First Lesson: 2 Samuel 18:24-33

Theme: Fear in the face of terrible truth

Exegetical Note
One interesting aspect of this passage about the announcement of a military victory and Absalom’s death to his father, David, is the loss of nerve apparent in Ahimaaz’s inability to report the bad news along with the good, despite the fact that he had importuned Joab to be messenger against the latter’s better judgment and had run to deliver the news. By contrast, the second, Cushite messenger is courageous, sensitive, but honest in delivering the bad news along with the good.

Call to Worship
Leader: Brothers and sisters, we love to be the bearers of good tidings.
People: BUT WHEN THE LESS PLEASANT SIDES OF LIFE MUST BE FACED, WE LOSE OUR NERVE.
Leader: When bad news has to be delivered, we prefer …