Dealing With the Aftermath of a Bad Leader
II Samuel 2
So, Israel's first king turned out to be a dismal failure. David handles the transition beautifully. He doesn't slander Saul or his followers. They've suffered enough, been disillusioned and seen their hopes crushed. His response reminds me of Lincoln's after the Civil War--comforting the losers and promising to rebuild. David lets it be known that he is pleased with the men who stole Saul's body from the Philistines. He doesn't tell them they were wrong to serve Saul, simply that it is over now and that he has been anointed king by the men of Judah.
David has learned his lesson from his liason with Achish. This time he inquires of the Lord whether he should go into Judah or not, and where. He doesn't rush into the opportunity pell-mell.
David must have been genuinely sad at Saul's death (certainly at Jonathan's), but also elated because at last he was no longer an outlaw! Finally he could live safely in his own country.
What a great lesson to us to be gracious to those led astray by sinful leaders. We ought not condemn but restore. When we finally "get our day in court" and come up on top, we ought not to gloat or seek to get back at others. I think of Germany after WWI...because they were treated unmercifully for their belligerence, they grew hopeless and bitter. This led them to be open to the leading of an evil man like Hitler, who played on their feelings of hopelessness and loss of national pride. The Allies learned from this mistake in WWII, and made deliberate efforts to restore Germany. Going after our "pound of flesh" only begets more hatred, more wounds. The problem is made worse. Punishment of someone according to every jot and tittle of the law leaves us all in hopelessness. Vengeance is the Lord's, and see how He dealt with us in mercy.
Mercy gives hope and allows others to change.
So, Israel's first king turned out to be a dismal failure. David handles the transition beautifully. He doesn't slander Saul or his followers. They've suffered enough, been disillusioned and seen their hopes crushed. His response reminds me of Lincoln's after the Civil War--comforting the losers and promising to rebuild. David lets it be known that he is pleased with the men who stole Saul's body from the Philistines. He doesn't tell them they were wrong to serve Saul, simply that it is over now and that he has been anointed king by the men of Judah.
David has learned his lesson from his liason with Achish. This time he inquires of the Lord whether he should go into Judah or not, and where. He doesn't rush into the opportunity pell-mell.
David must have been genuinely sad at Saul's death (certainly at Jonathan's), but also elated because at last he was no longer an outlaw! Finally he could live safely in his own country.
What a great lesson to us to be gracious to those led astray by sinful leaders. We ought not condemn but restore. When we finally "get our day in court" and come up on top, we ought not to gloat or seek to get back at others. I think of Germany after WWI...because they were treated unmercifully for their belligerence, they grew hopeless and bitter. This led them to be open to the leading of an evil man like Hitler, who played on their feelings of hopelessness and loss of national pride. The Allies learned from this mistake in WWII, and made deliberate efforts to restore Germany. Going after our "pound of flesh" only begets more hatred, more wounds. The problem is made worse. Punishment of someone according to every jot and tittle of the law leaves us all in hopelessness. Vengeance is the Lord's, and see how He dealt with us in mercy.
Mercy gives hope and allows others to change.
posted by Emily at 6:54 PM
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