Jesus’ First Sign Displaying His Glory

Merry Christmas!

This Sunday we will be taking another break from our series in 2 Samuel.

John 2 is related to the incarnation (as is everything in Scripture) in that John told us in 1:14 that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 2:1-11 records Jesus first sign which displays His glory, the meaning of which points to the purpose of His coming.

The Birth of the True and Worthy Son of David

Last week in 2 Samuel 11 we raised the question of what David’s moral failure with Bathsheba has to do with Christ.

The answer is that David’s failure to keep the covenant points to our need of a greater covenant keeping King – Jesus!

This week we are looking at the story of Jesus’ birth as recorded in Matthew 1.

You may ask, what does this have to do with our studies in 2 Samuel?

Matthew begins “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David…”

In 1:20 Joseph is addressed by the angel as “son of David”.

Joseph is told that his fiancee’, Mary, will bear a Son who will save his people from their sins.

In other words, he will succeed where David failed.

David’s Deadly Cover-up

This Sunday morning we will continue our study of David’s tragic fall as we consider the fallout from David’s sin with Bathsheeba.

David’s experience reminds us that one sin often leads to many more, and that deceit almost always accompanies serious sin.

How many of the 10 commandments did David break in II Samuel 11?

We also are reminded of how our sins affect many others.

How many people were hurt by David’s sin?

There is also something deeper going on in II Samuel 11. God had promised in the Davidic covenant that a son of David would reign over God’s people in righteousness.

David was the best that we could do, but he still falls woefully short. We need a son of David who does not succumb to temptation and sin.

So, you see that this week’s text does tie in to the holiday theme in that we are reminded of why the incarnation was necessary!

David’s Catastrophic Sin

We have reached the sad turning point of II Samuel.

Up until now David has appeared to be the ideal king for God’s people.

Sadly, however, David acts like other kings by abusing his authority and taking the wife of another man.

Then he engages in more sin as he tries to cover his guilt.

The effects of David’s transgression continue throughout his lifetime and beyond.

This passage has at least a dual application to us.

First, David’s failure serves as a very practical warning against falling into temptation. His fall follows the pattern described in James 1:14-15 – from desire to action to death.

We should learn from David so that we will not become presumptuous or lax.

David’s failure also serves to point us to Christ. In the past David has served as a positive type of Christ. In this text, however, David is shown to be unworthy to be the king of His people.

A better man must come to fulfill the covenant and to reign in righteousness forever.

Satisfaction for the Thirsty

Spurgeon called Isaiah 55 a chapter of gospel invitation. He preached from this passage at least eighteen times.

Isaiah 55 pleads with the lost to abandon their worthless idols. The Lord offers abundant pardon and rich kingdom blessings to those who turn to Him.

Isaiah 55 also speaks to believers who sometimes waste their time and money seeking to find joy and satisfaction in worldly things instead of finding their fulfillment in Christ.

Isaiah 55 also points to Christ who offers Himself as our spiritual food and drink.

Liberty and Love

Are you strong?

Last week Paul began his discussion of the issues over which Christians differ by encouraging all of us to accept one another without judging in these difficult matters.

In this week’s text Paul focuses upon those who consider themselves strong - because they believe they have liberty to do things in which the weak cannot participate without violating his conscience.
Rather than looking down on the weak, the strong should forego the use of his freedom for the sake of those who don’t enjoy the same sense of freedom.
In so doing he is living out the gospel by imitating Christ who gave up His rights for us.