Fault Has Limits

“And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.” (2Sa 14:21 AV)

Joab came to David and had a discussion about the banishment of Absalom.  Absalom, because of his unauthorized judgement upon his half-brother, Amnon, had to flee to his grandfather’s house in Gezur.  Absalom had Amnon killed because he raped Tamar.  David, after two years, had not dealt with it.  Why is chose not to we can only surmise.  Perhaps he felt unqualified after his affair with Bathsheba.  Perhaps he was giving Amnon some time to reconsider marrying Tamar so as not to disgrace them both.  Whatever the case, David felt responsible for Absalom’s situation.  Perhaps a bit too responsible.

David did suffer from a lack of moral credibility.  He had an affair with Bathsheba that now came back as a fault which Absalom perhaps used to justify his own actions.  Then there was the fact that David was the one who sent Tamar to Amnon in the first place.  He was naïve at the intentions of Amnon.  Not judging Amnon in the first place was a fault.  At least one that Absalom took as a fault.  We know that David was comforted that justice came to Amnon.  What David did do was to take all the blame for Absalom’s rebellion.  Absalom acted in an arena of which he was not allowed.  If he wanted justice, he should have asked for it rather than to take it in hand himself.  David blamed his lack of judgement as the reason for Absalom’s situation.  Perhaps he took way too much of the blame.

As leaders, we are not perfect.  Whether a parent, pastor, or politician, we are not without our faults.  Perhaps we give some cause for the rebellion of those under us.  What one must remember is these faults may be and excuse of the rebellious, but it is not a reason.  They are rebels not because of our failures.  Rather, they are rebels because it is in their heart to be so.  Yet, every rebel wishes to justify his rebellion on the faults of those whom are over them.  The funny thing is, when they become authority figures, those under them will do the same.  Sure, perhaps we could have made better judgments.  Sure, perhaps we could have been more faithful or consistent.  Sure, perhaps we could have shown more love.  Ultimately, however, the choice belongs to the individual.  Would things have turned out differently?  Probably not.  For if it was not one fault, it would have been another that would give the rebel and excuse for his behavior.  Take upon oneself only that fault that rightly belongs to you.  Not that which belongs to another.

Tarry At Jericho

“When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.” (2Sa 10:5 AV)

Jericho was an interesting place.  One of the first city to fall to the Hebrews when they entered Canaan, it was cursed by the words of Joshua because of the inhabitants that dwelled therein.  It was cursed in the sense there was nothing redeemable within its walls accept Rahab and her family.  All other persons and material wealth were seen as cursed and nothing to be taken as a spoil.  Joshua further curse the site by stating if it was to be rebuilt, the man responsible would lose his firstborn and youngest in the process.  This did not forebear the building of the city.  Just in doing so it would cause heartache in the process.

The city of Jericho was actually a beautiful place.  The name means ‘place of fragrance’.  It was a fenced city in the midst of a vast grove of palm trees.  Five miles from the river Jordan, it was the primary city of the eastern border of Palestine.  A miracle occurred there that sums up the purpose of this city.  There was a school of the prophets there and the water which they needed was bitter and undrinkable.  Elisha was able to restore the water by miraculously casting a certain herb into the well.  Jericho was a cursed city restored to usefulness at the cost of something dear.  It was the place those who were cast out either by actions of their own, or by the prejudice of others, to be restored to usefulness among God’s people.  It is this city in which those sent by David were shamed by Hanun, king of the Ammonites went until their beards were grown.

Sometimes, the saint is temporary hindered in his usefulness to God’s people.  Sometimes, it is not of his own making.  Maybe his or her spouse was unfaithful, resulting in a dissolved marriage.  Perhaps a saint suffers financial catastrophe due to an unpredictable circumstance.  Or, maybe it was a result of poor judgement.  Perhaps it as a false accusation that put a saint’s usefulness on hold.  The cause does not matter.  Time for healing does.  There is no shame is seeking a Jericho.  A place and time when one can allow the grace of God to restore circumstances of service.  However, there are things that must be done in Jericho.  The school of the prophets still functioned.  There was still training and preparation.  There were till avenues of service to the LORD.  They were merely different.  Everyone will need a Jericho from time to time.  Tarry there.  Listen.  Learn. Grow.

For The People's Sake

“And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.” (2Sa 5:12 AV)

It is important to remember that God gives the increase for the sake of the people and not for the leader whom God is using.  The purpose for exalting the kingdom was not for the king.  It was for the people’s sake.  David had every reason to fall to the temptation of a leader’s ego.  He was the first successful leader since Moses and Joshua.  Since that time, there was one failed leader after another.  The leadership of the book of Judges was limited.  There were little military conquests after Joshua’s death.  At best, the judges maintained the status quo and rescued Israel from time to time.  But there were no real victories.  Saul was a bust.  Now comes a king who would walk after God’s own heart.  And, God was blessing Israel because of it. David had every reason to believe the kingdom was increased because and for his own ambition.  But this is not so.  It was increased that the people of God might benefit from it.

