Last time we saw how Absalom was
killed in his revolt against David. We saw how David bitterly wept
for his son. David knew that this whole debacle was his fault. If
he had disciplined his sons and if the adultery with Bathsheba
didn't happen, none of this would have happened. But David was
reprimanded by his commander, Joab to appreciate those who risked
their lives for him. David had to snap out of it, forgive himself
and move on. We also learned that. And that we should appreciate
those in our lives who do so much for us. We should treat them the
best and love them for their support.
So David went back to Jerusalem to
reign as king once again. God reinstated him. The tribe of Judah
came to welcome him and helped him and all his belongings to cross
over the Jordan river. The Israelites were angry that Judah stole
away and brought David back alone, without their help. They claimed
their rights to David. But Judah claimed theirs. They had a verbal
fight and one man from Israel, Sheba, yelled:
"We have no share in David, nor
do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents,
O Israel!" 2 Samuel 20:1
So Israel followed him. David knew
that Sheba was going to do him a lot of harm. He then sent Amasa
and Joab after him. Joab knew that David was planning to make Amasa
his new commander, so he killed him by deceiving him. Then Joab and
his men went after Sheba. He found him hiding in a city, Abel. They
wanted to besiege the city, when a wise old woman called Joab
closer. She wanted peace. So Joab told her they would have peace if
they killed Sheba themselves. They did that and Joab went back to
David.
David had a lot of opposition,
first from within his family and then from without. But God had
ordained him as king and no one could do anything against him. Even
though Joab, his commander, didn't always act honorably, David did,
and God honored that.
We might also experience opposition
when we are on the path that God ordained for us. We might have
'Absalom's and 'Sheba's come against us. We might have people
inside our family discouraging us as well as outsiders. We might
feel as if we are facing brick walls sometimes. But God is with us
in a mighty, awesome way. This reminds me of Romans 8:31-33
"If God is for us, who can be
against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up
for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all
things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who
justifies."
We are God's elect, His children,
dear and precious to Him. And even though some may bring false
charges against us, He will justify us in front of everyone. Even
though some may plot our downfall, He is for us and will not allow
it to happen. Even if people try to discourage us from God's
ordained path, God will open the way. Isn't that wonderful news?
God is walking with us as the strong and mighty One. While we are
on earth we can expect opposition, but we should do as David did,
we should give it to the Lord. We should do what we can from our
side and then sit back and enjoy His victory. God will never leave
us nor forsake us. We simply need to follow our Shepherd. We as
sheep shouldn't overanalyze everything. Sheep are not very
intelligent. We should rather be like them and follow Him
regardless of circumstances and voices shouting at us. We should
trust Him explicitly, totally and without wavering. Then He will
lead us to green pastures, far from dangerous cliffs, and bless us
with a long life in His sanctuary.
Father, thank you that we can trust
You. Victory is Yours, hallelujah! And if You are for us, who can
be against us? Thank you for that assurance! We love You. Amen