The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Samuel 19:9-10,
"Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, 'The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom; and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?'"
"Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the people were arguing among themselves, saying, 'The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. But now he has fled the country to escape from Absalom; and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?'"
A great question, yes? What sense did it make not to flee back to David once it was reported Absalom, David's son, who attempted to overthrow him, was now dead?
Look at the reasoning: David had won the victories over Israel's enemies, so that made David the attractive man to support as king. Particularly now that Absalom was dead, the man the people had abandoned David for!
Look at what is not considered: David was the Lord's anointed, to be king over Israel. Were the people asking themselves, what does the Lord want for us? What is it the Lord's desire? Who has the Lord chosen for us? No. We read nothing of the Israelites concern for God whatsoever. What I read is they considered who they anointed, not who God had anointed.
All they appeared to care about was for whoever seemed to be able to provide for them - provide for what they wanted. The Lord, in spite of all he had done for the nation, did not appear to hold any presence within their concerns. Just as Israel had rejected God as their king and demanded a human one, so they could be just like all the other peoples around them, they continued to show no concern for what it was God wanted for them.
There is lip service, to be sure. Just like in a lot of churches today. But, who today cares for what is in the Lord's heart? What is it the Lord thinks is best for me? For us?
Do I care? How does that manifest itself in my life? If others were to read my history, would there be enough there to convince them I care for the Lord, I want what the Lord desires, that I have a strong commitment to follow him?
Good questions for us all, including pastors, elders... all church leaders, as well as those who rely on their judgement.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment