 |
August 2, 2026 |
Resources Sermon Notes |
Even when all seems lost, God uses the costly choices of faithful people to advance His kingdom. David’s private sin produced public consequence; Absalom stole the hearts of Israel and the king fled Jerusalem barefoot and weeping. Shimei cursed and threw stones. Yet God had already promised an everlasting kingdom, and the promise kept advancing through quiet, costly faithfulness.
Eighty-year-old Barzillai of Gilead opened the wagons—beds, food, cheese—knowing that if Absalom won, everything he owned and his life itself were forfeit. When David returned in victory, Barzillai refused the honor of Jerusalem, asked only that Chimham go in his place, and went home content. The same pattern appears in Joanna, wife of Herod’s household manager, who risked status and resources to fund Jesus’ itinerant ministry.
Those who have tasted God’s hesed keep the supply lines open—even when it costs them everything. True faithfulness is revealed while the outcome is still in doubt.