Read: 2 Samuel 3-4; Proverbs 22.17-29
Verses chosen for mediation: 2 Samuel 4:9-12
9 But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, "As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, 10 when one told me, 'Behold, Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?" 12 And David commanded his young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hanged them beside the pool at Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner at Hebron.
Reflect:
This is the second time the enemy of David presented to him what they thought was a favour. The first time was in 2 Samuel Chapter 1, when the Amalekite told David that he had put an end to Saul’s dying life. The Amalekite brought David the crown and armlet of Saul; as proof of his death and solicit some form of reward. However, David executed the Amalekite for what he had done to Saul. Despite of what Saul had done, David still regarded him as the anointed King and believed that no one, except the very hand of God should come to him.
This second time, the servants of Ish-bosheth and Abner presented David with the “good news” that they had killed their master Ish-bosheth. Once again, these two persons, Rechab and Baanah thought they could be rewarded with some favor from David. They must have recgonised that Ish-bosheth’s cause was lost with the death of his general Abner. Hence, chose to betray their own master. Once again, David would have none of such unrighteousness. These two men were also executed.
While many would rejoice at the downfall of their enemies; David was more concerned with whether things are being done in the right way. As compared to the unrighteous manner of which the Amalekite, Rechab and Baanah had tried to achieve their objectives; David sought the Lord in all that he did. Hence, even as people served him the heads of his enemies on a platter, David did not rejoice but chose to do what was good and right.
Relate
We live in a world where the ends are often used to justify the means. As long as the end is achieved, there are times when the world ignores or try to justify whatever means used to achieve it. So even as such means are unrighteous, they are deemed as “necessary” since the end is seen as serving the greater good. This was probably what many politicians think when they try to justify signing off a war to conquer another nation. Or to send more arms to escalate a civil war because they were trying to protect oil resources. This was probably what many companies think when they resort to unethical marketing to boost sales as they had to give the best to the thousands of employees they hired.
Quite a few years ago, I was involved in a training where a movie was shown. Among other things, the movie portrayed a Christian having an ethical dilemma. The dilemma was whether she should concede to a drug lord’s sexual request in exchange for prohibited drugs that could cure many lives in the village. In the end, the Christian gave in. The trainer then ask what we think of such an act. Is it ethical for the Christian to do so? Does the end justify the means. I remember then that several of us thought it was a tough decision to make. However, the Bible is clear upon how we should treat our own bodies and God would have provided other ways. To our surprise, the trainer seemed upset that we think this way. He seemed to think that the Christian in the movie had done the right thing.
To this day, I cannot agree with the trainer. First of all, it was the use of a unique (and even fictitious situation) to try to solicit an ethical principle. This is not how ethical reasoning should be done. Secondly, if we think that such an ethical principle can be applied across the board whenever similar situations arise; then I think the world will be a very unsafe and corrupt place to live in. For everyone, including those of the Lord, will count the end as more important than the means. This will give rise to all sorts of power mongering with the excuse that only the end matter. I thank God that we have an example in King David that we need not view things in this way. Instead, we should always go to the Lord for discernment, and go where ever the Lord leads us, and especially through the unchanging principles of His word.
Rest
Lord our God, help us as your children to do things differently as compared to the world. Help us to stand for what is righteous every step of the way. This is so that the world can see that believing in You is definitely the right thing to do. This we pray in Jesus Name. Amen.
Jason
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