2 Samuel 4:1-3 – Rival Kingdoms
What is Jesus like? And what is his kingdom like? Those are the questions that we’ve asked the last two weeks. And we’ve seen answers to them from the previous two chapters of 2 Samuel. Not that Jesus and his kingdom are described in these chapters in so many words. But David and his kingdom are meant to point us forward to Jesus and his kingdom.
This chapter also tells us something about Jesus’ kingdom – but it does so by way of contrast. This chapter really focuses in on the kingdom of darkness – so that in contrast to it, the kingdom of light might shine forth even more. It opens the cesspool and gives us a glimpse inside – so that we would want to have no part of it. In this chapter we see two rival kingdoms. That’s the way it has always been, and always will be until the end of the world. The kingdoms of David and Ish-bosheth are a picture of the two kingdoms that are always present and always calling for our loyalty: the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. We see that all the way through the Bible. There are only two categories. There’s Cain and Abel. In Noah’s day there were those in the Ark, and those who refused to come in. When Abraham comes on the scene, blessing is promised for those who bless him & his descendants – but cursing for those who curse them. And when God sets up David as his king on earth, as his messiah, his anointed, the only two possible responses are to bow the knee to him – or try and fight against him.
There is no part of our lives that Jesus doesn’t claim authority over, and that’s true whether we acknowledge his authority or not. As Jesus himself said, either we’re for him, or we’re against him. There’s no middle ground. Maybe someone is reading this and you’re interested in what the Bible says. You’re not opposed to the Christian message the way many around you are.Yet you haven’t yet bowed the knee before Jesus Christ. Well my friend, until you do that, you’re still outside the kingdom. And to be outside Christ’s kingdom is to remain in the kingdom of darkness.
Questions
- What are the only two kingdoms in this world?
Prayer Points
- Pray that those around us would bow the knee to King Jesus.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.