2 Samuel 15–17: A Great Kingdom

Peace be with you, brothers and sisters. Today, the topic of my message is "A Great Kingdom." What exactly makes a kingdom great? Many of us remember a famous line from our elementary school textbooks, "Study for the rise of China," and we might still be moved by those words spoken by Premier Zhou Enlai in his youth. Even today, we often hear a similar phrase: "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." In our modern era, the word "great" frequently comes from the mouths of national leaders. Not only here, but leaders across the ocean have also shouted slogans to make their country great again.

What makes a nation truly great? In ancient times, the greatness of a kingdom depended on its king. In Chinese history, when people think of great monarchs, four names often come to mind: Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Emperor Taizu of Song. All of them achieved remarkable victories in foreign wars and territorial expansion. The same goes for other nations: the Iranian people long to restore the glory of the Persian Empire from the era of Cyrus the Great, and the Iraqi people wish to restore the ancient grandeur of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar.

What about Israel, God's chosen people? Who was the greatest king in their history? Recently, Israel had an initiative called "Operation Mighty Lion." We know that when Jacob blessed the tribe of Judah on his deathbed, he referred to Judah as a young lion. People generally understand this lion to represent David. In the hearts of the Israelites, David is that great king, and David’s kingdom is that great kingdom.

We are now nearing the end of our study in 2 Samuel. Brothers and sisters, do you consider David a great king? Does his kingdom count as a great kingdom? Before 2 Samuel 10, you might have thought so. He was doing everything quite well: he waited patiently for the Lord’s sake, finally became king in truth, never abandoned God, sought to do things for God, and God gave him victory wherever he went.

However, by chapter 11, David's sin forces us to face reality: David’s kingdom was not a perfect one. The king of this kingdom committed adultery and murder. Though it was all covered up on the surface, it could not escape the eyes of God. David's sin directly impacted his descendants and his princes, even shaking the very foundations of his kingdom.

Chapters 15 to 17 contain a wealth of content. The author presents this period of turmoil from the alternating perspectives of David and Absalom, constantly shifting the camera between them. Let us pay special attention to how these two men viewed "being king" and what they believed kingship depended on.

15. Preparation and Execution of the Rebellion

In last week’s message, we saw Amnon's lust and Absalom's murder—both doing what their father had once done. Like father, like son. Eventually, the matter seemed to settle with Absalom and David reconciling, sealed with a kiss. But did it really end there? No. Absalom’s ambition went far beyond killing his brother Amnon. He wanted to surpass his father and seize the throne. He wanted to be a great king and build a great kingdom.

What was the first thing he did?

[2 Samuel 15:1] After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

Jerusalem is a hill city; theoretically, chariots were unnecessary. Yet Absalom marched through the city with great fanfare, seemingly imitating his father to make himself look like a mighty warrior, crafting a powerful public persona.

That was not enough. In verses 2–6, Absalom intercepted everyone coming to seek justice from David. They came from various tribes of Israel. Absalom did not even hesitate; he validated their grievances on the spot, but then told them, "You're out of luck. The problem lies with the king. He clearly doesn't care enough about you, and he has appointed no one to hear you. Ah, if only I were made judge in the land!" Verse 5 shows that when anyone came near to bow to him, he would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. David had kissed Absalom to signal reconciliation; why did Absalom kiss the people? To win their hearts. Perhaps the 50 men running before him would take photos of him kissing the crowd, post them to social media, and get him trending to win the people's favor. If you have seen politicians campaigning for votes, Absalom’s tactic was no different.

Do you think Absalom truly cared about those people? Not at all. By intercepting them on their way to David, he blocked the last avenue for the people to receive justice from the king. The people were left with disappointment toward David and anticipation for a new monarch, returning to their cities and tribes to tell friends and family what had happened. Absalom used others to achieve his own grand ambitions, turning them into mere tools.

Absalom’s strategy was highly successful. He built an image of a warrior just like his father, and his PR was exceptional: while exalting himself, he belittled his father, making himself look like the one who would execute justice for the people. Ultimately, verse 6 tells us, "So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." The people eagerly awaited the day Absalom would ascend the throne, execute justice, and make Israel great again!

