2
Samuel chapter 19 reminds us that everyone loves a winner. When King
David was on the run from his adversary, he found few supporters, but
now that Absalom was dead the whole world is fighting to win his
approval. The chapter begins with faithful Joab coming to the king,
who was still mourning his son’s death, to remind him of his
responsibility to those that remained loyal to him. “Now
go out and encourage your men“.
“He
won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as though they were one
man“.
They sent word to the king, “Return,
you and all your men.”
“Then
the king returned and went as far as the Jordan“.
So here is David ready to return to the throne, and just on the
other side of the Jordan River, he waited for those who will come to
embrace him as God’s anointed King.
There
are three different groups represented; those that rejected him,
those that were loyal to him and those that are new to serving him.
“Now
the men of Judah had come to… meet the king and bring him across
the Jordan...
When
Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the
king”. Remember,
this was the man who tormented David by cursing and throwing dirt and
rocks. “May
my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did
wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem… I have sinned,
but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph
to come down and meet my lord the king.”
He could be just saying the right words to save his own life, but
King David accepted his plea. The king even promised him on oath,
“You
shall not die.”
Next up was Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan. Remember
David was told he too had sided with the usurper. In tender words,
David asked him, “Why
didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?”
He answered, “My
lord the king… Ziba my servant betrayed me. And he has slandered
your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel
of God… you gave your servant a place among those who eat at your
table.
Without hesitation, the king restored him again, “Why
say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the fields.”
Then finally, and old man named Barzillai who had provided comfort
to David while on the run came. He presented his son as a new loyal
servant to David. The king said, “Kimham
shall cross over with me… And anything you desire from me I will do
for you.”
Note
that the king left Israel shamed and despised, but in his return, he
is praised. The King does not force himself on anyone, but accepts
all who came to him to be restored. He rejected no one. Jesus
Christ is waiting for His return to reign and rule. He accepts all
who come to Him in repentance and he rejects no one, but not all will
acknowledge Him as God. In Mark chapter 13, Jesus taught about His
return and left a warning for all to be ready. “But
of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor
the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do
not know when the time is.”
Are you ready?