GRUDGE MATCH
II Samuel 19:9a, 11a, 13-15a
"Now all the people were in dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel [about whether to return David as king after Absalom's death].... So King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying 'Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, "Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house?" .... And say to Amasa, "Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab." ' So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: 'Return, you and all your servants! Then the king returned and came to the Jordan."
This is another messy chapter in David's reign, but Scripture gives the whole story, warts and all. The people were slow to return David as king. Amasa had been the commander of Absalom's army in the rebellion (II Samuel 17:25). Now, David appointed Amasa as commander of his army in place of Joab. Perhaps David had had enough of Joab's shenanigans. Or perhaps it was a strategic move to reunite the nation. This is not the end of the story because Joab eventually assassinated Amasa (20:10), and was reappointed commander of David's army (20:23). David was not one to hold a grudge, even against his enemies. David's grace was evident. Even from the time he fled from Saul, to the reuniting of the kingdom, to his mercy to Shimei, to his love for a rebellious son, we can see that he was not one to carry bitterness in his heart. Truly, David was a man after God's own heart. What a model for me.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A merciful person does not carry grudges.
[end]
Have a grudge-free day. Love you.
II Samuel 19:9a, 11a, 13-15a
"Now all the people were in dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel [about whether to return David as king after Absalom's death].... So King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests, saying 'Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, "Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house?" .... And say to Amasa, "Are you not my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not commander of the army before me continually in place of Joab." ' So he swayed the hearts of all the men of Judah, just as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: 'Return, you and all your servants! Then the king returned and came to the Jordan."
This is another messy chapter in David's reign, but Scripture gives the whole story, warts and all. The people were slow to return David as king. Amasa had been the commander of Absalom's army in the rebellion (II Samuel 17:25). Now, David appointed Amasa as commander of his army in place of Joab. Perhaps David had had enough of Joab's shenanigans. Or perhaps it was a strategic move to reunite the nation. This is not the end of the story because Joab eventually assassinated Amasa (20:10), and was reappointed commander of David's army (20:23). David was not one to hold a grudge, even against his enemies. David's grace was evident. Even from the time he fled from Saul, to the reuniting of the kingdom, to his mercy to Shimei, to his love for a rebellious son, we can see that he was not one to carry bitterness in his heart. Truly, David was a man after God's own heart. What a model for me.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A merciful person does not carry grudges.
[end]
Have a grudge-free day. Love you.
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