Reading 1 - 2Sa 16:5
"As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul's family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out" (2Sa 16:5).
In these verses (vv 5-14), there are many types of and comparisons with the trials of Christ:
Shimei (of Benjamin: like Saul, and Saul of Tarsus?) curses David as he is led outside the camp to suffer (notice: there is Kedron: 2Sa 15:23; and Olivet: 2Sa 15:30).
David, being forgiven (and thus sinless), accepts this rebuke quietly -- as coming from God.
His followers beg permission to attack his accusers, but he refuses (cp Mat 26:52).
David shows no violence or anger: he is like a "lamb" led dumb to the slaughter.
"The scene is one we would do well to carry in our hearts -- Shimei's violent language and the flying stones, and David's silent, disciplined army marching towards Jericho, with their king humbled in their midst. Another, greater than David, 'who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth,' would bear a greater reproach outside the walls of Jerusalem. When reviled, he would not threaten but would commit himself to Him that judgeth righteously. [1Pe 2:21-25] Twelve legions of angels would be his servants, but not one of them would silence those who cursed the Son of God. Christ's submission before undeserved cursing and bitterness was part of the triumph of his spirit" (Harry Tennant, "The Man David" 169).
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FORGIVENESS AND CONSEQUENCES:
Bro Robert Prins; Thinky Things
Have you ever asked, why do bad things happen to people when God is good?
David was having a bad time. His life, his kingdom, and all those he loved were under threat. They had been exiled from Jerusalem and were exhausted in the desert.
It was all happening because of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. When David realized his sin, God forgave him. But the consequences of his sin would still follow. God told David that, "Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel." And also, "The sword shall never depart from your house". (2Sam 12:10,11-12)
The prophecy of the consequence of David]'s sin was coming to pass. Absalom brought the sword to David's house, he slept with his wives and turned friends into enemies.
Sin is nasty. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be forgiven from our sins. It is a wonderful blessing to be forgiven. But we still have to live with the consequences of our actions. This is one reason that bad things happen. Let us learn a lesson form David's life and live Godly lives free from sin.
Reading 2 - Jer 20:18
"Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?" (Jer 20:18).
Was I born to see trouble and sorrow? YES! That is the very reason why you were born. Trial is not proof that God does not exist; it is proof that He DOES exist! Trial is one means by which God prepares character.
Reading 3 - Rom 5:2-4
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom 5:2-4).
If I can be sure, when the time finally comes for the Great High Priest to return from the Most Holy Place bringing the final blessing.... that I'll still be here, waiting at my post, rejoicing in the tribulations which I endure, and having learned patience... real PATIENCE... enough for a lifetime, of broken hearts and broken dreams [sounds like a country western song, doesn't it?], of hurt feelings, of resentments, of disappointments, of bitterness, of ailments and illnesses, of the gradual and insidious decline of all my human powers, and the frustrations of coming short time and again of what I would like to be, but can't quite be, of asking forgiveness for the 490th time for the same sins, of forgiving others for the same number of times.... without throwing up my hands and walking away from the door of the temple. Out into the howling waste of a wilderness of snakes and scorpions -- where there is no hope and no life and no love... the wilderness where Judas went, and Cain, and Saul, and a million others -- who could not truly believe that the High Priest was coming to bring them the last great blessing. Yes, if I can only wait, and persevere... long enough.... then "I WILL BE saved" will turn into "I AM saved"! God give me strength enough to wait... that long.
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