Tragedy and Triumph

Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.—2 Samuel 7:16

You might describe David as winsome, a man wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord. He was a warrior, a poet, and a hero. But we also know that David was crafty and manipulative; he succumbed to temptation and sin. The Bible does not cover up David’s shortcomings. Instead, it gives us a detailed portrait of a flawed man who had deep faith.

The book of 2 Samuel provides one of the most profound narrative reflections on sin and its consequences. David’s failures would impact the lives of his children and the nation as a whole. But God provided forgiveness through atonement. It is my prayer that through this study we will:

• Reflect on sin and its consequences
• Rejoice in God’s promises, growing in our desire for Christ’s return
• Realize, with gratefulness, that God can work through flawed people

Your devotional author,
Ryan J. Cook

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.

VOLUME 35 EDITION 8

Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz, Senior Editor: Elena Mafter, Contributing Editor: John Koessler, Writer: Ryan Cook, Art Director: Lynn Gabalec, Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson, Marketing & Production: Paul B. Currie