January 31, 2014 2 Samuel 19:40-43 40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king, and also half the people of Israel. 41 Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, “Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David’s men with him across the Jordan?” 42 So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, “We have ten shares in the king; therefore we also have more right to David than you. Why then do you despise us—were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?” Yet the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. NKJV Fridays with David Now that Absalom’s rebellion has been put down, those who failed to side with David want to be seen welcoming him home. Understandably, those who took the risk in supporting him don’t want to share their well deserved credit. It’s an interesting political quagmire. The text doesn’t indicate David’s response, perhaps because he avoided responding altogether. David didn’t referee the question of “who supports me most.” His choice to stay out of the loyalty battle is wise advice for a leader. David knows who stood with him and will reward them in the future, but by being silent, he opens the door for those who failed to prove their loyalty. Insecure leaders can react swiftly toward those they believe are not perfectly loyal, but in doing so, they often appear to be self-focused and even petty. By rising above the moment, David didn’t mire himself in rash reaction. The truth about each man’s heart would show itself in time, and David would be able to take clear and supported action when it did. – Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:09:55 +0000