Other comments on this day's readings can be found here.
Reading 1 - 2Sa 16:5
"As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as
Saul's family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he
cursed as he came out" (2Sa 16:5).
In these verses (vv 5-14), there are many types of and
comparisons with the trials of Christ:
Shimei (of Benjamin: like Saul, and Saul of Tarsus?) curses David as he is
led outside the camp to suffer (notice: there is Kedron: 2Sa 15:23; and Olivet:
2Sa 15:30).
David, being forgiven (and thus sinless), accepts this rebuke
quietly -- as coming from God.
His followers beg permission to attack his
accusers, but he refuses (cp Mat 26:52).
David shows no violence or anger:
he is like a "lamb" led dumb to the slaughter.
"The scene is one we would do well to carry in our hearts --
Shimei's violent language and the flying stones, and David's silent, disciplined
army marching towards Jericho, with their king humbled in their midst. Another,
greater than David, 'who did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth,' would
bear a greater reproach outside the walls of Jerusalem. When reviled, he would
not threaten but would commit himself to Him that judgeth righteously. [1Pe
2:21-25] Twelve legions of angels would be his servants, but not one of them
would silence those who cursed the Son of God. Christ's submission before
undeserved cursing and bitterness was part of the triumph of his spirit" (Harry
Tennant, "The Man David" 169).
Reading 2 - Jer 20:18
"Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow
and to end my days in shame?" (Jer 20:18).
Was I born to see trouble and sorrow? YES! That is the very
reason why you were born. Trial is not proof that God does not exist; it is
proof that He DOES exist! Trial is one means by which God prepares
character.
Reading 3 - Rom 5:2-4
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so,
but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom
5:2-4).
If I can be sure, when the time finally comes for the Great
High Priest to return from the Most Holy Place bringing the final blessing....
that I'll still be here, waiting at my post, rejoicing in the tribulations which
I endure, and having learned patience... real PATIENCE... enough for a lifetime,
of broken hearts and broken dreams [sounds like a country western song, doesn't
it?], of hurt feelings, of resentments, of disappointments, of bitterness, of
ailments and illnesses, of the gradual and insidious decline of all my human
powers, and the frustrations of coming short time and again of what I would like
to be, but can't quite be, of asking forgiveness for the 490th time for the same
sins, of forgiving others for the same number of times.... without throwing up
my hands and walking away from the door of the temple. Out into the howling
waste of a wilderness of snakes and scorpions -- where there is no hope and no
life and no love... the wilderness where Judas went, and Cain, and Saul, and a
million others -- who could not truly believe that the High Priest was coming to
bring them the last great blessing. Yes, if I can only wait, and persevere...
long enough.... then "I WILL BE saved" will turn into "I AM saved"! God give me
strength enough to wait... that long.