Hanun, Who Could Not Receive Grace as Grace

This passage begins with David, king of Israel, mourning the death of Nahash, king of the Ammonites, and offering friendship to his son Hanun. David sincerely sent envoys to repay the kindness Nahash had once shown him, but Hanun, swayed by the schemes of crafty officials, misunderstood David's goodwill. By insulting the envoys and putting them to shame, Hanun broke off the relationship and in the end chose war, taking a foolish path.

The sermon stresses that Hanun, lacking wisdom, could not receive grace as grace, and says that believers need the wisdom of the Word and the Holy Spirit to make right judgments. An attitude that takes grace for granted and is not thankful cuts off the relationship with God and blocks spiritual growth. On the other hand, those who, like David and Mephibosheth, sincerely remember the love they have received and devote themselves develop a mature character that God uses. Hanun's attempt to justify himself by hiring soldiers with money, even after realising his wrong, shows the pride that finally brought his ruin.

Reflect deeply on how a character that does not repay grace and is not thankful leads to spiritual poverty and broken relationships. The sermon also asks how we will seek God's wisdom rather than the world's power and wisdom, and sincerely share the love we have received and devote ourselves.