Absalom prepared even further. Verse 7 tells us that while actively building his image on the outside, he waited patiently beside David for four years. Previously, he waited two years to eliminate Amnon; now, to replace David, he waited four years. He left no opening for David. He was no brute; like his father David, he possessed great political wisdom.

When the time was right, he lied to his father, saying he needed to go to Hebron to pay a vow to the Lord. Why Hebron? After Saul died, David reigned in Hebron for seven and a half years; it was likely a major city. Moreover, Hebron held special meaning for Absalom—it was his birthplace. Paying a vow there would arouse less suspicion from David. Verse 7 records the only time Absalom ever mentioned the name of the Lord. Absalom not only used people for his ambition, but he even turned Jehovah into a tool to gain his father’s trust.

What about David? Did he suspect anything? No. He granted his son’s request and sent him off with a blessing. It seemed David had forgotten how Absalom had previously deceived him and killed Amnon. The woman of Tekoa, brought by Joab, had once praised David, saying he was "like the angel of God to discern good and evil." Now, David failed to see through Absalom’s repeated scheming. Ultimately, Absalom left with David’s blessing.

At the same time, Absalom immediately contacted people across all the tribes of Israel, coordinating the time, location, and method of rebellion. Israel was not large—roughly the combined area of Beijing and Tianjin. If trumpets blew in a dozen locations, the entire land of Israel would hear it without fail.

He also brought 200 invited guests from Jerusalem who went in their innocence, knowing nothing. As soon as Absalom rebelled, these guests would automatically be seen as part of his faction, allowing Absalom to leverage them for support from Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah.

Furthermore, the core figure of the whole plan was Ahithophel, David's counselor. His wisdom was enough to alter the entire battlefield and serve as the game-changer. We previously mentioned that Ahithophel was very likely Bathsheba’s grandfather, and his son Eliam was one of David’s mighty men. Unlike those 200 unsuspecting guests, a man of Ahithophel’s intellect could not fail to see Absalom’s ambitions. Perhaps because David had caused the death of his grandson-in-law, taken his granddaughter, and brought disgrace upon his loyal family, Ahithophel chose to actively defect to Absalom to seek revenge on David.

With Ahithophel joining, verse 12 tells us: "And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing." We see that the consequences of David’s sin continued to impact him and his kingdom, and David had to face it. Verse 13 turns the focus back to David.

[2 Samuel 15:13] And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.”

David knew clearly that Absalom had been proclaimed king in Hebron. Hebron was too close to Jerusalem—only about 30 kilometers away, a two-hour bicycle ride today. David’s immediate reaction was to flee. Fleeing was David’s specialty, and he did not lose his composure over this sudden emergency.

He first came to a specific spot. Verse 17 tells us he stopped at Beth-merhak. Beth-merhak is best translated as "the last house." David left his residence at the highest point in Jerusalem and came to the lowest point near the Kidron Valley, at the very last house by the city gate. David wanted to hold a review here to see who was still following him.

In verse 18, passing before David were all his servants, the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the 600 Gittites who had followed him from Gath. While all Israel went after Absalom, a group of loyal Gentiles remained steadfast by David’s side. The Cherethites and Pelethites were David’s royal guard, and the Gittites were likely those who joined him during his exile. When Israelites betrayed David and abandoned the anointed one, Ittai the Gittite swore by the Lord that he would follow David. Throughout 2 Samuel, the rebellion of Israel stands in sharp contrast to the faith of these Gentiles. Faith does not carry magic through bloodlines; salvation comes to everyone who believes and remains loyal to the King.

Despite having loyal subordinates, David’s situation at this moment was extremely desolate. The scripture gives us two close-ups:

[2 Samuel 15:23a] And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by.

[2 Samuel 15:30] But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went.

Fortunately, at this moment, David received help from God’s servants. Zadok, Abiathar, and the Levites arrived, carrying the Ark of the Covenant to join David. Israelites had traditionally viewed the Ark as a lucky charm for war; what would David do?

