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Explore the Bible Lesson for July 22: Deposed
Logan Sides, local missions director, Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem
July 10, 2018
2 MIN READ TIME

Explore the Bible Lesson for July 22: Deposed

Explore the Bible Lesson for July 22: Deposed
Logan Sides, local missions director, Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem
July 10, 2018

Focal passages: 2 Samuel 15:10-16, 24-30

The book of 2 Samuel describes David’s many victories against foreign enemies. Yet, it is apparent that the enemies within, himself and his family, proved to be his toughest challenge.

One of David’s sons, Absalom, was previously exiled from the king’s palace because he struck down another of David’s sons in vengeance (2 Samuel 13:39).

After a few years, Absalom managed to persuade the king that he should be welcomed back into the king’s palace, and David welcomed back his son with a kiss (14:33).

Absalom was very cunning in the way he manipulated others to regain his position of influence. He then used that position to gain a following among Israel’s people by promoting himself as superior to King David.

His entitlement and selfish ambition led him to defy God’s plan, attack his father and overestimate his own abilities.

I can only try to imagine the feeling of betrayal David would have felt as he fled from his son’s takeover plot. After many battles against other kings and armies, his greatest battles were always the ones against his apparent allies.

In these times, opposition becomes an opportunity for true friends to demonstrate their loyalty.

More than that, God is able to show himself faithful and true against the backdrop of disloyal companions.

God also demonstrates his presence to us in the midst of upheaval like a solid rock to stand upon when it seems the world is crashing down. As David fled from Jerusalem, he separated himself from the ark of God, which was to remain behind.

David trusted that the promises and power of the Lord would keep him secure as he ventured out to face life-threatening risks.

His humble response to this challenge is reflected in Psalm 131:1: “My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.”