I see parallels in the reconciliation steps David takes to reunite the kingdom following the war with Absalom, and the work of reconciliation required after the breakdown of relationships in day-to-day life – of which the aftermath can feel like war. What do you think? It’s painful. There’s …
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Britt’s Thoughts, 1/25 Sermon, 2 Samuel 18, “Family Feud”
Ethical dilemmas put us in conflict between at least two moral mandates. To obey one will cause us to violate the other. Joab finds himself in an ethical dilemma when he discovers Absalom entangled in the woods. David commanded Joab to “deal gently” with his son. Yet as a general with loyalty to his …
Britt’s Thoughts, 1/18 Sermon, 2 Samuel: 16-17, “In Between”
Roman philosopher Quintilian said, “A liar should have a good memory.” The actions recorded in chapters 16-17 bring to the surface a basic Christian ethics question. Is it ever okay to lie? A great deal of David’s survival depended on deception. For example, David sends Hushai back to Jerusalem for …