how do you feel when someone curses you?
Perceive: Continuing with his escape plans, David and his entourage encounter Shimei. Shimei, a member of the house of Saul, displays severe hatred and abhorrence for David by cursing his life and pelting his body. It is interesting to note that Ziba told lies, and Shimei threw stones, both made the situation worse. The ever so brash warrior Abishai was ready and willing to kill Shimei, but David restrained him. David believed God was speaking through Shimei as he was reaping the consequences of the sins he had sown in the past. Although in a difficult spot at this point in his life, David was trusting that God would deliver justice to the likes of his rebellious son Absalom, and the loudmouth Shimei.
Practice: David’s attitude was one of submission when he allowed Shimei to call him names and throw things at him. Surrounded by his mighty men, he lives out what he previously shared that he would accept anything the Lord sent to him (15:26). His behavior is a wonderful testimony of a man who trusts in the Lord. In a Christ-like manner, he restrains from retaliation, and entrusts his situation into the hands of God. In the New Testament, Peter writes, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23). So should all of us.
Pray: Great and Mighty God, enable me to be a man who rightly sees when to act and when not to react to insults from my enemies.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: David’s attitude was one of submission when he allowed Shimei to call him names and throw things at him. Surrounded by his mighty men, he lives out what he previously shared that he would accept anything the Lord sent to him (15:26). His behavior is a wonderful testimony of a man who trusts in the Lord. In a Christ-like manner, he restrains from retaliation, and entrusts his situation into the hands of God. In the New Testament, Peter writes, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23). So should all of us.
Pray: Great and Mighty God, enable me to be a man who rightly sees when to act and when not to react to insults from my enemies.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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