THURSDAY 4 August, 2016
The King’s Speech
Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.” - 2 Samuel 19:7
Joab insisted, no doubt for his own benefit, that David make a speech before the people. David had experienced adversity from his youth; but worst things could happen if he did not quickly stabilize the situation. The people needed to see their king’s strength and courage. They looked to him for comfort; they loved him and his words of encouragement would lift their sorrowful spirits. But still in grief, how would the king cope?
It is true that a leader needs to remain strong in the face of difficulty. But how should we treat victory, when there is so much suffering? I believe with all my heart that is when we need to be at the foot of the cross. Why? At that place there was great suffering but in Christ’s resurrection, there was also great victory.
Jesus taught us how to embrace both suffering and victory. First, He left these words of comfort for his sorrowful disciples:
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions;if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3).
Second, Jesus set His face as flint as He went to Jerusalem; where he would be arrested and crucified (Luke 9:51). Third, He retained His joy:
…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross… (Hebrews 12:2).When suffering and victory bleed together never lose your joy.
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lordis your strength.
~Nehemiah 8:10~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!