April 12 – Reading 102

APRIL 12 – Reading 102

by Chris Rainey | April 12

“THE RIPPLE EFFECT”
(2 Samuel 2:1-3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-9; 2 Samuel 3:6-39; Psalm 25:1-22; 26:1-12)

In American politics, sexual misconduct was long considered disqualifying for those who wanted to run for office.  But in recent years, several candidates have overcome scandals to be elected for national office. What do a person’s private, consensual sexual choices have to do with their ability to govern? Some would say little, where others see these things as a lack of integrity that clouds the thinking. Today’s text shows us that this is not a recent problem.

After Saul’s death, we read that there was a long civil “war between the house of Saul and the house of David” (2 Sam. 3:1). But David’s “house” (i.e., his kingdom) was getting stronger while Saul’s grew weaker. David’s other “house” (his family) was also growing, as he gained wives and concubines and children, foreshadowing the inter-family rivalries and jealousies that will emerge to cast a shadow over David’s legacy as the story unfolds.

In 2 Samuel 3, Saul’s successor and only son, Ish-Bosheth. accuses his military commander Abner of sleeping with his father’s concubine. (It is probably true.) Abner takes great offense to this, deciding that he will petition David to let him change sides and help David become king of all of Israel. David agrees as long as Abner returns David’s former wife–Saul’s daughter, Michal–back to him. (She had been taken away by Saul and given to another man.) But while was still fighting for Ish-Bosheth, Abner had killed David’s nephew, Asahel, leading Asahel’s brother Joab to plot a revenge killing. This becomes possible after Abner switches sides to join David. This killing will pose a problem for David, who had met with Joab just before Joab killed Abner, making it appear David ordered the killing.

In the end, one can say Abner’s initial indiscretion started a chain of events that culminated in his death, proving the old adage true: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, it will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay.” Abner found this out the hard way.

Application
Our choices, especially those that are morally questionable, can have far-reaching consequences that affect not only us but also those around us. By making wise and godly choices, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and live a life that honors God and brings blessings to ourselves and others.

Reflection
Abner’s actions and their consequences highlight the destructive nature of those in power seeking pleasure, the resulting jealousies, and their ripple effect on other relationships. How can we learn from Abner’s mistakes and avoid making similar choices in our own lives?

Closing Prayer…
Dear God, we ask that you give wisdom and good judgment to all leaders, both in sacred and secular vocations, so they’ll act in a way that honors you. Keep them safe from being swayed by bad influences and help them avoid making poor choices. Give them the strength to be honest and do what’s right, and guide them to make decisions that lead to good outcomes and growth. We also ask that you guide those who follow leaders to discern wisely and support those who lead with integrity.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.