Today’s Podcast
Today’s Scriptures
Today’s Bible reading plans include:
Ready – 2 Samuel 19:24-40
Set – 2 Samuel 19; Matthew 28
Go! – 2 Samuel 19-20; Psalms 55; Matthew 28
2 Samuel 19:24-40
24 Mephibosheth, the lame grandson of Saul and son of David’s dear friend Jonathan, also made his way to meet the king. His feet had not been cared for—no, and his beard had grown long, and he had not had his clothes washed—since the king went into exile and returned in peace. 25 When he met the king in Jerusalem, the king received him.David: Why didn’t you go into exile with me, Mephibosheth?
Mephibosheth: 26 My lord, my servant Ziba tricked me. I asked him to saddle a donkey so that I could go with you—for you know I cannot walk. 27 He has told you lies about me, but my lord is like a heavenly messenger of God. So do what seems right to you, and I will accept it. 28 You had the right to kill everyone in my family when you became king, yet you took me to sit at your table. So it would be wrong for me to bicker over anything with you.
David: 29 Let’s not talk any more about this. I have decided that you and Ziba will share the land.
Mephibosheth: 30 My king, let him take it all. I’m just grateful you are back safely in your own palace and kingdom.
31 Barzillai from Gilead, who had fed the king’s forces, had come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan. 32 He was 80 years old and very wealthy, which is how he had been able to provide for the king while he was at Mahanaim.
David (to Barzillai): 33 Cross over with me, and come to Jerusalem. I’ll take care of you and give you a place of honor at my side.
Barzillai: 34 My king, how many years do I have left, that I should leave my home and relocate with the king to Jerusalem? I am too old for court life. 35 I am 80 years old today. My judgment is not as good as it used to be. I can’t taste my food, enjoy my drink, or even hear the pleasant singing of men and women. So why should you burden yourself with me, my lord and king? 36 I will travel a little farther with you across the Jordan, but you don’t owe me anything more for my hospitality. Why should you, my king, offer me such a handsome reward? 37 Please grant me your favor to return home, to die among my own people near the resting places of my parents. But do consider your servant Chimham. Let him come with you, and may you honor Chimham as you see fit.
David: 38 Chimham will cross the river with me, and I will treat him as seems good to you. Anything you want from me, I will do for you.
39 Then the king and all the people crossed over the Jordan. David kissed Barzillai and wished him well, and Barzillai returned home. 40 The king, along with Chimham, went on to Gilgal, accompanied by all the people of Judah and half the people of Israel.
Today’s Devotional
From today’s background scripture God might say:
David reaped the harvest of his sins. Two of his sons are dead. He returns to the throne from exile with questions from half the people of Israel as to whether he is fit to rule. Absalom won them over and they reluctantly put David back on the throne because their champion, Absalom, has been killed in battle. David almost loses his army because of his grief over his son. Had it not been for Joab’s advice, he would have lost his army and his throne.
But now, David makes his journey back toward Jerusalem. Mixed emotions flooded his mind. Much of what happened over the last several years he could see as a direct result of his actions. He served Me, but he made some significant blunders that cost him dearly. He came back repentantly, but he failed to relay to his children the importance of keeping My commands and the costs of not doing so.
David saw the dominoes falling in his family where he strayed from My commands. Don’t take foreign wives, they will lead you and your children astray. David stayed loyal to Me, but not his children. Remember, David ran the kingdom, but didn’t run his household. He married many women, had many children and let his wives and servants raise them.
What David does as he returns to Jerusalem, though, is worth noting. He remembers his friends. All those who helped him in his time of need, he rewards their kindness. They risked their lives for him and he didn’t forget. Some of the help was minor. Some major and dangerous. David remembered it all, however, and rewarded each one appropriately.
What am I trying to tell you through David’s difficulties and this glimpse into his life? First, don’t get yourself into his predicament. Live in line with My Spirit’s guidance and you won’t have the problem. Second, remember those who help you along the way. Third, and of utmost importance, don’t forget your children as you move through life. Teach them My ways. There’s a lot to learn from My word. Pick it up a read it. It’s good.
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.