Untitled Sermon

THE PREAMBLE

In the preamble to the Constitution of the United States we find the words, “We The People.” Immediately our minds race to the history and identity of that description. We ask ourselves, “who,” “where did they come from,” “how did they get here,” and “what does it matter?” Before we ever get to the meat of what is actually being constituted, we are bombarded with questions and visions of what has come before.

As is often the case whenever starting something anew, lessons and concerns from the past play a distinct role in it’s development.For the nation of Israel and the shepherd, David; this was no exception. Our passage this morning is the beginning of the story of the Kingship of David in Israel. This was not the beginning of a Nation, but, the starting point of a fresh and sought-after improvement from their previous experiences. In it, we find a new king and a frustrated and weary nation.

David’s story is well-known...

Israel’s story is as familiar as David’s...

The story of Wesley UMC and its new Pastor, Brian Pullin, has similar elements of history and calling...

FACING DEFEAT IN THE FACE OF VICTORY (1-4)

Illustration of New Doctor Questionnaire Experiences

Whenever a new chapter or beginning, which can feel like a victory, is taking place, there must be room all parties involved to place their luggage, which can feel like defeats...

David was bringing several pieces of luggage to the table...

David had a history as a champion of Israel...

David had a history as a protagonist of the previous king...

David had a history of being anointed future king...

Our history and prior personal experiences and callings bring with them a level of anticipation and expectations. This can be very defeating when attempting to start fresh...

David’s first taste of anticipatory distraction came in the form of a young Amalekite...

FACING DECEIT IN THE LIGHT OF TRUTH (5-10)

The young Amalekite seemed to anticipate that he would obligate David, the new king, into an appreciative and beneficial relationship with himself...

Deceit can often develop from a misunderstanding of the truth...

David intense relationship with Saul confused many people into thinking that David was ready to do God’s job and overthrow the anointed king...

Thinking that an opportunity was available to make himself valuable in sight of the new king, the young man took credit for what he thought would make David happy and relieved...

FACING DISCIPLINE IN SPITE OF PERCEIVED JUSTICE (11-16)

CONCLUSION