[2 Samuel 15:25–26] Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.”

It was natural for Israelites to think that having the Ark meant having the Lord’s help. But David’s understanding of the battle at this moment surprised everyone. He realized that victory in war lay not in the Ark, but in God Himself.

David had experienced the incident with Uzzah; he knew God possessed absolute sovereignty over the Ark. David's long journey to kingship had also taught him that it was God who made him king. Although he was being hunted by Absalom, just as he had once been hunted by Saul, David knew his fate was not in Absalom’s hands, nor did it depend on whether the Ark was with him. His sovereignty rested in God’s hands!

David told the priests that if God intended to bring him back to reign, he would see the Ark again, so there was no need to bring it along; if God did not intend for him to reign, bringing the Ark would be useless anyway.

Here we see David gaining a clearer understanding of God. Though he was king, he clearly understood who had made him king. He also recognized that these events were the result of his own sin. Nevertheless, God had not revoked his kingship, so he could continue to rely on God and surrender sovereignty to Him!

Of course, David was not entirely unprepared. He gave the priests a crucial assignment: to serve as his intelligence network. The priests then carried the Ark back to Jerusalem.

After sending off the priests, David received another blow that added to the hardship of his flight: news of Ahithophel’s betrayal.

[2 Samuel 15:31b] And David said, “O Lord, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

God answered his prayer swiftly. At the place of worship, David met his friend Hushai the Archite. 1 Chronicles describes the two of them this way: [1 Chronicles 27:33] Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend. Both appeared in the capacity of royal advisors, but compared to Ahithophel, Hushai was far more loyal to David—he was not only a counselor, but a true friend to the king.

Hushai and Ahithophel were the real keys to this war. On the surface, it was a clash between David and Absalom; behind the scenes, it was a battle between David’s friend and David’s counselor. They had to compete not only in strategic brilliance, but in their grasp of human nature. Of course, the ultimate factor remained God’s guidance. How would God use these two men to shape the outcome of the war? We will hold that thought for a moment.

Chapter 15 ends with Hushai and Absalom entering Jerusalem. Looking strictly at chapter 15, in the eyes of the people of Israel, who looked like the great king? Most likely Absalom. He held the advantage of location and popular support, with all Israel backing him. He quickly occupied the capital after rebelling, and David’s top counselor, Ahithophel, supported him. Meanwhile, David was left with only a few servants and foreign mercenaries; even the priests and the Ark had been sent back. Did he still look great?

What truly makes a king great? A great king seeks only to make his life part of God’s great kingdom, rather than building a great kingdom of his own. Absalom’s goal was not to glorify God; he wanted to build his own kingdom, not God’s kingdom. In his crisis, David clearly saw that the Lord governed his destiny; though he was king, he was a subject ruled by God. Likewise, even though Absalom seemed to manipulate everything in chapter 15, God remained in control, watching over His people and His anointed king.

16. David’s Flight and Absalom’s Decisions

Continuing into chapter 16, we see David’s journey of flight and Absalom’s decision-making. Flight exposed David to another side of human nature. High in his palace, King David rarely heard anyone speak ill of him; even prophets had to use parables to deliver God's word to him. But now, the king stripped of his throne was outsmarted by his own son and driven from Jerusalem.

Leaving the city, David encountered the complexity of human nature in the countryside through two individuals: Ziba and Shimei.

What did Ziba and Shimei have in common? Both belonged to the house of Saul. Ziba was Saul’s former servant, and Shimei was from Saul’s clan. Ziba brought food to David, but he also presented David with a choice. Ziba was likely an opportunist; he placed his bet on David over Absalom while cleverly slandering Mephibosheth to gain David’s favor and claim all of Saul’s estate.

Analyzing Ziba’s words reveals that his logic does not hold up. Common sense dictates that a man crippled in both feet could not possibly claim the throne. Furthermore, with Absalom rebelling, how could the kingship ever fall to Mephibosheth? Did Absalom go to all this trouble just to hand the throne back to Saul’s house?

