SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 16
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. [2 Samuel 16:13] David is going down, and Shimei (related to the former king Saul) is letting him know it. Though he had at his disposal thousands of followers, but he did not have them kill Shimei because he saw this as God’s will [2 Samuel 16:11]
Two scenes from Jesus’ life come to mind when I read this passage: Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, `I am the Son of God.’ In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. [Matthew 27:39-44] Jesus is also being mocked. But He does not retaliate or unleash His support: Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? [Matthew 26:53] But He does not, because He sees this as God’s will: But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? [Matthew 26:54]
Jesus is the Son of David, so in David we see shadows of what is to happen when Jesus comes. The hardships they both experience are not unique to them, but apply to all who align themselves with God and thereby set themselves up against the powers of sin, death and hell.
We know that God has the power to stop evil. Sometimes evil has the upper hand, and we are going down. Like David, like Jesus, the power of darkness seems to be winning. Its hard to stand firm in those times. Its also tempting to lash out, to respond inappropriately. But we need to entrust ourselves to God and His purpose, and do what is right, even when it hurts. Yes, He could help us, but He is working out His purpose to help the whole world. The cross (suffering) is the path to the crown (victory over sin, death and hell). It’s the only way to defeat them. Jesus has beaten them. Now when we endure hardship, we do so with the end in mind. Like watching a recorded sports game where we already know that our team wins, we can endure the hard moments in the game, knowing that the outcome is assured.
PRAYER:
Lord, into Your hands I commit my life. Help me to stand firm in You!
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come to the cross…..
LORD, there are so many things in this world that I do not understand. There are times when life just seems so hard, so cruel, so unfair yet when I stop and reflect on all that You endured for my sake, You allow me to see things so differently.
Father, Your word promises us that You will never give us more than we can handle, that all things work for the good of Your plans and purposes. Help me to stand firm in this truth.
My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven, Creator of the earth. Oh, how I need You LORD, You are my only hope, You’re my only prayer; So I will wait for You to come and rescue me, come and give me life. I lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from You, Maker of heaven, Creator of the earth….. Thank You LORD that I can live in the power of Christ because He endured the cross for me!
Walking God’s Way can be very difficult. Although we are walking in His Sonshine, there may be those who are stumbling blocks for us rather than stepping stones. As Christ Jesus is our example and endured the insults thrown at Him, and as David endured the abuse and saw the hand of God in it, may I also see the hand of God in all things this day. In all things I need the upward look, knowing where my help comes from. It is He who leads and guides and it is in His power I am strong. My vision is limited. I know not what the Lord God has in store for me this day, but I do know that He is in charge and that all things will be for His good. Help me this day Lord to go forward in that power. Christ Jesus is victorious! Thank You for the reason of the season we celebrate each year – a memory stone to encourage us all on our way.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The strife is o’er, the battle done,
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions hath dispersed:
let shout of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The three sad days are quickly sped,
he rises glorious from the dead:
all glory to our risen Head!
Alleluia!