Itai’s answer – Preaching
Preaching Outline on II Samuel 15:18-22 – As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, in the place where my lord the king is, whether for death or for life, there your servant will surely be also.
Introduction to II Samuel 15:18-22
Today we are celebrating. But the text tells of a time of great struggle in Israel. David, the king chosen by the Lord, was facing a rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, who proclaimed himself king of Israel. David, persecuted, withdrew from Jerusalem, followed by those who were faithful to him.
ITAI, THE GITTEN
The story goes that a Gittite man called Itai came from far away (from Gath) just to meet David. Itai had the desire to meet the true king and so he made every effort to reach him.
When Itai finally met David, he was already on the run because Absalom was already reigning in Jerusalem. Faced with his desire to follow him, David told Itai that he was no longer king in Jerusalem, because there was another king. What’s more, Itai was a foreigner and had no obligation to follow David.
ITAI’S ANSWER
Itai’s response to David is the response of the faithful church that recognizes the true King, the true Lord: “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, in the place where my lord the king is, whether for death or for life, there your servant will surely be also.“
It was a response that made all the difference. The faithful church is like that – a foreigner, not entitled, not of Israel. But it recognizes the true King and wants to follow him out of this world into eternity.
It was a response of commitment. Many people come to church just for a blessing – a healing, a job, deliverance, etc. But what the faithful church wants is a commitment to the Lord – “… Whether for death or for life… “
Conclusion
The faithful recognize the true King and want to make a commitment to him.
In response, David said to Itai: “Come now, and pass on…” These are the believers the Lord has raised up to lead this Work. Those who want more than just a blessing for their lives. They want to make a commitment to eternal life with the Lord.
Preaching Outline on II Samuel 15:18-22 – As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, in the place where my lord the king is, whether for death or for life, there your servant will surely be also.
More Preaching Outlines
- The true testimony – John 19:35
- The Key of David – Revelation 3:7-9
- Who do you belong to? – Ruth 2:5
