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May 19th
The Bible reading today shows David returning to his throne in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 19-21.
The “big” thing I noticed is how King David pardoned his enemies and sought to unify Israel once again. David forgave the men who rebelled against him. He forgave long time friends who deserted him in self-serving. He even pardoned the one who killed his son.
Remind you of anything? Let us remember this...”Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus forgiving you and me even when we were his enemies. Thank You, Lord.
Yes, David “forgiving his enemies” was the “big” one. I also saw “perspective” in the reading today. David mourning the death of his son Absolom was every bit Ok. But his “excessive” mourning was not. David’s extended, excessive mourning was “selfish” in some ways. Men and families that stayed loyal to David were the most affected by David’s over the top grieving.
There would be wives whose husbands bravely fought and died to save the king, who became confused and embittered. It’s been many days since the victory over the rebels. But instead of David giving grateful recognition to his mighty men and their families who sacrificed greatly for him, David could only see the loss of his rebellious son...the same one whose actions cost the lives of so many.
Someone needed to give David a wake-up call. His behavior showed a nation not what he knew, but what he had forgotten. He knew he had lost his son. And David was sensitive enough to know that he played a role in his son’s tragic death. And that’s sad.
But David had “forgotten” what he had...God’s gifts. His faithful mercy and grace. His always good sovereign control and wonderful loyal friends who were there to support him. David understood his loss. But he had forgotten Heaven’s perspective for a while.
So the big takeaways...Forgiving one’s enemies. A God thing to be sure. Lord help me. And Remembering “God’s perspective” in the midst of life and death...such as...” it’s not always about me...”
And one more thought...I am especially drawn to Biblical characterizations of old people. You can grin...your time is coming.
Do you remember the old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed...?” Well, “old” Barzillai was such a friend to David. He supplied food for David and his mighty men in Mahanaim while they waited for what was coming next.
The Bible says Barzillai was very aged and very rich. So if he couldn't join the military fight, he “could” at least use the wealth that God blessed him with to aid his king's agenda. And that’s exactly what he did. And he did something else that was noteworthy. He turned down the king’s reward for his help.
Barzillai was very appreciative of the gesture. But he let his king know that it was his pleasure to serve his king in any way that he could. In Luke 12 we hear Jesus teaching about a “foolish man” who laid up treasure on earth for himself...and was not rich toward God.
Barzillai was wise enough to use his resources to lay up treasure in heaven, and he was rich toward God. Yes, there is plenty for golden years saints to do in the building up of the church and the expanding of the Kingdom of God...touching hearts...one heart at a time.
May our motives in serving our King Jesus be as pure as Barzillai’s....” the reward is in the serving and not in the recognition”.
Enjoy the story
Have a great day
