In this episode, we return with David to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 19:9–43 and watch a guilty nation face a vindicated king. As Israel, Judah, Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai each meet David on the road home, we trace five very different ways to approach a king you’ve sinned against—and see in them a searching picture of how we ourselves come (or refuse to come) to the risen Christ after rebellion. In this week’s episode, we explore:How the chapter’s central question—“How do you bring back the king you betrayed?”—offers a living parable for how we approach Jesus after chasing other “gods” Israel’s response of denial and entitlement: refusing to own their guilt, rewriting the story, and insisting the king “owes” them because of their past loyalty and majority status Judah’s response of presumed privilege: leaning on birthright and proximity (“He’s one of us”) instead of true repentance, and how that mirrors relying on pedigree or culture rather than personal faith Shimei’s “fire insurance” religion—doing what is politically necessary to survive, saying the right words, bringing impressive support, yet showing no real sorrow over sin itself Mephibosheth’s humble loyalty: his visible mourning, refusal to claim his rights, and willingness to lose his inheritance as long as the rightful king is safely on the throne—a portrait of genuine, saving faith Barzillai’s quiet, steady faithfulness in old age—risking his household for David in exile, serving generously from his wealth, and entrusting the next generation (Chimham) to the king’s care Four key marks of saving faith drawn from this chapter: knowing we are truly guilty; knowing God owes us nothing; knowing we cannot fix our own sin; and trusting God to forgive and free us because of Christ’s death and resurrection After listening, you’ll be equipped to recognize “Israel faith,” “Judah faith,” and “Shimei faith” in your own heart—and to move instead toward the Mephibosheth and Barzillai pattern of real trust. This passage will invite you to come back to your King without excuses or claims of deserving, simply bringing a contrite heart, a desire for his reign above your own comfort, and a willing readiness to serve him—at any age, in any season, with whatever he has placed in your hands. Series: The Rebellion of AbsalomStart Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity launches January 9. Pre-order your copy now or buy it on launch day. Visit StartStrongBook.org for more details.   Support the show

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