Day two hundred fifty-five
I am feeling a little needy today. I know that the week ahead is going to be busy and will present some challenges and I'm not sure that I am up to that. So my prayer included a lot of asking for the things that are in my heart today. I shared my concerns and worries and requested some extra help in yielding to the Spirit this week. I know that He already knows what I need, but there is something therapeutic about talking with God and asking Him myself.
2 Samuel 2-3
Chapter 2 Enemies
David's big moment has arrived, he is anointed king and it looks like all will be well. It doesn't last long, soon Abner, the captain of Saul's army, takes a surviving son of Saul, Ish-bosheth, and makes him king. Can you imagine being David in this situation? You have been through years of running for your life, several battles, depression, and then when your big moment comes someone else tries to steal your thunder!
A king learns quickly that there is always someone else who thinks they can do the job better. If they can get enough support they will try to take away your power. David will always have to be on his guard.
I think the same is true for Christians. We try to live our lives the best we can, but there will always be someone there telling us that our way is wrong and their way is better. They will gather support and attack our values and beliefs, and they will not let up. Have you experienced a time in your life when you were doing what the Lord wanted and still you seem to be attacked? It is frustrating and sometimes heartbreaking, but it is part of choosing to serve the kingdom of heaven. We also have to be on our guard!
Chapter 3
Loyalty
David's story gets even more interesting; after years of war Abner decides to join David. The events that lead up to this moment say a lot about what is going on in Ish-bosheth's house. Abner is accused of sleeping with one of Saul's concubines, a big no-no, and threatens to defect to David's side because of this insult to his character. Ish-bosheth fears that he might actually do it, so he doesn't pursue the argument.
It is interesting how quickly people can change their allegiance. This will be an ongoing problem for David, he will even find it within his own family members. Have you ever had someone change their loyalty towards you? That question takes me back to high school where it seemed like the loyalty of friends was so fragile that it changed daily. The wrong words or the attention of a special guy or girl could mean that you no longer had the bond you thought was so strong that nobody would come between you and your best friend. These are tough moments to forgive, whether you are a hormonal teenager or a middle aged adult!
Revenge
In the meantime, Abner does send messengers to David and decides to defect. Not everyone is pleased with this arrangement. Joab still holds feelings of contempt for Abner and he uses this opportunity to avenge his brothers death by killing Abner. This has put David in a bad position; now he must clear his name.
The sad part is that hurt feelings often lead us to make poor decisions and act upon them. Joab didn't stop to think about how killing Abner would affect David and his people, he was only focused on destroying Abner. I have been there; so focused on the one that I couldn't see that my actions had consequences for others as well. It is a scary place to be, and one that usually leads to pain and embarrassment. It is a tough situation to dig yourself out of.
Peacekeeper
David goes to great lengths to demonstrate that he had nothing to do with Abner's death. This is an important political move on David's part. He had to think of those that Abner had persuaded to change their loyalty to David and the repercussions of what would happen if they had gone back to Ish-bosheth with news of Abner's death.
David shows great wisdom and judgment by trying to be the peacekeeper in this situation. He was cleaning up the mess of another and he does it with grace. He leads not only those guilty for the situation, but all the people in mourning for Abner. The people took notice of what David was doing and it pleased them (v 36). Wouldn't it be great if the same could be said of us!
There were lots of things to study today and think about. I particularly liked the application part of my studies. Learning to see myself in these situations has been a great blessing in my life. The scriptures have become more personal and their worth to me personally has increased greatly. It is a great way to start my day!
No comments:
Post a Comment