The war between David and Absalom has wrecked havoc on the nation. No one knows which way is up any more. So, David did what a good king does, he rallied the people. He returned their confidence & he settled his nation. Then David has a few meeting with some of his subjects. You can read the encounters for yourself - but what I take out of these accounts is that David treated people in the same matter that God treats us. Basically, he followed the golden rule. He forgave those that sought forgiveness, he thanked those that stayed loyal, and above all, he listened to the needs of others and made decisions based on their welfare rather than his own.
That's really all we are asked to do - treat others the way we want to be treated. Offer the same compassion, forgiveness, and mercy that God offers to us. This is how to truly excel at relationships.
The passage ends with the people of Judah and the people of Israel bickering over David. This discord will continue to fester until the kingdoms finally divide. I think this passage stands in direct contrast to the passage before it. David followed the golden rule, these people are only looking out for themselves. Interesting how the golden rule leads to peace, selfishness leads to war. Hmmmm
No comments:
Post a Comment