Saturday: Forgiveness and Consequences: Navigating Sin's Aftermath

Week 10:  Making Peace with Imperfections

BIG IDEA FOR THE WEEK:  Just because you are getting ahead does not mean that you’re not spiritually dead.  

2 Samuel 20:16-22: 

16 Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’”  

17 And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.”  

18 Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter.  

19 I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?”  

20 Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should swallow up or destroy!  

21 That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.”  

22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.  

Theme for the Day:  True wisdom seeks peace, even amidst flawed circumstances.

Reflection: The intervention by the wise woman of Abel demonstrates that peace can be achieved through wisdom and dialogue, even in the face of impending conflict. Her actions not only prevented bloodshed but also preserved the integrity of her city. This account encourages us to pursue peace through understanding and negotiation rather than resorting to conflict.

In our own lives, situations often arise that threaten peace and unity. These conflicts, whether large or small, require careful consideration and a heart of reconciliation. True wisdom seeks solutions that honor God and respect others. By prioritizing peace, we create opportunities for resolution that transcend human flaws and differences.

This narrative reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a proactive posture that reflects God’s love and grace. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, drawing on God’s wisdom to address and resolve disputes. By turning to God in prayer and seeking His guidance, we can cultivate environments where peace prevails over discord and grace triumphs over retribution.

Prayer:  Lord, help us to be PEACEMAKERS, even when it is uncomfortable. Unity between brothers and sisters in Christ is so important.  Help us to stand unified together so that we can inspire the world around us.  

Connect Prayer:  We pray for Micah Bartig and Soma Church in NewTown St Charles….that they would be a shining example of the Gospel of Jesus; and that the community would be open to hearing God’s truth and love.