FRIDAY 26 August, 2016
Words that Cause Division
Just then all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, “Why have our brethren, the men of Judah, stolen you away and brought the king, his household, and all David’s men with him across the Jordan?” - 2 Samuel 19:41
Earlier, David had successfully united all the twelve tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5). But now within the tribes of Israel we begin to see the strained tension building over David’s reinstatement as king. Israel, the Northern Kingdom was located in Tel Dan; Judah the Southern kingdom, had their capital in Jerusalem.
The accusation brought against Judah was that they had stolen away the king for themselves. Although the kingdom would remain united under David and throughout the reign of Solomon; eventually under Rehoboam, one of Solomon’s sons and Jeroboam, who served the king, a sharp division would cause the two sides to split (1 Kings 12).
Proverbs 15:1 gives us wisdom when these difficult occasions happen:A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Even Jesus, had the meekness to handle the Jews who not only hurled false accusations at Him but they also wanted to kill Him. He would often just walk away: “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?”…Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple… and so passed by (John 8:48, 59).
Seriously, how often is a home, city or nation divided over someone who has caused a division? How we need to be careful with our words. When harsh words of accusation are spoken; it is so very easy to retaliate in anger. Chuck Smith, set the best example when he faced accusations. He never, ever retaliated––he would give people so many chances.
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand…
~Matthew 12:25~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!