Vendettas and violence: What has happened to peace and mercy?

 

                                                 A downward spiral of revenge

                                             Is God is good and merciful?    

                        

                                                                                          PSALM 3

                            

                         

King David had many wives, and  a court dominated by his sons and courtiers. They vied for the king’s favour, but Absalom’s handsome features and charm elevated him above over his peers.

 

“You’re a moonstruck pup, Amnon. If you desire Tamar, entice her to join you in the kitchen and insist that she bake you bread. When she has it ready, ask her to bring it to your room and fill the air with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread.”

 Amnon, King David’s son, reveled in his cousin’s wicked scheme, unable to control his burning lust. He went after Tamar, Absalom’s half-sister, and forced himself on her, but then he grew mad and dumped her outside his door. Ashamed and destroyed, she fled for shelter in Absalom’s house. This incestuous crime infuriated King David, but he did nothing to punish Amnon or restore the reputation of his daughter, Tamar. Absalom brewed on the violation of his sister for two years before seeking revenge. He invited Amnon to a party, ordered his henchmen to intoxicate him, overpower and kill him.

                              It didn’t relieve Absalom’s anger toward his father, the king.

 His resentment towards his father festered from anger into bitter contempt. The king had denied Absalom access to the royal court after Amnon’s murder. He became bitter enough to seize the throne by stealing the people’s loyalty. Seekers of justice would meet him on the road to the city gate.

 “Where do you come from?”

“I come from an Israelite tribe.”

 “You have a valid claim, but there is no one to hear your complaint. If I was the judge of the land, I would ensure justice for everyone!”

              His handsome appearance and charm deceived the people and won their hearts.

 After four years, he went to the king.

  “May I go to Hebron to worship the Lord? I want to fulfill my vow.”

“Go in peace.”

It was a trick to take the throne. When David heard Absalom had usurped him, he fled from Jerusalem, leaving the palace to his concubines. Absalom invaded the palace and ravished them.

 A battle ensued. As Absalom rode through the forest, he caught his flowing locks on a tree branch and hanged himself. Although David had pleaded with his general to go easy on the prince, he ran his sword through the prince and slayed him.

 David releases his distress about the battle in Psalm 3.

As a young man, he’d fled from Saul. Now he was fleeing from his son. Had he focused on his kingly responsibilities at the expense of his household?

 He is not alone. When family issues rear their ugly heads, it’s easier to bury ourselves in work or deny existing problems. When they escalate, the consequences can be lifelong.

 David’s story carries the hallmarks of a soap opera: a royal family, an incestuous scandal, an in house murder and civil war. Who would comfort David?

   Lord, how many are my foes! They rise against me!

 As Absalom had harnessed support, David sensed danger.

  Many are saying about me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head. Selah.

 What inspired David’s confidence in the Lord’s deliverance? He knew God had anointed him king and established his throne. The Lord would protect him because he promised David an eternal kingdom and lineage from which the Messiah would descend.

 David placed his trust in God because he’d experienced the Lord’s power.

 I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

 The Lord lived with his people, establishing his name on the hill where Solomon would build God’s temple, and David relied on God’s promise.

 I lie down and sleep. I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear, though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God. Strike my enemies on the jaw: break the teeth of the wicked.

 Is there a rift in your family which you can’t mend?

         Has someone you love accused or betrayed you?

                 Whom do you trust?

                    Is panic driving you to despair?

                       Can’t sleep because your mind rages?

 

David’s ability to sleep in the open countryside, ignorant of his enemies’ whereabouts, implies he recognized God’s presence in his life. He awoke the next morning because the Lord had sustained him, and he’d learned to trust in God. Do you remember when the Lord delivered you? Saved you from a car accident or found you a job? Jesus promised to be with us always, and he’s true to his word. As we read David’s third psalm, let’s adopt his courage and faith in the same eternal God who loves us as he loved David. This king’s failures didn’t change God’s love for him. If we confess our sin, God will forgive us, surround us and give us another chance. Whatever or whoever opposes us, we may rely on the Lord’s deliverance at his appointed time.

 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

 

I love David’s concern for his people. Our families, our friends  and ourselves need God’s blessing, and we should pray for them and ourselves When we struggle, pray about your distress. God has honored many a mother’s prayers, led their children to salvation and restored peace. Wait on the Lord.