and the rejection when he offers consolation to the family of a king that blessed him. Once again, we see a young ruler listening to young advisors and making a poor choice leading to war.

A song of praise reminds us that we are to put our trust in the Lord our God and he will care for us at all times. When we put our trust in people it will end with their death and many will prove untrustworthy. God will always be worthy of our trust.

Once again, we see what I have come to call a ‘holy pause’ when Paul says that he waited 14 years to approach Jerusalem again. Then he went to the leaders of the church to submit his teaching to the leaders for their feedback. They receive the support of the other apostles and continue to travel and proclaim the Good News.

Next, we find Paul confronting Peter and other Jews for being one thing when they are with some people and something else when they are with others. The difficulty will always be there when we fear the rejection of people, rather than God. He goes on to make clear that salvation, being set free from sin, is not about working or doing the right thing but having faith in God as seen in Jesus Christ. He tells us when we submit to the Holy Spirit, we are like being crucified with Jesus. We are made new and remade into what God wants us to be. He cautions against nullifying the grace of God with works.

Today we are reminded that God is an amazing God at work at all times and yet will be rejected by many when it puts them in a place of discomfort. We must be sure to point to the blessings of God for the blessings and expect to be held accountable for sin.