The Opportunists

   II Samuel 16:1-23

Rev. Bruce Brown

 I.    The Manipulator  (verses 1-4)

II.   The Hater  (verses 5-14)

III. The Traitor (verses 15-23)

"Look back at these people who met David. Ittai, the model disciple, only wanted to be “with” his king (cf. John 6:68). Zadok and Abiathar were willing to risk their lives to serve their king (cf. Philippians 1:21). Hushai was David’s friend (cf. John 15:14, 15). Ziba made a show of his devotion to the king, but it was false (cf. Luke 21:4). Shimei abused the king (cf. John 19:15). Abishai thought that he could help his king by violence (cf. John 18:10). Take time to reflect on these people who met David. It is not difficult to see similarities with people who met Jesus. It is good for us to consider ways in which we are (or should be) like and unlike these people who met the king."  ~ John Woodhouse