Scripture Union Daily Guide 17 September 2020 Message
Topic: True Forgiveness
Opening Prayer: Plant my steps in the sure promises of your word today, dear Lord.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 19:16–30
Reflection:
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Outline: It was not only David’s own tribe of Judah that came to welcome him but also a large contingent from the tribe of Benjamin including Shimei, who cursed and abused him while he was fleeing (vv.16–18). Shimei lost no time to ask David for forgiveness (vv.18–20).
Unfortunately, King David proved to be more of an astute politician than a wise king. He spared the life of Shimei, but we later discover that it was not because he truly forgave him (see 1 Kings 2:8–9).
He allowed Ziba, the double–crossing servant, to keep half of the inheritance of his loyal and selfless master, Mephibosheth, the crippled son of David’s faithful friend Jonathan. What lessons do we learn from David’s actions? The case of Ziba shows us how crooked people sometimes gain from dishonesty while faithful people lose out.
This is the reason for the Psalmist’s lament in Psalm 73. In that Psalm, we see how this type of gain can be only temporary because the end of such people is not always bright. More importantly and thankfully, it is not only in this world that such matters are finally settled. The day is coming when God will judge the earth in righteousness, (Psalm 98:9).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
• Meditation: the Christian spirit is synonymous with a disposition of readiness to forgive all offenders and restores them to harmonious relations which existed before.
HYMN: Just As I Am
1 Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2 Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Read The Bible In One Year: Amos 4–6; John 7:28–53
Scripture Union Daily Guide 17 September 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.