Living in the Spirit
August 6, 2018
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-32
The king gave orders to Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.’ And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom.
So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. The men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the slaughter there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all the country; and the forest claimed more victims that day than the sword. –2 Samuel 18:5-8
As I dig through my family history, I am surprised at times about those who chose to support the Union and those who served in the Confederacy during the Civil War. Much of my family migrated west in the early 1800’s primarily through those states that were split in their allegiances: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. I would love to have eavesdropped on their decision making. Many, at the time of their service, did not know they would eventually be entwined with relatives of the other side. Those would have been interesting conversations also.
David and his son Absalom were engaged in a civil war and David’s discomfort is palpable as we read the scripture above where David orders his troops to deal gently with Absalom.
If we subscribe to Jesus’ worldview all wars are civil wars for we are fighting against our brothers and sisters in Christ even if some do not recognize the relationship. There are no borders in the Kingdom of God. We must deal with all people with the love of a father. I am not saying it is easy. It certainly was not for David. I am saying we must consider how to deal gently with all peoples of the world as we attempt to protect ourselves and others from those who are hostile for whatever reason toward us and others. And we must certainly guard ourselves from being hostile against other for our own greedy gain.
Prevention is in the long run the best and most productive policy. Working toward assuring the well-being of all is a task people of faith must share with governments. Creating a continuum of caring that stresses equality and equity is fundamental.
Prayer: Lord help us be your conduits of peace and understanding throughout the world. Amen.