SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their brothers?” [2 Samel 2:26] A civil war is anything but civil. In this chapter, Israel is divided after Saul’s death, with David leading Judah and Ish-bosheth leading the rest of Israel. The battle between them is described, ending with the defeat of Ish-bosheth’s army, and this statement by Abner, this will end in bitterness. This is precisely what the rebellion of sin has introduced into our world – husband and wife turning against each other [Genesis 3:12] and brother killing brother [Genesis 4:8]. In other words, sin introduced civil war, bitterness, and ultimately hell on earth.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca, ‘ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. [Matthew 5:22] Jesus shows that the command against murder even applies to anger and name-calling. Jesus is simply showing what the rebellion of sin does: it introduces anger, cruelty, misery and death. The judgment Jesus speaks of is not just an arbitrary punishment God inflicts on people; it is the natural consequence of anger and cruelty.

Though today’s reading may seem hard to relate to personally, the root problem is still relevant: we see this scene played out in different ways in playgrounds, families, street gangs, between countries. Just think what happens in many homes between husbands, wives, parents, children, siblings. With a slight adjustment we can echo what Abner says: “Must the heart devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness?” This pattern will continue until the heart is changed. Jesus died to remove the guilt of sin; Jesus rose again to break the power of sin. By placing His Spirit in us, our hearts are changing. We are becoming more like Jesus, producing the fruit of the Spirit in place of the sins of the flesh. We need help to end the bitterness. Jesus is that help. Unfortunately, even He divides: Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. [Matthew 10:21-22] The only hope to be saved from the civil war of sin is Jesus, to stand firm in His Spirit, to refuse to give in to the sinful nature that rages within us.

So what shall it be? How long before (we) stop pursuing (our) brothers?”

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You that by Your Spirit my love is increasing, and my anger and hatred is decreasing. Keep on changing me, to be more like You!