From the Pulpit

God’s purposes are never frustrated, even when human intentions and circumstances seem to threaten their fulfilment. David’s kingdom is preserved, Absalom’s rebellion is defeated, and God’s promises remain secure. Yet David is so overwhelmed by the loss of his son that he struggles to recognize God’s deliverance. His grief not only obscures the significance of God’s work but also dishonours those through whom that work was accomplished. Like David, we can become so consumed by disappointment, regret, or sorrow that we fail to recognize God’s faithfulness and neglect our responsibilities toward others. Even when God’s dealings with us are painful or contrary to our expectations, his purposes remain good and his promises secure. Our response should be one of humble trust, grateful obedience, and confidence in his unfailing faithfulness.

David’s kingdom is unravelling. His son Absalom has turned against him, the hearts of Israel have been stolen, and even his trusted counsellor has joined the rebellion. Forced to flee Jerusalem, David faces an uncertain future, with little indication of how the promises God made to him can possibly be fulfilled. Yet the rebellion’s apparent success conceals a very different reality. While Absalom confidently pursues his plans, the Lord is at work, frustrating the counsel of the rebellious and sustaining David through the loyalty and kindness of others. God’s judgment upon David has not meant the abandonment of his promises, nor does his sovereign care mean the immediate removal of David’s troubles. The best-laid plans of kings and men may fail, but the purposes of the Lord never will.

There is forgiveness for sin—all sin. But forgiveness does not mean that sin leaves nothing behind. Though God had forgiven David, the consequences of his wrongdoing would reach deep into his own household.

In 2 Samuel 13–14, those consequences begin to unfold. Sexual violence, hatred, murder, estrangement, and family strife reveal the terrible reach of sin. Yet the tragedy is compounded by the failure to respond rightly. David’s inaction, Absalom’s vengeance, and Joab’s manipulation turn an already devastating situation into an escalating crisis.

Sin has consequences, and those consequences must be faced responsibly. When they are not, wrong responses can become occasions for further sin and ruin. Yet even amid the damage sin leaves behind, forgiveness and reconciliation remain available through Jesus Christ, who has fully dealt with the guilt of sin through his death on the cross.

Sermon from October 04, 2026 service. Lew Worrad preaching.

Sin rarely remains as small or as hidden as we imagine. David’s story begins with a moment of carelessness and unfolds into adultery, deception, and murder. As Israel’s king, he uses his authority to satisfy his desires and conceal his wrongdoing, drawing others into the consequences of his sin. For a time, his efforts appear successful. But what David hides from others is fully visible to the Lord. God sees his sin, declares it evil, and sends his prophet to expose it. The confrontation reveals both the seriousness of David’s rebellion and the astonishing grace of the God against whom he has sinned. Though David is forgiven, the consequences of his actions bring grief and death into his household. His story calls us to recognize sin for what it is, hate what God hates, and seek the mercy of the God who sees us.

Most of us like having options. We like deciding where we’ll go, what we’ll do, and how we’ll respond. Which can make the idea of a king difficult for us. A king’s authority isn’t dependent upon our approval. We don’t decide whether he reigns, only how we’ll respond to his reign. And that matters because we don’t merely believe in a God who rescues us—we belong to a God who rules us. But what kind of King is he? Scripture reveals a King whose reign is righteous, whose power cannot be resisted, and whose kindness reaches helpless and undeserving people. In Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David, that King has come near to his enemies with an astonishing offer of grace: forgiveness, life, and a place in his household. The King’s kindness can be rejected, but his reign cannot. So how are we responding to the King?

Sermon from September 13, 2026 service. Avery Pham preaching.

Sermon from September 6, 2026 service. Brian Hartnett preaching.

It’s tempting to try and measure the Christian life by what we’re doing for God. We want to live wisely, give generously, and declare urgently. Desires like these are good, but they can quietly leave us carrying a responsibility God never gave us—as though his purposes ultimately depend upon our ability to accomplish them. Scripture offers something far better: a life of humble dependence upon the God whose grace precedes our service and whose promises do not depend upon our strength. We can work diligently and faithfully without believing everything rests on us. We can face an uncertain future without needing to know how everything will turn out. And we can wait confidently for promises we could never fulfil ourselves. So what does a life look like when our confidence rests not in what we can accomplish for God, but in what God has promised to accomplish?

Human greatness can be impressive, and Scripture gives us good reason to honour faithful people. David certainly deserves our admiration. In 2 Samuel 5–6, Israel unites under his rule, Jerusalem becomes his capital, his house grows, and his enemies are defeated. David becomes “greater and greater.” But the text continually raises our eyes higher. David leads because God leads him. He wins because God goes before him. He reigns because God establishes him. His greatness is real, but it is received, dependent, and derived. Even the great king lives under the rule of a greater King. That truth demands a response: not Uzzah’s presumption or Michal’s contempt, but David’s dependence, obedience, reverence, and praise. Whatever gifts, responsibilities, or influence God has given, the leader is still led. David’s great; God’s greater.