Lectionary Year B
July 6, 2003

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Contemporary Address

Step VI - Contemporary Address

A. Goals

(JFC) Proclaiming this lection might well give a good model to follow in attempts to serve God faithfully, even as faithfully as the early King David did.

B. Describing the Audience

(JFC) Any congregation in a community suffering from inadequate positive role models might benefit from an exposition of this very significant text.

C. Address

(JFC) A sermon entitled for this working draft, "We Today Need A Role Model".

Introduction
In our times, professional athletes, entertainment celebrities and political aspirants fail to give us adequate role models. So, to David, early in whose kingship he serves well.

I. Promise
II Samuel 3:9f, 18 and 21 refer to promises God made to David. Abner says in II S. 3:21, "All nations will come to you (David) as you have been wanting." Is megalomania a credible desire? David's life falters and he flees more than he celebrates good times. Yet, God promises David's line will last even though he sins (II Samuel 7:13ff). God's promises sometimes declare what kind of response the Almighty expects in return to express thanks for getting such gifts. God calls David to Shepherd (h['r) His people. David surely understood much of such a term, having been a shepherd when younger.

II. Privilege

Covenant (tyrIB.) is perhaps one of the most significant images the Bible ever broadcasts. David makes God's unconditional covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:17), "gifts of land and dynasty", TDOT, II, 270, known to and effective for more of Israel's leaders. David gives the covenant to the Elders. Evidently he has earned this privilege, recalling his (military?) leadership (verse 2b) and he is referred to as "the king" to whom they come at Hebron (verse 3).

III. Power
Prince (dygIn") = human power is limited. David is less than King Of THE Hill, although his name is on the organizational chart high enough up for him to be able to make some changes in the "organization" as Israel and Judah are becoming as this passage indicates. Divine Power empowers us. God's power (hr'WbG>) in Psalm 106:8 is made known to = becomes effective for all nations and, according to Psalm 67:2, can save all. Mark 10:45 confirms this universal salvation where the NT says Jesus' ransom does so. (Robin Barbour taught, at New College, this interpretation/translation of avnti. pollw/n, in 1967.)

Conclusion
God gives us gifts inestimable, including the example of the likes of David to emulate as an inspirational model on which to base our lives in the faith.



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