Back at it!, better than ever, with special guest Pastor Michael Dobler from Immanuel Lutheran (check the spelling already)! We are beginning a new epistle: I Corinthians, aka I America.

Solomon becomes king, riding David's mule in to town. The apostles are filled with the Holy Spirit to speak the good news to some people who would prefer they don't. But the church prays and is full of joy. Psalm 124: If Jesus Christ were not on our side, all of our enemies would have swallowed us alive!

The author of II Samuel lists 37 valiant warriors of David - but the king isn't content with that number, so he is incited to sin by getting a count of all his warriors. He sins, faces discipline, and the LORD will use it ultimately for good. In Acts, Peter and John boldly heal and preach and show us what the apostles' teaching includes: Jesus as God's servant, The Holy One, The Righteous One, the AUTHOR OF LIFE(!), The Prophet to come, The "Seed" of Abraham sent to bless the world. Can you take it all in?

Two thoughts on reading the psalms (and giving credit to God working in you), the Day of Pentecost! The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus the risen and ascended pouring-out-the-Holy-Spirit Lord.

David's kingship is bloody! A better one is coming. Acts chapter 1!

David is saved by a loyal and brave friend. A man willingly gives up his life for no reason. In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives up his life for good reason, as the perfect Lamb of God. He is buried by brave disciples.

King David on the run, still trusting in God. The Greater King David, the King of Truth, is handed over to be crucified, proclaimed to the world that he is the King of the Jews.

Getting caught up in David's life...as his sin catches up to him. He is forgiven, but the consequences in his family are disastrous.

And in the Gospel of John, the Lord of Glory is arrested.

You should know II Samuel 7! David wants to build a house for the LORD, but the LORD will use David to build an eternal house with an eternal king who sits on the eternal throne. In John 15 we rejoice that this King will never leave us.

The assassinators of Ish-Bosheth (David's rival king) are not rewarded. God protects the newly crowned king of Israel. The ark is holy and David is foolish in the eyes of his estranged but returned wife. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life!