April 23 – Reading 113

APRIL 23 – Reading 113

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | April 23

“THE DANGER OF A DIVISIVE SPIRIT”
(2 Samuel 19:1-20:26; Psalms 6:1-10; 9:1-20)

“Now there happened to be a worthless man, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite. And he blew the trumpet and said, ‘We have no portion in David, and we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!’” — 2 Samuel 20:1

As I read the Bible, I am often drawn into the message God is speaking by a simple phrase or the literary “hook” the author employs to ensure I get the point.  The first verse of chapter 20 of 2 Samuel immediately captured my attention.  Our author tells us that there is a way to live that is “worthless” or “good for nothing.”  Wanting my life to have meaning and significance, I want to avoid any semblance of this kind of living.  Reading on, I discovered the story of Sheba.

After Absalom’s rebellion, Israel was fragile. The kingdom had been shaken, and tensions remained. Into this uncertainty stepped Sheba, a “worthless man” (v. 1) who saw an opportunity to cause more division. He sowed discord, persuading Israelites to abandon David and follow him instead.

But his treachery did not last. Recognizing the danger, David sent his general Joab to hunt him down. Sheba fled to the city of Abel, hoping to find safety. Instead, the city’s wise woman saw the danger he posed and persuaded the people to act. They cut off Sheba’s head and threw it over the wall, ending his rebellion (v. 22).

Sheba represents those who divide God’s people, stirring up discontent for selfish gain. His story is a warning: those who sow discord will ultimately be destroyed by their rebellion.

New Testament Connection:

• Romans 16:17-18 — “Watch out for those who cause divisions… avoid them.” (Like Sheba, divisive people deceive others for personal gain.)
• Titus 3:10-11 — “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” (God commands us to guard unity.)
• Matthew 12:25 — “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste.” (Satan loves division, but Christ calls us to unity.)

Lessons from Absalom’s Death:

1. Pride Leads to Destruction – Absalom’s rebellion cost him everything. Are you surrendering to God’s rule or resisting Him? (Proverbs 16:18)
2. God Grieves for the Lost – Do you see God as a harsh judge or as a loving Father who longs for you to return? (Ezekiel 33:11)
3. Jesus Took Our Place – David wished he could die for Absalom, but Jesus actually died for us. Have you accepted His sacrifice? (Romans 6:23)

How to Handle a Sheba in Our Lives:

1. Recognize the Worthlessness of Division – Sheba was called a “worthless man” because he worked against God’s anointed. Do not entertain voices that stir division in your family, church, or friendships (Proverbs 6:16-19).
2. Guard Your Heart Against Disloyalty – Sheba had no true allegiance; he only sought his own gain. Are you committed to unity in Christ, or do you allow discontent to grow in your heart (Ephesians 4:3)?
3. Confront and Remove Division – The wise woman of Abel saw the danger and took action. Are you willing to confront divisiveness with wisdom or allow it to spread (James 3:17-18)?

Simple Truth:
A divisive spirit destroys the person who spreads it and those who follow it. God calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.

Reflection & Application:

• Are You Following a Sheba? Are you listening to voices that stir division rather than build unity?
• Are You Spreading Division? Do your words promote peace or conflict in your relationships?
• Are You Willing to Stand for Unity? Like the wise woman, are you courageous enough to confront division before it destroys you?

Closing Prayer…
Father, protect my heart from division and disloyalty. Give me wisdom to recognize and resist those who stir conflict. Help me be a peacemaker in my home, church, and relationships. May my words and actions bring unity, not discord, as I seek to follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.