SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
May the guilt of their blood rest on the head of Joab and his descendants forever. But on David and his descendants, his house and his throne, may there be the LORD’s peace forever. [1 Kings 2:33] Our rebellion against God has resulted in a curse of violence and death, from one generation to the next. When we live and choose contrary to what is good, the consequences affect not only us but our children. This is unavoidable; our actions have consequences. Those who live by violence, or deception, or immorality, eventually see the result of that lifestyle. As the saying goes, ‘those who live by the sword end up dying by the sword’.
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!” [Matthew 27:24-25] Some have suggested that the suffering of the Jews throughout history is the result of these words in Matthew:“Let his blood be on us and on our children!” To some extent, I believe this is true. But before someone get angry at me, let me quickly add that to that same extent the guilt of my own sin affects me and my children. My failures, my weaknesses, my sins, my folly, etc. necessarily affect my children too. It is our responsibility, we reap what we sow.
This is not inspiring, but it is realistic. If I choose to rob a bank, I will likely be caught and punished, but my family will also be affected. They will lose me as a positive father-figure, they will endure the shame, they will lose my presence in the home, they will suffer financially in my absence. Our relationship will be strained, maybe broken. The ripples of my choice will extend in many directions.
But thankfully, there is mercy. Solomon executes justice, but Jesus experiences justice – our guilt on Himself. He substitutes Himself, and lets His blood be on His own head. He releases the guilty, and takes their place instead. Barabbas (Joab) the murderer goes free [Matthew 27:26], and He dies in His place. Those who mock Jesus (Shimei) are pardoned: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:34] Our only hope, as guilty rebels against God and His way, is for mercy. And through Jesus, we receive it!
PRAYER:
Lord, my sin is greater than I can handle, and its affects impact others, including those I love. Have mercy, and protect those I love from my folly.
Lord, I sense You gently encouraging me to consider the consequences of my actions. In the end, the sins of Joab and Shimei come back to haunt them. This is not a guilt or fear motivation, but a gentle appeal from You to me, to give careful thought to my ways. I also realize that You spare me the full consequences. In Your mercy, You hold back the penalty, and redirect my life towards healing and hope.
The words spoken at the start of this chapter reminds me once agin how my daily walk must be: – Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go . . . and my response must be just as Joshua’s – but as for me and my household, we will serve the living God.
As I stand on the threshold of the new year 2010, that is my prayer. There by the grace of God go I. But as I go, I am a living letter that impacts those related to me – my family, my extended family, my friends and all those I am in contact with – they all read me and my actions speak louder than my words.
May they all see me with my hand in Your hand Lord as I continue to walk in your SonShine wherever I be – in Canada, in Haiti, in the US, in all my daily travels – my pilgrim’s progress – until I reach the final destination – but in the meantime- continue to LightShine my path as I serve You. You are my SonShine.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.