Do you assume the best of others or the worst?
Perceive: There are all sorts of opportunities for men to demonstrate kindness to others including national leaders. In this case, David seeks to maintain diplomatic relations with the son of a loyal neighboring leader. The friendship between David and Nahash, the Ammonite king, most likely occurred because of a common hostility toward Saul (1 Samuel 11; 14:47). After receiving David's delegation, Hanun was suspicious that this act of kindness was a cover for some future military action. Furthermore, his young and unseasoned nobles interpreted the visit as an attempt to gather intelligence to (or “intending to”) attack Ammonite territory. Consequently, they humiliate these men by cutting off clothes and removing beards. This act was a huge insult in near eastern culture.
Practice: Clearly Hanun and his nobles misread David’s intentions. David acted in kindness, while Hanun acted out of suspicion. When we have a track history of bad experiences, it may make it easy to be overly suspicious of others. Consequently, we end up questioning every move and second-guessing every motive. Jesus said, “So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Do you assume the best or the worst in people?
Pray: Great and mighty God, give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand the people You bring into my life. I want to see them as You see them.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: Clearly Hanun and his nobles misread David’s intentions. David acted in kindness, while Hanun acted out of suspicion. When we have a track history of bad experiences, it may make it easy to be overly suspicious of others. Consequently, we end up questioning every move and second-guessing every motive. Jesus said, “So be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Do you assume the best or the worst in people?
Pray: Great and mighty God, give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand the people You bring into my life. I want to see them as You see them.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
RSS Feed