In this passage, we witness the multiple ways in which personal sincan destroy community. - P114
Sheba, a man described as a "troublemaker,"
shows no regard for the authority of the Lord‘s anointed and incitesanother civil war in Israel. - P114
In David‘s court, the ten concubines whomAbsalom had forced to sleep with him are now left to spend the restof their lives as widows and in confinement. - P114
On the battlefield, Joabmurders Amasa, who had replaced him as commander of Israel‘s army.
- P114
When people act out of their own sinful interests, the ensuing resultis widespread destruction, for sin only kills, steals, and destroys. - P114
Butpraise be to God who sent us His Son to redeem our hearts from theirrebellious bent and made a way for us out of the brokenness of sin intoHis righteousness through Christ‘s perfect submission. - P114
Dear Jesus, You are our Rock and Fortress. When troubles come, help us to clingto You and respond to those troubles with the wisdom You give from above thatalways leads to truth and love. In Your name, amen. - P115
Joab and the troops besiege Sheba in Abel Beth Maakah. A wise womantalks with Joab and assures him they are a peaceful and faithful city. - P117
She tellshim that Sheba‘s head will be thrown to him from the wall. The people cutoff Sheba‘s head and throw it to Joab. So, Joab and his men return home. - P117
Sheba has fortified himself inside Abel Beth Maakah, but not everyonein the city is for the rebellion. - P118
A wise woman manages to strike a dealwith Joab: the head of Sheba for the safety of the town. This agreementis favorable for both parties and prevents much bloodshed, but it wouldnot have been reached had the woman not sought out Joab. - P118
Manytimes in life, conflict resolution is simply a matter of effective com-munication. If communication is neglected, both parties can deceivethemselves into believing that a satisfactory resolution is impossible.
- P118
It takes humility and courage to initiate communication, however.
This wise woman‘s example shows us that making the first step towardreconciliation can prevent needless harm. - P118
This section lists David‘s political cabinet, who will serve for the re-mainder of his rule, and Joab is among them. - P118
Although Joab is a skillfulmilitary leader, he also displayed disregard for David‘s authority onmore than one occasion. So why does David keep him as his armycommander until the end of his reign? - P118
One possible answer is thatDavid recognized the skills that made certain people effective workersfor his kingdom and, for its sake, he chose forgiveness and left personaldisagreements for God to judge. - P118
Christians are not called to be friendswith everyone, but we are commanded to live peaceably with all, as longas it is possible on our end. - P118
This is not a call to make peace with sin butto deal wisely with sinners. - P118
Father, it isn‘t always easy to deal with people, even fellow Christians. You knowour tendencies and our shortcomings, our troubles and miscommunications.
- P119
Lord, I look to You for wisdom to know how to navigate through all my rela-tionships. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P119
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