We do not know why David made his decision—he had no way to confront Mephibosheth at the moment and likely lacked the time and energy to verify the truth. As a result, the king was deceived by Ziba, handing all of Saul's former property over to a servant. David was indeed flawed in his justice here. He had once shown kindness to Mephibosheth out of his covenant with Jonathan, but now he was duped, laying David’s limitations and weaknesses plain before us.

However, the highlight of this chapter lies in how David treated Shimei. For Shimei, a relative of Saul, this was the perfect chance to kick a man while he was down. Verse 13 says:

[2 Samuel 16:13b] Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust.

The scene is almost comical, resembling children fighting. Perhaps Shimei also feared David, keeping a safe distance while putting on a show. One reason Shimei attacked David was accusing him of shedding the blood of Saul’s house. We know David never personally killed anyone from Saul’s family. This might refer to the events of 2 Samuel 21, where Israel suffered three years of famine because Saul had slaughtered the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites demanded Saul's descendants, and David spared Mephibosheth but handed over two sons of Rizpah and five grandsons of Saul to be executed. Those events in chapter 21 may have occurred prior to Absalom’s rebellion. As a member of Saul’s clan, Shimei clearly bore a grudge over this and seized his moment for revenge.

How did David respond to Shimei? When this villain recklessly cursed David before everyone, Abishai could not stand it. He proposed killing Shimei, just as he had once suggested killing the sleeping Saul. David had suffered immense humiliation and lost face before his officers. Did he share Abishai's impulse?

[2 Samuel 16:10–12a] But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to.

The author reminds us of how David viewed all the calamities upon him—Absalom’s rebellion, Shimei’s cursing, and his own forced, humiliating flight. He did not claim innocence; he likely recalled Nathan’s words: "I will raise up evil against you out of your own house." Though God took away his sin so he would not die, the cost of sin was painful, and he had to bear it. Since God permitted this, David remained silent. He willingly endured the punishment and pain without striking Shimei down.

At the same time, David expressed trust in God’s mercy:

[2 Samuel 16:12b] It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.”

He knew God was a God of grace and mercy. God’s grace toward him would not change because of his son’s rebellion or Shimei’s curses; He remains a gracious God.

The final scene of chapter 16 shifts to Absalom entering Jerusalem. He was curious why Hushai, David’s friend, came to join him. Absalom had clearly done his background checks—he knew who among David’s inner circle could be won over (like Ahithophel) and who was fiercely loyal to David (like Hushai). Hushai’s answer cleverly avoided acknowledging Absalom as true king, temporarily easing Absalom’s suspicions.

Upon entering Jerusalem, Absalom’s first action was to consult Ahithophel on the next step. Ahithophel—Bathsheba’s grandfather—immediately devised a plan to maximize David’s humiliation: having Absalom go in to his father’s concubines left to keep the palace. His counsel fulfilled the prophet’s earlier prediction. The roof of David’s palace, where he had once watched Bathsheba bathe, now became the stage for a public spectacle before the entire city.

In ancient times, taking the previous monarch's concubines signified a transfer of power, but this rarely occurred between father and son. Leviticus explicitly states:

[Leviticus 18:8] You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife; it is your father's nakedness.

This was a supreme insult to David. Ahithophel's rationale was that such a complete breach between Absalom and his father would leave Absalom’s followers with no path of retreat, forcing them to commit to him fully. Ahithophel’s scheme exploited human greed and fear—he truly proved himself to be the king’s top strategist. Verse 23 describes him:

[2 Samuel 16:23] Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom.

Chapter 16 ends with Ahithophel’s counsel. Absalom’s rebellion reveals how terrifying human ambition becomes when we live for our own kingdom rather than the kingdom of Christ. Absalom exploited both man and God to the extreme, even lying with his father’s concubines in broad daylight.

We must ask ourselves: Are we Absalom, or are we David? Are we living for our own kingdom, or for the kingdom of Christ? Here, Absalom—the "great king"—reached the peak of his power, yet God had not yet made His move.

