What’s Eating You?

2nd Samuel 3

Have you ever had someone that rubbed you the wrong way? Have you ever had someone that did something to you and it always bugged you every time you saw them? Bitterness and revenge can be a deadly combination. We can search throughout history and even look to where bitterness and jealousy started with Cain and Able in Genesis 4. I know I have been mad at people for something they have done and it is easy to hold a grudge against them? Do you have any grudges? Are there people that you avoid like they have the plague? 

In this chapter of 2nd Samuel we see that David has been crowned king but only for the tribe of Judah. The rest of the land is following after the son of Saul, Ish-Bosheth. There has been battling between David and Ish-Bosheth but David was growing stronger and stronger (2nd Samuel 3:1). We see not only a battle between the true king and the one standing in the way but we see the generals from both sides having a dilemma.  

 A Turn of Events

Abner was the general of the army of Saul and was the general of the army for Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth. He killed Joab’s brother, Asahel, in battle (2nd Samuel 2:18-23). Joab was grieved about this and wanted Abner to pay for what he has done. Abner realized that David was the true king and that God anointed David to be king. Ish-Bosheth was not the true king so he left. Abner wanted to join the side of David and he was gathering the other tribes to follow David. Joab heard about this and became angry. He not only became angry but then planned on how he could get revenge for his brother. He called Abner to meet him in a private place where he killed him. 

Things were actually going well, the general of the enemy was now tuning in and wanting to support David. The people were being gathered together under one king. The war within was going to stop but there was not true peace. Joab had something that was eating at him and that was Abner. It was to the point he could not stand seeing him. Bitterness destroys the one who is bitter. Jesus touched a little bit about bitterness and about how to treat our enemies. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus tells us to Love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Jesus said some pretty profound statements and as our motto would be to pay people back for the wrong they have done, Jesus says pray for them and to love them. 

This reminds me of hearing the story of Corrie Ten Boom when faced with one of her oppressors after he gave his life to the Lord and he put out his hand for her to shake it. She was faced with the choice of letting all her anger and hatred towards this man that was responsible for the killing of many and her family. She remembered Jesus and how he forgave her and she took this man’s hand. Remember you and I were once enemies of God, and Jesus died for us even though we had forsaken Him. Jesus showed the perfect example of praying and loving your enemies as he laid down his life for the world. So what is eating you? Go before the Lord and ask him to reveal to you who you may have a grudge against, then go to that person and forgive them and pray for them.