I have had the privilege of serving in all sorts of ministries under all sorts of leaders.  I have also had the privilege of being an observer of many other ministries that were above average in numbers and impact.  It is obvious to the casual observer what motivates the leader whom God is using.  It is easy to note when a larger church is driven by ministry opportunity compared to those driven by shear numbers or influence.  It comes across in how they relate towards those to whom they are ministering and those on the outside looking in.  It is not very difficult to discern when a ministry is all about itself verse all about the opportunity to help others along their walk of faith with the LORD.  Those who are more interested in size and influence often are long-sighted to the exclusion of the details needed to build a healthy work.  The details of ministry are not as important as the larger vision.  One the other hand, the ministry that is interested in the health of the individual will focus its energy on ministry that assists in growing the sheep from the individual outward.

I have had several pastors along my decades of experience.  Many of whom pastored me through my years of ministry preparation.  Most of them had one thing in common.  They were far more interested in preparing me for service and sending me out than trying to keep me so that I could help them build their kingdom.  One in particular made it a point to expose me to opportunity and training pointing me to the door.  He didn’t want me to stay.  He wanted me to go and he considered it a privilege at being a part of my life that would result in service to the LORD.  This is a pastor who realizes the increase of the kingdom is for the sake of God’s people and not his own ego.  This is the foundation of a true godly leader.  A character trait all of God’s men should strive for.

It Must End

“Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?” (2Sa 2:26 AV)

At some point, this war has to stop.  This is Abner’s point.  Total destruction is not the point of war.  This reminds me of Paul’s words in Galatians.  “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Ga 5:15 AV) Paul’s point was valid.  If there is a disagreement among God’s people, sometimes it has to be worked out.  The process may be a bit uncomfortable and maybe even a little volatile.  But it needs to be worked out.  When it is, though, be sure all are left standing.  Abner was stating the same thing.  Joab was pursuing Abner because Abner killed Joab’s brother Asahel in self-defense.  This killing has to stop.  If not, it will only end in bitterness.  This ought not to be so.

I have had my share of experiences in churches that seemed to be in the state of dysfunction.  It is necessary, sometimes, for disagreements to elevate to a level of volatility for the sake of a concrete position on the issue causing confrontation to rise to the top and become the dominate position.  This does not mean the end result was God’s intention.  All it reveals is the general feeling or position of the strongest subgroup of a larger group.  It does not prove who was right and who was wrong.  All it does is clarify.  There are two observations we can make here.  First, the problem was created because there were two loyalties.  One to the house of Saul.  The other to David.  Peace did not come until there was unity around a single leader.  Right or wrong, disagreements abate when there is a central authority that can unite both sides.  This is why the Bible instructs us to submit to those who have the rule over us.  Pastoral authority is essential to church unity.  The church that does not believe in pastoral authority is the church that often suffers strife.  The second is equally important.  If strife continues, bitterness become the end result.  At some point, the strife must cease.  If it does not, there will be nothing left but hard feelings.

The Bible tells us, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps 133:1 AV) This is impossible when all want to lead and no one wants to follow.  David was the ordained king of Israel.  Ishbosheth was not.  He believed he was entitled by right of succession.  The problem is God’s will.  The people had their way.  The result was Saul.  Now, God gets His way.  When these battles occur, whether in a church or family, let us be sure we understand there is a point of no return.  A point when one too many shots are fired and it will only result in bitterness without any hope of healing.

To The Faithful Go The Spoils

“For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” (1Sa 30:24 AV)

Faithfulness, and not function, is what determines blessings.  David had a total of six hundred men able to go to war.  When Ziklag was burned and their families lost, David and four hundred of his men pursued the Amalekites, while two hundred remained behind to guard what was left of their belongings.  The two hundred who were left behind were unable to go into battle because they were physically unable to do so.  It was not a heart issue.  It was a body issue.  When the four hundred returned from war, their wish was the two hundred be given their families back and sent on their way because they refused to aid in the battle.  David makes the statement above that no matter what contribution an individual makes towards the success of the campaign, they are entitled to reap the same benefits.

There was a struggle I went through as a young preacher many years ago.  When occasion would permit me to attend conferences at larger works, the temptation to admire preachers of larger works was common.  I would often see those men as giants of the faith of whom I would never measure up, and therefore, never be of any use to the LORD.  Furthermore, I remember thinking how much of God’s blessings I would miss because I could never accomplish what they were accomplishing.  Over the years, I have learned to get over that temptation.  The LORD gave me the privilege of serving with different types of leaders of various church sizes and settings.  From the larger urban church to the very small country church, the LORD taught me a lesson that I learned well.

