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Cornerstone Church

Ripple Effect


So far in the Big Picture David has been a model of faith. This week will show why David is definitively not the messiah. The first reading comes from 1 Chronicles. As a reminder the emphasis of Chronicles is on God bringing a messiah through the line of David and the temple. This was meant to be an encouragement to the Israelites after their exile. Chronicles leaves out David’s failures, which we we’ll read about this week as the readings shift back to 2 Samuel. Keep in mind that our reading plan is following the sacred timeline chronologically, or as history played out. The contrast from both books on the first day of reading shows the differing focuses of the authors. Due to David’s sin and his son’s sin, his family would suffer tragedy, rebellion, and multiple deaths. While David is not perfect, his responses show a man who repents, dependent on the word of the LORD and grace.



Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.


R - Repeated words

E - Examine and mark

A - Ask what you learn about God

D - Do if there is anything to do


P - Praise

R - Repent

A - Ask

Y - Yield 


Bible Plan Reading - Week 27



START IT.

We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of 1 Chronicles or 2 Samuel, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?


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STUDY IT.

Read 1 Chronicles 20:1. What is the detail left out of this section that is covered in 2 Samuel 11? Read 1 Chronicles 20:8. What story does this recall from 1 Samuel 17? Why might the author have included these sections next to each other as an encouragement to the Israelites?


Read 2 Samuel 23:8,39. Who was Uriah according to this text? Read 2 Samuel 11:3. Who was Bathsheba? Read 2 Samuel 11:14. Who carried the order to murder Uriah back to Joab, the commander of the army?

 

Read 2 Samuel 12:24-25. Who was also affected by David’s sin? Despite the brokenness of sin, what does God do for David and Bathsheba? How might this foreshadow Christ?

 

Read 2 Samuel 16:9-12. What is David’s answer to the all to familiar harshness of the sons of Zeruiah (Joab and Abishai)? How does David’s response point us to Christ?

 

Read 2 Samuel 19:16-23. How does David respond to Shimei seeking forgiveness? How does David respond to Abishai wishing punishment? How does David use his special position of authority in comparison to what Abishai wants? How does this point to the humbleness of Christ?



​​SHARE IT.

How has the storyline in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles been similar, and different?

 

How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading this week? Has anything reminded you of scripture in the New Testament?


Have you thought about the good or bad effects of your actions in the last week? What about God leads you to the good, and what about God keeps you from the bad?


Read Psalm 51:3. This is David’s Psalm of repentance after his adultery with Bathsheba. Is there any past sin that tends to stir up regret that you do not move on from? P.R.A.Y. Example: (Praise God for His grace, Repent of past sin, Ask to help you to continue in obedience, Yield to rejecting sin and living in forgiveness)

 

Read Psalm 51:10-12. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. Reflect on Christ’s taking of your sin in order that you might become the righteousness of God. How does this change your perspective on continuing in sin or shame? How does this help you forgive others as you remember the grace you have been shown?



FINAL THOUGHT

David’s life and those around him spiraled out of control. Some of the consequences of sin did not come out until years later. His family was alienated for years, and were at the end separated permanently through death and rebellion. This is no different than humans as a whole. As David clarified in Psalm 51, all of us are born into sin. Through the first Adam sin entered the world, and as a result the first pair of brothers resulted in a murder after Cain killed Abel. Our sin alienates us from each other, but ultimately from God. Jesus took on human flesh and was rejected in order that sinners would be accepted. On the cross, Jesus stated, “My God My God, why have you forsaken me?” This was not evidence of Jesus cracking, losing His mind. He was quoting Psalm 22:1. Just as David trusted God as he was running from his rebellious and murderous son, so too the true and better David trusted God even farther all the way through death. As Absalom perished on a tree to return the kingdom to the rightful king, it was Jesus who offered Himself on a tree as the King of the only everlasting Kingdom. Jesus offers forgiveness to those who mocked Him as Shimei did David. Perhaps this fact seems far off today, and if so then pray for God to restore the joy of your salvation.

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