July 7th, 2025
GOOD DEED TURNS DISASTROUS.
David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun just as his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent ambassadors to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death. But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!” So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.
(2 Sam.10.2-4.NLT)
Why did David send his officers on condolence visit? The answer is probably in 2 Samuel 17:27-29.
How often have we also experienced the same rejection and probably disgrace because we visited relatives, 'friends', colleagues, church members but were coldly treated? (Like who invited you attitude). Unable to react there and then, we vowed never again we will be subjected to such humiliation. This sparks generational feud. Why?
Because of bias, suspicion, lack of trust, and the inability to establish the true reason/s before action.
Jacob called his son Joseph to take food provisions to his brothers and assess their welfare (Genesis 37:14). It was a move he regretted for almost all his life. Joseph's brothers tried to kill him but later sold him as a slave. Joseph later concluded; "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." (Gen.50.20.NLT)
BUT the pain and anguish of Jacob! The guilt the brothers carried in their hearts for years! The suffering Joseph endured! All because they could not let go of the past.
The Ammonites and the Syrians paid a heavy price for their actions too. ".....This time David’s forces killed 700 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army." (2 Sam.10.18.NLT). They eventually surrendered to David and served him (vs 19). Likewise, Joseph's brothers surrendered to him.
One may never know the price we pay for suspicion, hatred, unforgiveness, false conclusions, but it is inevitable. "Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses." (Prov.10.12.NLT)
THE WORD: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Rom.12.9-10.NIV)
KBA Tracts
Follow KBA Tracts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19kNSm3rt7/
www.kbatracts.com.ng
.jpeg)
0 Comments