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 19:22,
"David replied, 'What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere?'"
This statement, made by David to Abishai, was on the occasion when Shimei, a man who cursed David as he fled Jerusalem at the time his son Absalom rebelled against him, came to ask David his forgiveness. Abishai, Joab's brother, was one of three commanders David placed over his army to defend himself against Absalom.
Upon hearing Shimei ask for King David's forgiveness, Abishai told David, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord's anointed." Verse 21. David responded to him by saying, "Don't I know that today I am king over Israel?" Verse 22. David made clear the decision to forgive or punish Shimei for his horrible treatment of himself was his and his alone. "What right do you have to interfere?"
As we read the account today, it is easy for us to agree with David's perspective. However, how often I have stood in God's place and attempted to take the right to decide how God ought to treat someone who may have wronged me or a loved one!
There is much in Scripture about this issue. In speaking about the potential for us to condemn other believers, Paul says, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand." Romans 14:4.
There are plenty of related passages, such as 1 Corinthians 4:5, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God." Also, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19.
Just as it was inappropriate for Abishai to interject his judgment against Shimei with David, it is likewise inappropriate for me to assume God's position and render my own "judgment" on some culprit.
I'm not suggesting we leave ourselves open and vulnerable to potential mistreatment by the sinful desires of others against us or our loved ones. But when it comes to judgment, that is God's business. My business, my responsibility is found in Colossians 3:12-14, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
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
"David replied, 'What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere?'"
This statement, made by David to Abishai, was on the occasion when Shimei, a man who cursed David as he fled Jerusalem at the time his son Absalom rebelled against him, came to ask David his forgiveness. Abishai, Joab's brother, was one of three commanders David placed over his army to defend himself against Absalom.
Upon hearing Shimei ask for King David's forgiveness, Abishai told David, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord's anointed." Verse 21. David responded to him by saying, "Don't I know that today I am king over Israel?" Verse 22. David made clear the decision to forgive or punish Shimei for his horrible treatment of himself was his and his alone. "What right do you have to interfere?"
As we read the account today, it is easy for us to agree with David's perspective. However, how often I have stood in God's place and attempted to take the right to decide how God ought to treat someone who may have wronged me or a loved one!
There is much in Scripture about this issue. In speaking about the potential for us to condemn other believers, Paul says, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand." Romans 14:4.
There are plenty of related passages, such as 1 Corinthians 4:5, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God." Also, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19.
Just as it was inappropriate for Abishai to interject his judgment against Shimei with David, it is likewise inappropriate for me to assume God's position and render my own "judgment" on some culprit.
I'm not suggesting we leave ourselves open and vulnerable to potential mistreatment by the sinful desires of others against us or our loved ones. But when it comes to judgment, that is God's business. My business, my responsibility is found in Colossians 3:12-14, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
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