2 Samuel 19:6 Joab to David: "What is this—loving those who hate you and hating those who love you? Your actions give a clear message: officers and soldiers mean nothing to you...you knocked the wind out of them."
Why did David grieve his son Absalom at the expense of those alive around him? What were his tears really for? Himself? David prayed in Psalm 25:18 "Lift this ton of sin." I have so felt the weight of previous sin this week. Lift the ton, O God!
God lifted it and immediately David goes back to war with Sheba followed by even more enemies with 24 fingers and toes. And David prays: "When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room. Now I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me!" Psalm 4:1
"You have listened to my troubles and have seen the crisis in my soul." Psalm 31:7. There's a crisis in my soul this night.
It is hard to read all the violent things that happened in the battles of David. It makes me think of what our country has gone through to gain freedom, it certainly has never been free. Yesterday my husband and I went to a Tea Party. I thought of how proud I am to be an American, and when all the veterans were recognized I cried. I remembered my father, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather served their country and I was proud of them. I am so thankful for our country and for all of those who served to keep us free. That is nothing compared to God my Father sending His only son to die for me. Words can't ever express the love this sacrifice means to me.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it Rodney King who said, "Can't we all just get along?" (or something similiar to that) David has been harshly rebuked by Joab for grieving in such a way that he's forgotten to honor the men that risked their lives for him, and his family. He is in danger of them turning on him.
ReplyDeleteNow he's returned to his duties and it's time to bring him back to Jerusalem as king over Israel(the northern kingdom)and Judah (the southern kindom). Instead of joining forces, they quarrel and bicker over which tribe should escort him back. In the same way we saw conflict and tension within David's family, now we see it between Israel and Judah. Then we have another rebellion led by Sheba with the ten tribes of Israel going with him. Long story short...a WISE WOMAN (yeah!) delivers Sheba to Joab, so the rebellion ends.
I'm just reminded in chapter 21 of the importance God places on keeping covenant. I don't understand the seven lives that had to be taken because of Saul's zeal. I don't question God...there are just some things I don't understand. He had killed some Gibeonites, which broke the covenant Joshua had made with them 400 years earlier. The country experienced a three year famine because of this. The death of these seven men ended it.
Praising Him tonight...We will never have to fear Him breaking His covenant with us!
Jeremiah 31:31-37;Hebrews 8:7-13
May you have a blessed Sabbath!
FG Forever Grateful
Absalom may be dead, but David has been changed by the attack Absalom led against David.
ReplyDeleteLooking at that, and reflecting on inner turmoil in my own life, I can certainly understand this change over David.
How in the world do we keep our passion and our zeal for life when our heart has been broken? Especially by our family?
1. Grieve but move on - keep walking by faith. One step at a time.
2. Listen to Godly counsel - Joab spoke life over David. He was a true warrior of the faith. Too many people tell us what we WANT to hear. Godly counsel tells us what we NEED to hear.
3. Make peace with traitors - but be wary. Sometimes those who have sided against you, are still plotting.
4. Don't seek revenge - Joab went after Sheba as a threat against David's kingdom. The revolt Sheba plotted against David ended when a wise woman from Abel Beth Maacah reasoned with her people and delivered Sheba's head to Joab. Do not mess with God's legacy. She probably saved David's line from innocent blood on their hands.
4. Make things right with God - David went to God to find out the meaning behind the famine. God gave his instructions and David obeyed.
5. Stay in the battle and you will kill giants - the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy our faith. Stand strong, recognize our weaknesses, surround yourself with warriors of the faith and let God have victory in your life over the enemy.