Missionary Wes Bartley, serving in St. Lucia, shared a heartfelt message during his visit to Faithway Baptist Church. He spoke of his ongoing work building a church in Bruceville, the impact of mission trips, personal health challenges with his pacemaker, and the joy of seeing lives touched by the gospel through practical help like the Bartley Barrels. He recounted touching stories of reaching people in need and encouraged the congregation to consider missions, noting it is never too late to surrender to God’s call. The core of his sermon drew from 2 Samuel 1:23-27 (KJV), focusing on lament and hope amid crisis.
There’s Trouble in the Land
The daughters of Israel wept bitterly, not from joy but from deep sorrow. Their tears reflected the chaos surrounding them. King Saul had died in disobedience, along with his sons and many others, as recorded in 1 Samuel 31:6 (KJV): “So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.” The prophet Samuel, who had anointed both Saul and David, had also passed away (1 Samuel 25:1). Saul’s sons had turned to greed and corruption (1 Samuel 8:3). Saul himself disobeyed God by sparing what should have been destroyed (1 Samuel 15:20-23). David, the anointed future king, faced jealousy from Saul and even fled to the Philistines for safety, marching in their ranks at one point. Priests were slaughtered, the Ark of the Covenant was lost, and trouble seemed to come from every direction. The people felt hopeless, as if God’s promises of blessing and greatness from Genesis 12:2 had faded. In our own lives, we sometimes face similar despair when leaders fail, trusted people disappoint, or the world feels chaotic. Yet this low point sets the stage for where true hope begins.
We Hope in the New King
Amid the weeping came a turning point: the anointing and eventual crowning of David as king (2 Samuel 5:1-3). Though David’s reign had flaws, he sought God’s guidance. This pointed forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. In Revelation 15:3-4 (KJV), the saints sing of Him as the King of saints: “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) declares: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Psalm 145:8 (KJV) adds: “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” Jesus is the new King we can fully trust. After 50 years of salvation, the preacher still loves this King who saves wretches like us and never fails. Never grow accustomed to the cross; keep rejoicing in Him.
Hope is in His Salvation
The daughters of Israel found relief when David brought stability. For us, salvation comes through the new King. Romans 10:9-12 (KJV) explains: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” Titus 3:3-8 (KJV) reminds us we were once foolish and disobedient, but “after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Hope is in the True Peace
True peace arrives under the new King’s rule. David subdued enemies and brought security (2 Samuel 7:1). For believers, Philippians 4:4-8 (KJV) promises: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This peace surpasses human efforts, protests, or politics. The world needs Christ’s peace, not more programmes or leaders. Preach Christ to pull souls from the fire.
Conclusion
In closing, look to heaven’s glory in Revelation 22:1-5 (KJV): “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Worship God now and always. Trust the true King, Jesus Christ. Commit anew to His service, for the day approaches. Get busy with God’s business and share the hope found only in Him.
