Read 2 Samuel 3-4 at Bible Gateway.
A few days ago we read in 1 Chr 10:11, that the LORD turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. David began by reigning in Hebron over the house of Judah only. The son of Saul reigned over the rest of the tribes of Israel. Today we read that there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David.
Notice that the LORD did not give David the kingdom in one day. However, David did not make war on the son of Saul, in order to try to take the kingdom from him, but the son of Saul made war on David, in order to try to regain the kingship over the house of Judah.
Now the Scripture says that David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. And yet David was defending Judah only, he was not attacking the rest of Israel. The strength which grew to David came from the favor and blessing of the LORD.
David understood that since the LORD was for him, he did not have to go out and make his kingship happen out of the strength of his own flesh. All he had to do was live in peace, following the ways of the LORD, and the LORD would bring His own purposes for David about in His own time. David was patient and waited upon the LORD.
Jesus reiterates this principle, that since God is for us, we do not have to fight others in order to advance ourselves and bring about God’s plan for our life. Jesus said if someone takes your cloak, give him your shirt too, and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles, and if someone strikes you on one cheek, offer him the other also (Mat 5:38-42).
Do you actually know anyone who lives this way, rather than fighting for what is theirs by right? Why does Jesus tell us to live our lives this way, of not resisting one who is evil? I am not sure, but this the way Abraham lived: he also lived by relinquishing rights, as did Isaac. So when David refused to fight the house of Saul, and continued to show honor to the house of Saul, and continued to punish those who murdered members of the house of Saul thinking that they were doing David a favor, God made it so that David grew stronger and stronger.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa 55:8-9
Leave a Reply