René Schlaepfer - Chasing David: Finding Hope and Courage on the Trail of Israels Greatest King

2019 Ren Schlaepfer

978-1-7331971-1-3

Published by Twin Lakes Press, Aptos California 1st printing: 2019

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica,

Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked EXB are taken from The Expanded Bible. Copyright 2011 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs are by Jamie Rom.

If you would like to reproduce or distribute any part of this publication, please contact: Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos, CA 95003-3103, USA or email .

Rarely have I read a book about a Biblical character that has so moved me to consider fresh angles on a life I thought I knew. With exquisite writing, deep dives into history and a commitment to the humanity of David, Ren has written a classic. The insights are powerful, soul-shifting and hopeful.

Nancy Ortberg, CEO of Transforming the Bay with Christ

Chasing David reads part travel guide, part devotional, and part soul-exposing journal. Rens scholarship, curiosity, and humor permeate each page. Were taking our whole church through it this resource is that good!

Gary L. Gaddini, Lead Pastor, Peninsula Covenant Church

Some books about biblical characters connect with our mind. Others engage our heart. This book does both with excellence and artistry.

Rev. Dr. Kevin G. Harney, Pastor of Shoreline Community Church and Co-Founder of Organic Outreach International; Author, Organic Outreach

You will never look at David the same way againand more importantly, you will see yourself and God in a brand new light.

Dan Kimball, Pastor of Vintage Faith Church, author, The Emerging Church and They Like Jesus But Not The Church

If you are facing a messy reality, this book will help you find courage for the giants in your life.

Mike Romberger, CEO, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center

A unique, creative, engaging resource that draws you into the biblical story in a transformative way. I highly recommend it.

Ken Foreman, Pastor of Cathedral of Faith, author, Imagine Living Your Dream

I learned about David, about myself, and most of all, about the God who delights in me.

Nancy Beach, Leadership Coach, Slingshot Group

I couldnt put it down.

Karen OConnor, Award-winning author of more than 75 books, including Gettin Old Aint for Wimps

What a book! Sure to energize your faith.

Doug Goodwin, CEO, Kanakuk

Chasing David is a great adventure!

Steve Clifford, Pastor, WestGate Church

This book contains features to enhance its usefulness for groups who use it as curriculum:

Id encourage you to read the Bible stories in their original settings; the biblical references for the stories are at the start of each chapter.

Lets travel to Israel in these pages. Youll be fascinated by insights from archaeologists and locals we meet along the way. Most importantly, youll find timeless truths to help you on your own spiritual journey.

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EIGHT

CHASING DAVID

JULY 23, 1993THE TEL DAN EXCAVATION PROJECT, NORTHERN ISRAEL

It was late afternoon, and light was fading on the partially excavated ruins jutting from the forest floor. The team of archaeologists uncovering a massive city gate from the time of Solomons temple decided to call it a day. Shadows crept slowly across the ancient paving stones and crumbling walls of the biblical city of Dan as the fierce summer heat began to ease.

Team member Gila Cook took off heavy leather gloves and wiped sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Then she stopped abruptly.

There was something strange about a rock that had fallen out of a ruined wall she was facingone side seemed unnaturally flat and polished. She bent down to look more closely at the black basalt. There seemed to be a design etched into its dark surface. She would later explain to reporters that it was only because of the setting sun that she caught a fleeting glimpse of an inscription, the low angle of the light putting the engraved letters into shadowy relief.

She shouted for the team. They ran over and gathered around as Cook, heart pounding, picked up the stone and gently rinsed it with water from her canteen. Sentences carved in neat, clear Aramaic script emerged.

Those who could read the language began to sound out the words.

It was a boast, part of an ancient monument memorializing an military victory over the Israelites. Not far from the bottom of the inscription, the archaeologists saw this:

Reading from right to left, the words were: Byt Dwd. House of David.

The astonished archaeologists realized they were reading something never before seen in any ancient document outside the pages of the Bible, a reference to an empire many had thought was mere myth.

The royal dynasty of David.

For three thousand years, King David has captured imaginations.

Classic works of art about David were produced by masters like Michelangelo, Donatello, Rembrandt, and VeggieTales (the part of Bathsheba memorably played by a rubber ducky).

Richard Gere and Gregory Peck starred in films about David, and famed director Ridley Scott is developing a new movie about him.

Songwriter Leonard Cohens haunting song about David, Hallelujah, has been recorded by 300 different artists.

Rock superstar Bono says, At age 12, I was a fan of David. I still am. He was a star, the Elvis of the Bible

Davids appeal is multicultural: he is an iconic figure in Jewish, Muslim, and Christian scripture. His name is still popular in over 100 languages, from Arabic to Zulu.

Davids stories are irresistible: David facing Goliath, David escaping Sauls assassins, Davids passion for Bathsheba. His narrative reminds me of thriller writer Raymond Chandlers famous advice to new novelists: If your storys getting boring, have someone come through the door with a gun. In Davids story, theres always someone coming through the door with a gun. Or at least a spear.

Davids personality is compelling: other ancient cultures painted their kings as nearly flawless, one-dimensional demigods. Not so with David. As historian Abram Leon Sachar wrote, He was cheerful, despondent, selfish, generous, sinning one moment, repenting the next, the most human character of the Bible.