17. A Decisive Choice

At the start of chapter 17, Ahithophel—the counselor whose word was like God's—offered another brilliant strategy: he would personally lead a force to strike down David. In the Hebrew text, Ahithophel expressed intense personal desire in verses 1–3: "Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged... I will strike down only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you."

Ahithophel’s plan revealed his deep hatred; he wanted to personally avenge his grandson-in-law by eliminating David in a swift strike. Ahithophel was not merely a counselor; he was likely a capable military commander as well. His plan received unanimous approval.

Was Ahithophel's advice good? Yes, and chapter 18 offers proof. When David’s forces clashed with Absalom’s, David wanted to take the field, but his soldiers stopped him, saying David was worth ten thousand of them. Enemy forces would not care how many soldiers fell, but if something happened to David, all would be lost. Ahithophel’s plan was objectively the optimal strategy: a decapitation strike to end the war instantly. Targeted strikes against leadership remain one of the most efficient strategies in military history, ancient or modern.

Just as Absalom was about to execute Ahithophel’s plan with David’s life hanging in the balance, Absalom suddenly thought: where there is one brilliant mind, there might be another. Having asked Ahithophel, why not ask Hushai, David’s former advisor?

That curiosity would prove fatal to Absalom. As an undercover ally, Hushai was searching for a way to undermine Ahithophel’s plan, and Absalom handed him the microphone. In his reply, Hushai reminded Absalom of David’s legendary valor and fierce temper when cornered, instilling fear in him. He advised a safer route: gathering all Israel in a massive force to overwhelm David’s elite warriors through sheer numbers and annihilate his entire faction.

Sure enough, Absalom took the bait!

[2 Samuel 17:14a] And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.”

Though Ahithophel was brilliant and knew the fastest way to destroy David and secure Absalom on the throne—even knowing God’s judgment on David’s sin—he ultimately failed to account for God’s steadfast love and grace toward David. God’s covenant with David would not be broken by David’s sin.

When Absalom rejected his advice, Ahithophel realized all was lost. He likely recognized Hushai as a mole, but exposing him then would only look like personal jealousy. His downfall occurred not because David was superior to Absalom, but because David was chosen by God, while Absalom represented a rebellion against God’s election. The narrator reveals the divine reality in verse 14:

[2 Samuel 17:14b] For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.

In verse 23, this brilliant counselor returned to his hometown in despair and hanged himself. The traitor’s end mirrored that of another traitor in Jesus’ inner circle 1,000 years later—both ending their lives by hanging. Anyone who attempts to thwart God’s plan meets a similar end. Ahithophel’s death signaled Absalom’s coming destruction; his ruin was near.

Although Absalom adopted Hushai’s advice, David remained in grave danger. Hushai needed to send word through David’s intelligence network so he could evacuate immediately. Ahimaaz and Jonathan, sons of Zadok and Abiathar, acted as messengers. They were spotted shortly after leaving Jerusalem, but with the help of a brave woman, they delivered the message. David acted swiftly, crossing the Jordan River and escaping the immediate threat. Absalom’s pursuing forces soon caught up.

[2 Samuel 17:24] Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel.

David made his stand at Mahanaim. The name Mahanaim means "two camps." It had once been the capital of Saul’s son Ish-bosheth when he opposed David while David reigned in Hebron. Now, Mahanaim served as David’s stronghold, while Absalom launched his rebellion from Hebron. History contains striking ironies.

God remained in control, leading His chosen king and people into battle. They were about to engage in a fierce clash in the forest of Ephraim, which we will cover next week.

The end of chapter 17 notes Amasa, Absalom’s commander, and introduces several wealthy men fiercely loyal to David: Shobi, son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites (a former ally), Machir (who had sheltered Mephibosheth), and Barzillai. They provided vital provisions to sustain David and his followers. David finally gained a moment to breathe, reorganize his forces, and prepare to face his son. The tides of war were turning.

Conclusion

The events of 2 Samuel 15–17 present a dramatic shift in momentum. We see Absalom’s strength: he controlled the army and popular support, occupied the capital, lay with his father’s concubines, and secured the help of David’s top advisor. He seemed well on his way to becoming a "great king." Yet his greatness had nothing to do with God; he sought to build a great kingdom for himself. Without God in his life, he became a monster driven entirely by personal ambition, willing to do anything to achieve his ends.

