Triumph & TurmoilSample

Reputations Are Hard to Repair

Have you ever had something simply unravel? Something that started well, but as time progressed, one bad thing led to another until the project didn’t even seem worth continuing?

That seems to be the tale of David.

When we meet him in 1 Samuel, he is a young man full of courage and faith. Humbly killing giants, respecting ridiculous kings, and waiting on God.

As his story progresses, we see him climbing down from any pedestal. Giving in to sexual desires, poor parenting, a family in shambles, and finally, a kingdom in question.

After the death of Absalom—a threat to his kingdom from within his own family—the turmoil spreads to Israel as a whole. There is rebellion and revolt from some of the tribes, Benjamin specifically, foreshadowing the split in the kingdom that would come after Solomon’s rule (1 Kings 12:1-33). This revolt has a grisly ending as the kingdom returns to David’s unquestioned rule.

David had begun so well. He was the king of God’s choosing.

As we reflect on the difficult history of Israel under David, and on David’s life specifically, we are reminded that God’s Kingdom is continually unfolding in and through the hands of fallen and sinful people.

Men, there are no doubt places in David’s life where we can identify with him, both in triumphs and turmoil. Throughout the Psalms, we can read of his responses to both these elements in his life—his celebration of God’s goodness and faithfulness (e.g. Psalm 9), and his lament over his own sin and failings (e.g. Psalm 51).

As we look at the world around us, we may be tempted to wonder about the progress of God’s Kingdom. After all, we are involved, and we know ourselves and our shortcomings.

But this is where David’s story in the larger picture of the kingdom should give us hope.

God’s Kingdom moved forward not simply despite this sexual sinner and murderer, but through him.

God’s Kingdom may look like chaos, but behind the chaos is a God who brings order. It may not always be in our timing or method, but when He does, it will all be “very good.”

Prayer: God who brings order from chaos, help me not to focus on the circumstances that may surround me. Help me not lose hope or faith because things do not appear to be good and ordered. Help me to remember that Your Spirit is working in the chaos of this world to make “Your Kingdom come.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection: What parts of your life or this world are you waiting for God to bring order to? What are you doing while you are waiting?