When Shimei throws stones

I watched a portion of the inauguration of the new mayor of New York City this week and was astonished by the rude tone of the speeches that heaped scorn on the previous mayor and his policies. Mike Bloomberg had to listen to a man tear down his leadership, which guided the city through 12 years, during which New York suffered through 9/11 and some terrible economic times. Given time,  the new mayor, now riding high on his electoral win, will find himself vilified.  That’s life. Triumph and tragedy, celebration and mourning, plenty and want; these are the experience of just about every person.  For the godly, however, there is promise of renewal, of the Spirit’s power to restore. "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked." (Proverbs 24:16, NLT)

King David went through many ups and downs.  Near the peak of his power, his son Absalom conspired to steal the hearts of the people of Israel and then to take the throne. Finally, he sprang his plot and David fled from Jerusalem.  As he went, many wept, but some gloated, glad to see the mighty king humiliated. One man in particular, took delight in cursing David. Shimei called David names and most colorfully, matched his verbal abuse with action. "So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt." (2 Samuel 16:13, NIV) Keep in mind that David had his royal guard with him and they could have simply killed the man, but he held them back, gracefully tolerating this man’s invective.  So, Shimei kicked the king while he was down.  Interestingly, a few days later, Absalom’s rebellion was crushed and Shimei was begging for mercy.  David’s nobility shown when he refused to avenge his honor and forgave the man.

Christian friend, there will be moments in your life when you’re down, when you have made a foolish decision, when your plans are frustrated by circumstances you cannot control, when your friend turns against you, when your health fails, or sorrow visits.  The greater tragedy will be a “Shimei” who decides that it is a good time to settle old resentments.  He will say terrible things and throw his dirt and stones.  What will you do?

Follow David’s example. Forgive him!  Our Savior did the same. As Roman soldiers nailed him to the cross and religious leaders mocked him as a failure, his prayer was not for revenge, but for mercy! “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NLT)  Many times He taught that forgiveness was the way of the godly.  There, He showed us how. 

Here’s the word from the Word.  May the Lord give us grace to live it. "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25, NLT)

__________

Jesus, Hold My Hand

As I travel thru this pilgrim land

There is a Friend who walks with me.

Leads me safely thru the sinking sand,

It is the Christ of Calvary.

This would be my pray'r, dear Lord,

“Each day to help me do the best I can.”

For I need Thy light to guide me, day and night.

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand!

Jesus, hold my hand,

I need Thee ev'ry hour.

Thru this pilgrim land,

Protect me by Thy pow'r!

Hear my feeble plea,

O Lord, look down on me.

When I kneel in pray'r, I hope to meet You there.

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand!

Albert E. Brumley

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