Meanwhile, King David stepped down from his throne, crossed the Kidron Valley and the Jordan River, and camped at Mahanaim with only a remnant following him. He was a fallen king, far removed from any earthly concept of "greatness." Yet David surrendered himself to God’s plan, submitting his kingship and placing his fate in the hands of a gracious and merciful God.

God’s plan for David did not end there, nor did His promise of an eternal kingdom fail. Despite David’s failures and repeated tragedy, God preserved him. From David’s line, God would raise up One who would become the greatest King and Savior Israel had ever known.

When Jesus Christ came into this world, He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom of God. His ministry aroused the hostility of Jerusalem's religious authorities, who used their status and influence to plot His death. They leveraged the power of the Roman government to execute Him and crush His teaching about the kingdom of God.

On the night of His arrest, Jesus, like David, departed Jerusalem. He crossed the Kidron Valley with His disciples to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, preparing for what lay ahead. Among His disciples was a traitor like Ahithophel—Judas—who led the temple guard to arrest Him. Another disciple acted like Abishai, drawing a sword to fight and cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, only for Jesus to stop him and heal the man. Jesus willingly surrendered to the soldiers to face judgment.

In the face of all that came upon Him, Jesus did not resist. As He prayed in Gethsemane:

[Luke 22:42] saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Jesus knew what lay ahead and embraced the Father's will. Like David, Jesus bore the humiliation, judgment, and punishment meant for a king because of sin. But unlike David, who suffered as a consequence of his own sin, Jesus Christ bore the sins of all humanity, nailed to a shameful cross. Along the way, His own people cried, "Crucify Him!" His disciples scattered, and darkness covered the land.

Yet God’s plan did not end with Christ’s death—Jesus Christ rose from the dead! God exalted Him to the highest place; He is the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, and He has conquered! He extends an invitation to each of us: Will you live for your own kingdom, or for the kingdom of Christ? Will you try to make yourself a great king, or will you let Christ be the King of your life?

Preparing this sermon brought my own journey to mind. Growing up, I had many dreams, but after my life was transformed by God in high school, I desired to serve Him. Reading biographies of spiritual giants, I set goals for myself: I wanted to become a famous pastor and do great things for the Lord!

Yet the road to becoming a "great pastor" was not smooth. God continually tested me to cultivate humility, teaching me to rely on Him and obey Him in every detail of life. Though I no longer seek to become a "great pastor," trusting and obeying Christ remains the lifelong pursuit of my faith.

Jesus Christ redefined greatness for us. Greatness is no longer about power, status, fame, wealth, or privilege. Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves." In the kingdom of God, greatness is defined by the greatness of the King. Therefore, God's kingdom does not belong to those who chase power, fame, and privilege for themselves—not to those who strive to be great kings, great leaders, great programmers, great designers, or even great pastors. The kingdom of God belongs to those who, like little children, depend entirely on God.

Today, we may find ourselves in situations like David’s, suffering pain and hardship because of our own sins or the sins of others. Yet amid suffering, Jesus Christ—the great King—has forgiven all our sins through His death and resurrection. God remains faithful to every promise made to those who trust Him. He calls us to rely on our King like little children rather than trusting in ourselves.

[Luke 18:17] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

I pray that every brother and sister in our church will make that choice before God today: Will you sit on the throne yourself, or will you come before Him like a child, placing yourself within His kingdom and letting Jesus Christ be the King of your life?

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, dear Lord, we thank You. We thank You for Your hand throughout history. You place David’s weaknesses before us, as well as his reliance on You. Through David’s journey, You remind us that You are a God of grace and mercy. Even when we sin and turn away, Your grace remains steadfast, and You remain in control. Grant us courage and strength in our trials so that we may rely on You. Correct our lives, Lord; as we come into Your presence, help us step down from our own thrones and yield to Yours. Help us see that You are the true King over all, and may we worship Jesus Christ, the great King. All glory and praise belong to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!