There is a great lesson on maturity from the life of David.
There were two men who levied great insults against the psalmist: Nabal and Shimei.
Nabal’s insult came when David was hiding from Saul. He slanderously denied help to David and his men though they watched over his shepherds for the year. It was a disrespectful, inconsiderate offense from a crass and base individual. To not help was a cultural wound, but to speak evil of good added salt to the wound. David reacted by mounting up with his men and riding to Nabal’s house with intent to slaughter all the men.
Shemei’s insult came when David ran from Absolam, who led a semi-successful coup against the throne. Shemei was a descendant of Saul, so he’d been holding a grudge for over twenty years. When he saw David and his men walking dejectedly from Jerusalem, he laughed, called names and even threw rocks at the man of God. David did not retaliate or allow his captain to kill him. Instead David said that perhaps God sent Shemei to insult him.
How did we get such a difference in reaction? Why did David go from antagonist to pacifist? What changed a hot-headed war machine into a patient, considerate and forgiving man of peace?
The answer my friends is Life. Life changed David from a rash avenger to a patient sufferer. Life humbled, changed and matured the Man after God’s own heart. The years from Nabal to Shemei included his sin with Bathsheeba, the rape of his daughter Tamar, the murder of his son Amnon and the rebellion of Absalom. These things would change anyone.
Life is producing a kinder, more thoughtful, less offended David Wilson. And I’m determined to learn the lessons without the loss. What is life producing in you?
There were two men who levied great insults against the psalmist: Nabal and Shimei.
Nabal’s insult came when David was hiding from Saul. He slanderously denied help to David and his men though they watched over his shepherds for the year. It was a disrespectful, inconsiderate offense from a crass and base individual. To not help was a cultural wound, but to speak evil of good added salt to the wound. David reacted by mounting up with his men and riding to Nabal’s house with intent to slaughter all the men.
Shemei’s insult came when David ran from Absolam, who led a semi-successful coup against the throne. Shemei was a descendant of Saul, so he’d been holding a grudge for over twenty years. When he saw David and his men walking dejectedly from Jerusalem, he laughed, called names and even threw rocks at the man of God. David did not retaliate or allow his captain to kill him. Instead David said that perhaps God sent Shemei to insult him.
How did we get such a difference in reaction? Why did David go from antagonist to pacifist? What changed a hot-headed war machine into a patient, considerate and forgiving man of peace?
The answer my friends is Life. Life changed David from a rash avenger to a patient sufferer. Life humbled, changed and matured the Man after God’s own heart. The years from Nabal to Shemei included his sin with Bathsheeba, the rape of his daughter Tamar, the murder of his son Amnon and the rebellion of Absalom. These things would change anyone.
Life is producing a kinder, more thoughtful, less offended David Wilson. And I’m determined to learn the lessons without the loss. What is life producing in you?
3 comments:
Fantastic thought...wonderful perspective
Dr. Kari Anderson
I can totally relate to this article. Overtime I have realized that resentment, anger, etc. really take more out of you than the other party. Also, by giving into these emotions for any extended period, you are allowing someone else to have power over you. Only God should have that kind of power. It is less stressful and more productive to be forgiving and flexible - learning to let things go...
Kari- Stop fronting. You aint no doctor. Getoutahere! (Said with Brooklyn accent)
Post a Comment