2 Samuel 3:18 Now then do it: for the LORD has spoken of David, saying… I. REMIND UNDECIDED PERSONS OF FORMER IMPULSES. 1. The character and frequency of those impulses have varied greatly in different individuals. 2. These impulses have been usual in you at certain times, and these find a parallel in the case of Israel. These Israelites, perhaps, in their hearts sought for David to be king when they saw the joy upon the face of David's men. His troopers often had spoil to share, and they always spake well of their captain, and whenever a David's man was seen anywhere about Judah or Israel, the people said, "Those warriors have a goodly heritage in being under such a noble leader," and they wished they had such a king themselves. I do not doubt but sometimes when you hear Christ preached in all His sweetness, your mouths begin to water after him. "Is he so good, is he so pleasant? Oh, that we knew Him!" And when you see Christians so happy, and especially when you see them in times of trouble so cheerful and joyous under all their trials, I know you have had an inward wish that you knew their secret and could share their peace. 3. These seekings after David were sometimes with the Israelites vivid and strong; and so, too, impulses with undecided people are occasionally very powerful. 4. Nothing has come of all the seekings of your youth and your after days. II. RECOMMEND DECIDED ACTION. "Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you, now then do it." 1. Note the business on hand — it is that Jesus should be king over you. 2. Next notice that if Christ is to be your king, it must be by your own act and deed. So saith the text concerning king David "Now then do it." 3. And here is the point, if Jesus is to reign the old king must go down. It is of no use trying to have Ishbosheth and David on the throne at the same time. It is impossible to serve sin and to serve Christ. Dream not of believing to-morrow or next year, nor even in half-an-hour's time; but cast your guilty soul on Christ at once. Now then do it. II. REASON WITH STRONG ARGUMENTS. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. |