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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise David said to Shimei, who had cursed him during his hour of need, “You shall not die” (2 Sam 19:23). I hear your mercy in David’s words, and I praise you today as the God who forgives those who sin against you. I worship you today and say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” (Ps 103:1). Today in Your Word Today you told me about David’s return to Jerusalem and Sheba’s rebellion. David realized that the elders of Judah feared reprisal for what they had done, so he reached out to them with words of friendship and peace. Another man might have launched a campaign of retribution, but not David. He showed great generosity: he restored Mephibosheth, spared Shimei, and rewarded faithful Barzillai. This teaches me the importance of mercy when I have the upper hand on those who have wronged me. In spite of his best efforts, David’s return to Jerusalem was marred by another rebellion. Sheba took advantage of the squabble between Judah and Israel over who had the honor of bringing the king across the Jordan, and he rallied Israel against David with the cry, “We have no portion in David!” This shows me how fickle people can be. I need to be careful not to get carried about in the ever-changing winds of public opinion. My decisions should always be based on the principles and wisdom of your Word. Abishai and Joab pursued Sheba to the city of Abel-beth-maacah and put an end to the revolt. The kingdom had been restored, but the price had been high: over 20,000 men dead, the king’s son slain, and the unity of Israel fractured. David had killed a single man in secret, but he reaped a bloody harvest of death and destruction. Reflection The wise woman at Abel-beth-maacah spoke up and saved an entire city from ruin. Often the courage to speak a few words of wisdom can prevent great disaster (cf. Ecc 9:13–18). Request Father, impress on my heart the importance of sowing to the Spirit. Many have sown the wind, and then been devastated when they reaped the whirlwind (Hos 8:7). Thanksgiving Thank you for having mercy on me in spite of my stubbornness. I say with David, “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Ps 86:15). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” — Henry F. Lyte. Meditation Verse: 2 Samuel 19:22. |