How does 2 Samuel 18:28 connect with Romans 8:28 about God's purpose? Setting the scene in 2 Samuel 18 • Absalom’s rebellion has thrown David’s kingdom into chaos. • The battle ends with Absalom’s defeat, but David waits anxiously for news. • Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite and reaches the king first, proclaiming victory. Key verse: 2 Samuel 18:28 “Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, ‘All is well!’ And he bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, ‘Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who lifted their hands against my lord the king.’” Key verse: Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Shared themes of God’s purpose • Divine sovereignty – The LORD “delivered up” David’s enemies (2 Samuel 18:28). – God “works all things” (Romans 8:28). • Good emerging from turmoil – Israel’s civil war ends; God’s anointed remains on the throne. – Every circumstance, even painful ones, serves God’s redemptive plan for believers. • Peace rooted in God’s action – Ahimaaz’s shout “All is well!” (literally “shalom”) flows from God’s intervention. – The believer’s confidence in Romans 8:28 rests on the same foundation of divine oversight. Tracing God’s hand in difficulty 1. Immediate outcome • For David: deliverance and restoration of rightful rule. • For the Christian: assurance that present events are under God’s wise control. 2. Ultimate outcome • David’s line preserved, leading to Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Matthew 1:1). • Believers conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29), sharing His glory. 3. Supporting witnesses • Genesis 50:20 – “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good…” • Proverbs 19:21 – “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” • Ephesians 1:11 – God “works out everything by the counsel of His will.” Lessons for today • God’s purposes are never derailed by human rebellion or personal hardship. • The cry “All is well!” is not naïve optimism; it is faith grounded in God’s proven faithfulness. • When circumstances seem contradictory, Romans 8:28 invites us to look beyond the moment, just as David had to look beyond the battlefield. • Every trial, victory, setback, or triumph is woven into a larger tapestry designed for our good and His glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Living in the confidence of God’s purpose • Rest in His sovereignty—He delivers, orchestrates, and finishes what He begins (Philippians 1:6). • Rehearse His promises—repeat “All is well” because the LORD reigns (Psalm 93:1). • Respond with gratitude—like Ahimaaz, bow in worship, blessing the LORD for each evidence of His hand. |
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