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2 Samuel 15:1-17:14<\/strong><\/span> We have more sad readings today in Second Samuel!\u00a0 However, it is impressive to see David\u2019s countenance in the midst of all of the chaos going on around him.\u00a0 I love David\u2019s words in verses 10 through 12 when Shimei is cursing David: \u201cIf the LORD has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him? My own son is trying to kill me. Shouldn\u2019t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 That is incredible faith and humility!\u00a0 David says first that perhaps God has told Shimei to curse him, so why try to stop it.\u00a0 Then at the end David basically says if God has not told Shimei to curse him, then perhaps David will be blessed by God because of these wrongful curses.\u00a0 Great stuff!\u00a0 How do you act in your life today if someone is cursing you or wronging you?\u00a0 Do you act like David does here?\u00a0 With patience and wisdom?\u00a0 Or, do you \u201creact\u201d with anger and spite?\u00a0 Which is the better way to go?\u00a0 Below is a powerful image for 2 Samuel 15:23 today: \u201cThere was deep sadness throughout the land as the king and his followers passed by. They crossed the Kidron Valley and then went out toward the wilderness.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n At the end of today\u2019s readings we read about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David\u2019s concubines.\u00a0 To sleep with a king\u2019s wives or concubines was to make a claim to the throne.\u00a0 It is sad to read about this advice to commit a horrible act that is \u201cbeyond hope of reconciliation\u201d,<\/em> as verse 21 says in today\u2019s readings.\u00a0 I read a commentary that said Ahithophel advises Absalom to do this horrible act so that all of Israel will hear<\/span> about it.\u00a0 Well, Absalom is in such a deep state of sin and wickedness at this point that he wanted Israel to also see<\/span> that he was commiting this sin by setting the tent up on the palace roof.\u00a0 It is striking to me to see David\u2019s humility toward Shimei\u2019s curses in today\u2019s readings versus Absalom\u2019s complete pride and rebellion.\u00a0 See what unchecked sin can do in a life?\u00a0 Do you think Absalom knew he was going the Wrong Way?\u00a0 Or was he blinded by sin?\u00a0 In a couple of days we\u2019ll read about where the Wrong Way leads Absalom\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s Second Samuel readings titled \u201cA Friend in Need or the Trail of Tears\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship God:<\/strong> Our readings today in 2nd Samuel reminded me of Delirious\u2019 song \u201cWhat a friend I\u2019ve found:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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