Scripture

Shimei…from the same clan as Saul’s family.. threw stones at the king and the king’s officers…shouting, “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” 

~2 Samuel 16:5-7, NLT

Quote

How much grace is required to bear a misunderstanding humbly and graciously?

~A.B. Simpson

Have you ever been accused of something that you did not do; perhaps something that never even entered your mind? Our normal response to false accusations is to defend ourselves and our reputations. Like a snake, we coil up and strike. Shimei, the Ernest T. Bass of the Old Testament, was throwing rocks at King David and yelling insults and curses. David’s nephew ask permission to go cut off Shimei’s head but David chewed him out for asking. David’s instruction was, “Leave him alone, let him curse, the LORD may have told him to do it. The LORD will make the final decision and He will either curse me or bless me according to His will. So leave it alone and let God handle it.” That is the JEV, Jack’s Everyday Version. David understood that part of what Shimei was saying was true: David was a murderer. I doubt that a day passed without David thinking of Uriah the Hittite, a good man who David had killed. So I am sure that David is feeling some guilt as this crazy Benjamite keeps cursing, throwing dirt in the air and stones at the king. David could have retaliated; he had the power to do so but he choose to leave it in the hands of God.

I am not going to lie, when I opened STREAMS IN THE DESSERT to read the daily devotion and read that opening question, my soul was shaken. I am very afraid I don’t have the grace to bear a misunderstanding graciously. I want credit for what I do but it is upsetting to get credit for something I didn’t do. Life is filled with misunderstandings and a big part of our witness and testimony is how we respond to false accusations and misunderstandings. Sometimes it is best to respond like David; let them curse, let them throw stones, let them throw dirt in the air {gossip and innuendo} and just rely on the LORD. He will take care of those who treat you unjustly. As a matter of fact, you will come to a point where you feel sorry for them. You will even love them and prayer for them. Never forget our LORD’s response to false accusation. I love the word in second Peter…

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. [2 Peter 2:21-23, NLT]

EXTRA

I had to sacrifice my QT for a project yesterday but PTL, due some good help, we got phase one completed and I am not worried about phase two which such be easier and simpler. I don’t like missing my QT. Pray for Jean  Smith and one of Holly’s friends has been diagnosed with cancer. Also pray for Terry and Becky Cowart. Remember our widow women that have lost husbands lately: Shiela Archer and Leona Burden. I am sure you can think of others. This has happened 8-9 times this year. Hey, we saw a little sun light yesterday and I think more is coming, PTL.