Sermons About Misery
A Tale of Two Brothers
The 2 sons represent the 2 ways people run from God: rebellion and religion; license and legalism. The default mode for most of us is religion- trying to earn God's favor by our deeds, just like the older son.
0 Amens
2 Samuel 20 - No Suprises
King David had crossed over the Jordan with the help of the people from Judah. This created anger in the men of Israel because they felt belittled or believed that they are being igorned in David's kingdom. Sheba, an Israelite, led a new revolt against the Davidic kingdom by leading the Israelites into a civil war. the narraitve has david, firing Joab and appointing Amasa to be Military general, until he is unable to round up the men. David then appoints Abishai to lead a group of men into battle - one of them being Joab. Joab take charge and kills Amasa when they meet and chases Sheba all the way north to Abel of Beth-maacah. One the wisdom of a women from Abel save this town by throwing Sheba's head over the wall. We can all learn from this narative that only God can hold a kingdom together and that those who oppose Israel's king (or Messiah) will lead miserable lives now and die horrable deaths.
1 Amens
