As we enter 2 Samuel, we continue to be fully immersed in the life of David. Fulfilling God's promise, David becomes king over Israel following the death of Saul. He encounters some resistance, but his military victories secure his role as king. We also need to keep in mind as we read these chapters that David is a man after God's own heart. Sometimes that's more evident than others, but important to keep in mind as he experiences both the highs and lows of his life. As you read the two chapters with the David and Bathsheba story, try to find something in the story you've never noticed before. And what do you notice about Nathan the prophet in chapter 12? What method does he use to help David see his sin? There's lots to take in as we read this week! Be sure to check out the blog for the guiding questions as you read and for the opportunity to interact with each other. We enter our rhythm of LEARN-READ-INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about 1 & 2 Samuel:

Phrase: Exalted and humbled

Theme: God exalts the weak and humbles the proud.

Christ-Focus: God has exalted the humbled Christ (Philippians 2:5-11).

Implications: We should serve God in humility while we await our exaltation in Christ (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).

Questions: What have you bragged about lately? Does the source of your pride focus on God, or on yourself?

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