Day 243 - 1 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 15-19)
And David said, “I will deal kindly with Hanun the son of Nahash, for his father dealt kindly with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to console him. But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away; and they departed. When David was told concerning the men, he sent messengers to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.” (1 Chronicles 19:2-5 ESV)
David’s act of kindness was rewarded with humiliation meant to insult the king. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gone the extra mile in helping someone only to have them kick you in the teeth later on? I have, several times. And guess what? I still plan to go on helping people.
For every Hanun, there are plenty of others who truly appreciate Christian kindness expressed towards them. Paul encourages us in this same direction with these thoughts:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)
Perhaps your willingness to “take it” for Jesus’ sake will move the “humiliator” to listen to Jesus and become a forgiven sinner, too!
Lord Jesus, help me to understand that humiliation and disappointment are just a part of following You. I praise You and thank You for the humiliation of Your suffering on the cross that purchased my salvation. Amen.
Keep doing good deeds for Jesus today!
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment