THE LORD SPOKE (May 9)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Samuel 16-17

The story of Shimei, a man who dared to cross the king, starts here but you need to look ahead to see its conclusion.

Shimei's Curse (II Sam. 16:5-8)

Shimei's curse of David was not entirely accurate from the point of view of Saul's clan (e.g. David's treatment of Mephibosheth). It was accurate from the point of view of a Benjamite (16:11) who saw the kingdom slipping away from his tribe. It was also accurate in its evaluation of David as a "man of blood" (see God's own similar evaluation in II Chron, 22:8). But was it right?

David's Response (II Sam. 16:10-14)

David rejected the military option of Abishai (16:9) and responded in a way that contains good instruction for us today (16:10-14):

1. Violence rarely ever solves a problem. It might seem to remove it but, like Medusa's hair, two more will come back to take its place.
2. God can use setbacks and opposition to hone me or to correct my course. I need to listen.

Shimei's "Conversion" (II Sam. 19:15-21)

Shimei's change of heart contains some other lessons for us:

1. He "hurried...to meet King David (vs. 16) and "rushed to where the king was" (vs. 17a). Be quick to fix your course when you discover your mistake.
2. He brought with him "a thousand Benjamites and "his fifteen sons and twenty servants" (vs. 17b). You influence others by your example. Make sure they also learn from your mistakes.
3. He acknowledged that he "did wrong" and said clearly "I have sinned" (vs. 19-20). Call sin what it is, sin! Clear up, and don't try to cover-up, your sin.

David's Response (II Sam. 19:22-23)

Again, we can learn from David's response:

1. Holding a grudge and not forgiving an offender will eat you like a canker until you are ruined yourself. Forgive, even if the repentance doesn't quite strike you as genuine. Keep short accounts.
2. Better to err on the side of forgiveness than to be harsh. You may seem naive and make mistakes in being "too easy" on someone, but it's better to make those mistakes than to become hardened like your enemy.

Shimei's Conclusion (I Kings 2:8-9,36-46)

Shimei's final end shows that his conversion, in fact, wasn't genuine. Thus the quote marks above. David was able to bide his time and see things put right in the end. God may not remove the obstacles in your life in the same way, but He will remove them if you but trust Him and live your life in a way that pleases Him. Listen to what He has to teach you even in the circumstances of daily life.


New Testament: Romans 12

There are more “thou shalt’s” and “thou shalt not’s” in the New Testament than there are in the Old. And eight of them are right here in Romans 12.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world (Rom. 12:2). It’s one of the greatest temptations we face because it bombards us daily from every possible angle and it’s so easy to slip into without even realizing it sometimes. J.B. Phillips translated this as “don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold”.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought (Rom. 12:3). A bloated ego is uncomely. And, it’s most often unmerited. “Thinking of yourself with sober judgment” will lead you to repent and cast yourself upon the Lord.

Do not curse those who persecute you (Rom. 12:14). James tells us that the reason this is wrong is because we have all been made in God’s image. In other words, when we curse another person we are, in reality, attacking the very image of God.

Do not be proud (Rom. 12:16a). “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.” (C.S. Lewis)

Do not be conceited (Rom. 12:16b). Webster calls it “excessive appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue”. It makes everyone sick but the one who has it. Solomon said, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Prov. 26:12).

Do not repay anyone evil for evil (Rom. 12:17). Jesus says to turn the other cheek - “to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mat. 5:44). It’s a high standard but it’s what brings us nearer the Father’s perfection, and is that which He expects of us.

Do not take revenge (Rom. 12:19). This falls in the same category as the last one. No measure of vindictiveness or intent to hurt is acceptable. The best revenge is to not stoop to the same level. Paul says we need to leave this in God’s hands.

Do not be overcome by evil (Rom. 12:21). This really has a double sense: (1) following, as it does, after the last two verses, it can mean don’t let your response turn to evil, or (2) don’t let the evil you’ve experienced overcome you. You need to do good so that you will best survive that evil that has been done to you.

Full plate? The food is good!