What Goes Around
Scripture: 1 Kings 2:31-34
31 "the king replied. "Kill him there beside the altar and bury him. This will remove the guilt of Joab's senseless murders from me and from my father's family. 32 The Lord will repay him for the murders of two men who were more righteous and better than he. For my father knew nothing about the deaths of Abner son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and of Amasa son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah. 33 May their blood be on Joab and his descendants forever, and may the Lord grant peace forever to David, his descendants, his dynasty, and his throne." 34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada returned to the sacred tent and killed Joab, and he was buried at his home in the wilderness."
Observations:
Joab was one of the most powerful warriors in Israel's history, a trait that elevated him to a spot as commander of the army under King David. But his skill and ability as a warrior were also his weaknesses because of his temper, vengeful spirit, and insecurities. Against David's orders he killed Saul's commanding officer Abner and David's son Absalom in revenge. He even once killed his own cousin out of envy and revenge for taking his position as commander. It's no surpise that Joab's ruthless nature eventually caught up with him as David ordered him to be executed on his deathbed. Even though he begged for mercy, he was given none because he had shown no mercy.
Application:
The old saying "what goes around comes around" obviously came from someone's observation about the nature of human relationships. You can't expect to always act in your own self interests without it eventually coming back to bite you. Perhaps that's why Jesus taught that the best way to live comes not through acting on what's in our own best interest but on what's best for others (John 15:13). Paul agrees (Philippians 2:4). James even said that, "There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you." (James 2:13). There is something to be said for the way we conduct ourselves in relationship to the world around us. God expects us to consistently extend to others the same measure of grace and mercy we would expect Him to show us. It's actually pretty simple. "Do for others what you would have them do for you" (Matthew 7:12a). When we live in this way, Jesus says we "fulfill everything written in the Law and the Prophets"(Matthew 7:12b). The point is this: don't live to advance yourself, live to bless others. Then you will be blessed. It is the best way to live.
Prayer:
Father, teach us to live lives that are motivated by grace and mercy instead of selfisness. Help us to focus more on the needs of others more than on ourselves. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading Plan
31 "the king replied. "Kill him there beside the altar and bury him. This will remove the guilt of Joab's senseless murders from me and from my father's family. 32 The Lord will repay him for the murders of two men who were more righteous and better than he. For my father knew nothing about the deaths of Abner son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and of Amasa son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah. 33 May their blood be on Joab and his descendants forever, and may the Lord grant peace forever to David, his descendants, his dynasty, and his throne." 34 So Benaiah son of Jehoiada returned to the sacred tent and killed Joab, and he was buried at his home in the wilderness."
Observations:
Joab was one of the most powerful warriors in Israel's history, a trait that elevated him to a spot as commander of the army under King David. But his skill and ability as a warrior were also his weaknesses because of his temper, vengeful spirit, and insecurities. Against David's orders he killed Saul's commanding officer Abner and David's son Absalom in revenge. He even once killed his own cousin out of envy and revenge for taking his position as commander. It's no surpise that Joab's ruthless nature eventually caught up with him as David ordered him to be executed on his deathbed. Even though he begged for mercy, he was given none because he had shown no mercy.
Application:
The old saying "what goes around comes around" obviously came from someone's observation about the nature of human relationships. You can't expect to always act in your own self interests without it eventually coming back to bite you. Perhaps that's why Jesus taught that the best way to live comes not through acting on what's in our own best interest but on what's best for others (John 15:13). Paul agrees (Philippians 2:4). James even said that, "There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you." (James 2:13). There is something to be said for the way we conduct ourselves in relationship to the world around us. God expects us to consistently extend to others the same measure of grace and mercy we would expect Him to show us. It's actually pretty simple. "Do for others what you would have them do for you" (Matthew 7:12a). When we live in this way, Jesus says we "fulfill everything written in the Law and the Prophets"(Matthew 7:12b). The point is this: don't live to advance yourself, live to bless others. Then you will be blessed. It is the best way to live.
Prayer:
Father, teach us to live lives that are motivated by grace and mercy instead of selfisness. Help us to focus more on the needs of others more than on ourselves. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading Plan
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