How Will You Meet The King?

2 Samuel 19:15 - 20:1

The Story

King David returned to his throne in Jerusalem.

The people of Israel were at odd with his return. Some were pleased and ready to receive him; others were not that glad.

The passage presented us with 4 different kinds of people:

• Some were worried about his return (2 Samuel 19:17).
• Some were waiting for his return (2 Samuel 19:24-30).
• Some were working and getting ready for his return (2 Samuel 19:31-40).
• Some were against his return (2 Samuel 20:1)
  

Lessons

The LORD Jesus Christ will return one day.

Not everyone will meet Him the same way when He returns.

Some will be excited and happy.

Some will be caught off guard.

Some will be found lost and undone.

How will you meet the King?

Remember...

"Seek the Lord while he may be found, call Him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6).

Today is the day of salvation: share Jesus before it's too late.

Forgive And Forget

2 Samuel 19:21-23

The Story

Shimei fell at David's feet in humility. He confessed his sins in his attack on David. He hoped David would forgive him.

David's nephew, Abisai, sought to kill Shimei, but David prevented him.

David realized it was a day of grace from God in his own life; God had forgiven him and brought back his throne to him.

David had sinned against Uriah, Bathsheba, the nation of Israel, and the God of Heaven. He had bowed before the LORD and confessed his sins, and God had freely forgiven him. Now he extended that same grace to Shimei who had wronged him greatly.

Nevertheless, David's forgiveness wasn't perfect. His last request to Solomon before he died was for Shimei to pay for the evil that he had done. David might have forgiven Shimei, but he never forgot what Shimei had done.

Lessons

We have all sinned against God and fellow human beings. And we have been forgiven many times.

We have a responsibility to forgive others who have wronged us. And We must be quick to forgive.

Remember...

God does not forgive like men do. When God forgives, He also forgets.

It is not easy. It takes all we have to forgive and forget the sins of others.

Like the disciples of the LORD Jesus Christ, we must asked the LORD to increase our faith (Luke 17:5).

Confess Our Sins Before God

2 Samuel 19:16-20

The Story

The rebellion of Absalom was quashed many months later.

David was returning home with his men.

As they crossed the Jordan, old Shimei and his men came to him.

Shimei fell at David's feet in humility.

He made a full and complete confession of his wrong in his attack on David.

And he hoped that David would forgive him.

Lessons

We have all sinned against others.

And we are to do exactly what Shimei did.

We are to go to the person we have offended and confess our sins and seek forgiveness.

Remember...

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

Would you come to God and confess your sins against Him?

Committing Our Cause To God

2 Samuel 16:5-23

The Story

David's reaction to Shimei and his attack is worth noticing.

David's nephew offered to kill Shimei.

But David just said, "Let him alone. Maybe the LORD has told him to do it. Maybe he is right! If he is, so be it. But if he is wrong, the LORD will deal with him."

David might have been at one of the lowest points in his life, but his answer showed a high standard of self-control.

Lessons

What are we supposed to do when we are attacked? Are we supposed to get even?

No, like David we are to place the matter in the hands of the LORD and leave it with Him.

Remember...

At the very moment of offense, we are to learn to be like the LORD Jesus, with a tender heart ready to forgive.

Offense can grow into resentment. Resentment can lead to hatred. Hatred can produce bitterness. Bitterness will find a way to seek revenge.

It is wise to learn to place our hurts in the hands of the LORD and walk away from them.

The LORD can handle the matter far better than we can.

Withstanding The Enemy's Attacks

2 Samuel 16:5-23

The Story

David was attacked by Shimei several month earlier as he was fleeing the city of Jerusalem during the rebellion of Absalom.

Shimei had come toward him and cursed him continuously. He called him "a bloodthirsty man" and "you rogue".

Shimei also threw rocks at him.

Shimei also told 3 blatant lies about him (2 Samuel 16:8).

David was at the lowest point of his life. His kingdom and his family were in shambles. He was an outcast and was on the run from his own son.

Yet Shimei came to attack him.

The words of Shimei must have cut the heart of David like a knife.

Lessons

Have you ever been kicked when you were down?

Have you been attacked at your vulnerable moment?

It hurts. Isn't it?

Have you ever met with people who are trying to put you "in the wrong" when you are not in the wrong?

Remember...

The Lord Jesus Christ was attacked.

He was cursed continuously.

He was falsely accused.

He was stoned.

He was crucified.

It hurts. Isn't it?

But...

He forgives all our debts.

He forgives all our sins.