The Ashes start today.
That might not mean much to you. You might not even know what The Ashesare. You might have absolutely no interest in cricket - let alone Test cricket, the most inaccessible form of the sport that can go for five days and still have no winner at the end. So a game of cricket between Australia and England, two countries you may not feel particularly invested in, might not be such a big deal.
But today is a day that has been eagerly anticipated in our house for over a year.
We know all the players. We have read up on the conditions. We are familiar with the backstory and the history surrounding the greatest contest in cricket.
All of it builds a sense of anticipation and expectation, even though we have absolutely no idea what the final result will be.
As one writer put it this morning:
“The best part of any Ashes series is the five minutes before the first ball.
Those final moments in between anthems and the umpire's declaration of 'play' are where every possibility still exists.”
Last night our Community Group looked at 2 Samuel 15-18, and we were struck, almost overwhelmed, by how quickly David’s kingdom descends into chaos. People fleeing in every direction. Spies and intrigue. David’s resignation and grief. The reappearance of Mephibosheth and his fun to pronounce name. The whole section reads like the frantic build-up to an Ashes series: injuries, manoeuvring, surprises, predictions, and more twists than you can track.
But unlike the outcome of the cricket, the future of David’s kingdom is not uncertain.
Despite the chaos, betrayal, and brokenness, God’s covenant promise still stands. The rollercoaster of 2 Samuel, and the later failures of so many kings, never once threatens God’s plan to establish his everlasting kingdom.
We are not left sitting on the edge of our seats wondering how the story of God’s kingdom will end. We know. The Son of David has already come. Jesus has already secured the victory through his cross and resurrection. The throne is already his, forever.
As Paul writes, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8).
In other words, the promise to David is fulfilled, the King is alive, and the kingdom is secure.
Which means that when our own lives feel chaotic, uncertain, or out of control, we do not face the future with the nervous anticipation of a first ball about to be bowled. We face it knowing that the King is on the throne, God’s promises are secure, and his kingdom cannot fail.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
eNews - 21st November 2025