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R³ Devotional - Day 139

R³ Devotional - Day 139 - 2 Samuel Chapters 19-21

Being a leader is just plain hard! And being a leader does not make you exempt from pain, suffering or consequences.  David shows us this is 2 Samuel 19-21.

Chapter 19: The war is over, and we find David mourning for the loss of his son Absalom.  He lets this grief consume him and people began to notice.  Joab tells him that he has to pull it together! Joab reminds David that the work done by the army should be celebrated, not overshadowed by grief for someone who actually was in rebellion.  David realizes he is right and gets back to work.  He asks Judah to take him back as King.  He then replaces Joab as the leader with Amasa. Ultimately, Joab kills Amasa, proving he is not a man of honor.

Chapter 21 shows us that a 3 year famine has struck the land due to sin committed by Saul.  David, the leader, has now inherited the consequences of this.   He tries to appease the Gibeonites by sacrificing seven of Saul's descendants, including two sons of Rizpah and five sons of Merab, but sparing Mephibosheth due to his covenant with Jonathan.  

Real: Life principles- What truths or principles are found in this passage?

In our lives, there are always consequences for sin- whether you are the person sitting in a pew or the pastor up front.  Our choices have consequences.  Sin will always have a price, and sometimes the price is paid by others into the future.  We must trust God to keep the books- it is not our job to measure the sin of others- we have enough of our own to watch for.

Relevant:  Life Applications- How can this be applied?

Sin is a lot like credit card debt. A small charge here, a big purchase there…next thing you know, you have a debt you can’t pay off anytime soon!  We must consider ours debts (sins) and understand what it takes not to accrue them.  Self discipline, denial of immediate gratification, and humility- these can help protect us from ourselves and our desires.  David shows us throughout his life that he struggled with sins of many kinds.  He was just like us.  He lusted, he coveted, he lied, and he acted without seeking God’s direction at times.   We are alike.  We all need a savior.

Ready:  Life Actions- How will you apply this?

Pray that God shows you how to live for Him in all aspects of your life- as you work, as you lead, as you grieve, as you celebrate.  Ask Him to work through you for His glory.

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