that we have heard with our ears.

—2 Samuel 7:21–22

Although David is an easy, go-to character for Sunday School, the truth is that he was pretty troubled. You would have a particular image of David in your mind if you only talked about his childhood, youth, and early career on the run from King Saul.

A closer look at his story doesn’t sustain such a sunny picture of his character. Beginning with his kingship, it didn’t take long for David to start falling into the traps into which we are all apt to stumble. There’s Bathsheba, of course, but also the premeditated murder of Uriah. David led a census of God’s people, contrary to God’s command, for the purpose of consolidating his political and military power (1 Chronicles 21). And when David failed to properly order his own house, his daughter Tamar was violated by his son Amnon, whom he failed to punish, prompting Absalom, his other son, to take revenge and plunge the nation into civil war.

My point isn’t to pile onto David but to lift up the fact that, like each of us, he has pluses and minuses as God’s servant. His failings were terrible indeed. However, if he has one virtue to which we can consistently point, it is his reverence of and deference towards God. In each of his victories, he cited God as the author. In each of his failings, he (in time) admitted his mistakes and sought forgiveness from God.

It is here that 2 Samuel 7 shows us this interesting intersection in David’s character. Fresh off of being confirmed as Israel’s king and bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, David was riding high. Time and again, he had done what seemed to be impossible. For many onlookers, it was clear that he carried God’s favor.

This is where 2 Samuel 7 picks up. David is cocky and summons Nathan the prophet to tell him that God’s shabby tent dwelling is a shame. Talk about chutzpah! So David wants to do something for God; you know, God scratched his back, so he will scratch God’s. At first, it seems like a good idea even to Nathan, who gives David his blessing, at least initially.

However, that same evening, God sent word to Nathan that God wasn’t going to have it. Instead of David building God a house, it would be the Lord who would establish David and his house. In modern parlance, 2 Samuel 7 is God’s way of telling David through Nathan not to get it twisted. When David hears God’s word, he doesn’t harden his heart. Instead, he is humbled by it. God has reminded him of who is in charge, and to whom all glory and honor are due. Verses 21–22 summarize this turn in David’s heart very well.

I mention all this because this week we will have our previously delayed annual congregational meeting between the two services. After the 11:00 service, we will also have an informational meeting about the sanctuary acoustics and the upcoming chapel project. We have much to celebrate at these events, especially as we come to the other side of COVID. We will, at appropriate times, highlight those accomplishments.

However, we ought never forget that it is the Lord who has brought us this far, and for a purpose. David expresses that purpose well: “you have wrought all this greatness, so that your servant may know it.” God has been faithful to us as a testimony of God’s own glory and faithfulness among us and to us, equipping us to go and bear witness to others that this is the Lord to whom we belong. It’s not about personalities, it’s not about programs, and it’s certainly not about celebrating how great FPC Bristol and her members are.

All that we say and do is to bear witness that it is the Lord who has created all the goodness that fills our days.

In Christ,

Pastor Sam

9:00: In person: 106; Livestream: 32; Playback: 93

11:00: In person: 62; Livestream: 20; Playback: 62

This Sunday at 10:15 (after the 9:00 worship service), we will hold our annual congregational meeting. At this meeting, we will go over the church’s financial report, talk about our new Legacy Giving program, hear from the Stewardship Committee, vote on the pastor's terms of call, and convene a brief meeting of the corporation. All are invited to attend, and members have both voice and vote at the meeting.

This Sunday at 12:15 (after the 11:00 worship service), we will hold a brief congregational information meeting to review the sanctuary acoustics project and the conclusions drawn by the assessment team. We will also review and discuss future plans for updating the chapel. All are invited to attend.

The Worship Committee invites the congregation to participate in our 2021 Advent Devotional by submitting devotions of no more than 300 words. Your reflections will enhance our time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. For more information, email Han Ong or Candy Phelps by August 1. To submit a devotion, email it to Han by October 1.

Summer fun is on its way! Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 11–14 from 5:30 to 8:30 each evening. To volunteer or learn more, email Lilly Osborne.