It’s not the amount of talents one has, but rather, what ones does with what one has that makes the difference.  I have seen too many of God’s preachers look down on a small country church or a small inner city work as though it is inconsequential.  Shame on them.  I have seen several men who were discontented with where God had them serve and tried to make a work more than God intended for it to be.  They lost sight of the sheep in front of them for the hope of sheep they hoped would eventually come.  There are no prizes for the largest Sunday School class.  There is a bumper sticker that was often seen on many a car and truck.  It said, “The one who dies with the most toys, wins.”  That is not true when it comes to serving the LORD.  Whether one serves faithfully in the menial tasks of the church, or is front and center in the battle, the spoil is the same.  Whether one is a great soul winner, or a lowly custodian, the spoils are the same.   Whether in the public eye or in the privacy of the prayer closet, all those who fight the battle in the strength God gives enjoys the blessings because of their faithfulness.

Beware of the Let Down Following Victory

“And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.” (1Sa 27:1 AV)

This statement and following decision are contrary to the events that preceded them.  Just a few short verses earlier, David testifies to Saul of God’s promise and ability to keep him safe.  David and his servant Abishai went into the tent of Saul and Abner in the middle of the night and retrieved and sword and canteen.  They retreated to a safe distance and then addressed Saul and Abner.  They exhibited the sword and canteen.  Then David makes a true and remarkable statement.  He declares as he has acted in integrity by not stretching forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed (Saul), He, God would protect him (David).  Saul’s reaction would indicate that perhaps this time, Saul meant every word and would return to his palace, giving up his pursuit of David.  Yet, David is found reacting to this glorious victory by not believing his own statement of faith.  What happened?  Did David believe what he said or not?  Why flee to the Philistines seeking protection from Saul?  Why would he have any reason to fear Saul after such a declaration of God’s faithfulness?

It just so happens that after great personal and spiritual victories, there follows a time of anxiety and depression.  The victory was from the filling of the Holy Spirit and His ministry within our hearts.  After such a great experience, it is common to feel ‘used up’.  We feel emotionally depleted.  Like Elijah after he called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal, we are spent.  The very thing we stood against and defeated becomes a threat.  It doesn’t occur to us these victories can continue.  We see the victory as a one-time event.  A temporary injunction against the adversary, but not a total defeat.  This is normal.  What follows is the most important decision we will make.

David, instead of trusting in the very words he spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit, takes matters into his own hands and retreats to the Philistines.  Two things happen here.  He is almost forced into fighting with Achish, king of the Philistines against Israel.  God was with him and the princes of Gath would not allow it.  Second, while encamped to the east, his encampment was raided.  The families and belongings of the 600 men who followed David were pillaged.  These 600 men were completely discouraged and almost gave up following David.  Their resentment and criticism were relentless to the point David felt all alone.  All because David was anxious and depressed.   The application is clear.  Be on guard after a great victory.  Discouragement often follows.  When God does give the victory, take the time to rest before any more ground is sought.  Otherwise, we just might lose the ground we just gained.

Have More Faith for the Faithless

“And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.” (1Sa 23:17 AV)

Jonathan had more faith and optimism than David.  He wasn’t exactly right, but the promise was true nonetheless.  Saul would find David.  Several times.  Jonathan would not be next to David because Jonathan would die in battle with his father.  But the overall optimism was still true.  Saul would not kill David and Jonathan’s son would be in the company of David his entire ministry.  It is good to have a friend who is optimistic.  Even if his predictions of specifics will not come to pass, he has the optimism to know the God of all grace is still on the throne and that in the end, it will all work out.

We are one of two people in a relationship like this.  We are sometimes the encourager, and sometimes in need of encouragement.  It is wonderful to have a friend like this.  I have a good friend who seems to be one or the other at the opposite time I am the other.  When he needs encouragement, the LORD has put me in a place of gratitude so that I can encourage him.  When I am in need of being uplifted, he knows what to say and how to say it.  We are either ‘the glass is half full’ kind of person or ‘the glass is half empty’ kind of person.  We are either pessimistic or optimistic.  Sometimes, we can be predominately one or the other.  Yet we are almost never entirely one to the exclusion of the other.

It is beyond a blessing to have a Jonathan.  It is a necessity.  Jonathan is one of my favorite men of the Bible.  He had tremendous class.  He was the grown-up in the room.  He had more faith and optimism than David.  And definitely more maturity than his own father.  He knew his place and was not hesitant to sacrifice his life for the good of the nation and the glory of God.  Jonathan was there when his friend needed it.  He came to David.  David didn’t have to search him out.  Jonathan knew his friend was having a time and took the initiative to encourage his friend.  Personally, I believe David would not have been able to make it, at least emotionally and spiritually, without his brother-in-law Jonathan.  There are more rewards for Jonathan that meets the eye.  It was his personality and faith that saved a nation.  He didn’t have to sit on a throne to be used of God in ways that others would never match.  Who knows, the preacher or friend you encourage could be used to change your world and you would have had more of an impact than the one whom you are encouraging just by your faith and optimism.