The Spotlight Is the Hot Light - Episode #162

Well hey there, hello to ya and welcome to this episode. Today we will be taking a look at 2 Samuel, studying the word of God to find out what it has to say to us right here, right now, today, in the very place we find ourselves. There is no part of your life that God is careless about. He cares, and His care runs deep. And today, we’re going to see heartbreak versus loyalty within the pages of our Bible. I’m so glad you’re here!

ROAR Virtual Marketing Conference Link 

You’re listening to The Burt (Not Ernie) Show, part of the Spark Network, now playing via the Edifi app. Today’s episode is sponsored by the third annual ROAR  Virtual Marketing Conference (happening online October 12-14, 2023…if you are a writer, speaker, podcaster, in some type of ministry or are thinking about beginning a podcast or hosting an online summit or other event, in women’s ministry perhaps, this event could be just the thing you’ve been looking for. I’ll be attending and it is something I am very excited about.) For information or to register just click the link in the show notes, or go to roarmarketingconference.com  ROAR marketing conference dot com. Seriously, if you’re looking for marketing info from a Christian perspective, you gotta check it out. Now, on with the show! This is episode number 162.

Way, way back in the earliest episodes of this podcast, I remember mentioning that people’s last words are often chosen carefully and are paid close attention to. When we know someone is sharing their last words, we listen much more closely and with greater intention than our normal state of listening. Which is kind of like listening…kind of? With a question mark more than a period, if we’re honest. And sometimes we just don’t know that the words someone is sharing are their final ones, and when we don’t know, then we don’t know to listen closely. 

 

Chapter 23 of 2 Samuel contains David’s last words. 

When it came to this remarkable king, this man after God’s own heart, do you think those around him and those within his kingdom and even those outside of his kingdom whom he had influenced and impacted, do you think they listened to what he had to say? How much weight do you imagine David’s last words carried? 

 

In a handful of verses from the pages of my Bible, the life of arguably one of the most well-known and admired figures from God’s word comes to a close. 

 

I’m reading from the NLT today.

 

2 Samuel, chapter 23 - 

These are the last words of David:

“David, the son of Jesse, speaks—     David, the man who was raised up so high, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob,     David, the sweet psalmist of Israel.[a]

2 

“The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me;     his words are upon my tongue.

3 

The God of Israel spoke.     The Rock of Israel said to me: ‘The one who rules righteously,     who rules in the fear of God,

4 

is like the light of morning at sunrise,     like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun     on new grass after rain.’

5 

“Is it not my family God has chosen?     Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail.     He will ensure my safety and success.

6 

But the godless are like thorns to be thrown away,     for they tear the hand that touches them.

7 

One must use iron tools to chop them down;     they will be totally consumed by fire.”

 

(David knew who he was, as indicated by what was just read. He knew how greatly the Lord had blessed him. He knew the Spirit of the Lord spoke through him. And he knew the difference between the godly and the godless. These really are lovely words to speak at the end of your days.) Continuing in chapter 23 - 

David’s Mightiest Warriors

8 These are the names of David’s mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite,[b] who was leader of the Three[c]—the three mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle.[d]

9 Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. 10 He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a g