Just Walk Away

Ever disagree with the leader?

Ever want to curse someone?

Ever been cursed by someone? 

Ever been in a position to carry out revenge?

Whether yes or no, we can be tempted to do what feels good at the moment, but is ungodly.

This biblical account gives us something to think about. Some background first. The account begins with David and Bathsheba's sin of adultery together. Then the sin of Amnon against his sister Tamar. Her brother Absalom, then plots Amnon's murder. After which Absalom declares himself king. This forces King David to leave Jerusalem for safety during the rebellion.  Here is one key passage ... 

2 Samuel 16:5-8 ... 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. He pelted David and all the king's officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David's right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!"

Observations: 

1. David is fleeing for his life. Leaving Jerusalem. Shimei curses David. He throws stones at David. He is rejoicing in David's possibly defeat. 
2. David and his men do nothing. They hear him, but let it go. 

When someone is down, defeated, or feels that way, it is amazing how cruel we can be by surrendering to the temptation of just piling on. Social media makes this very easy to do. insult upon insult. When does it stop?  

It stops when one chooses to just let it go. To walk away. 

Take this advice and walk away. Put down the phone. Shut off the tablet. Go outside and relax. Do something fun with people you can see and have contact with. 

Now later David returns as Absalom is killed in battle. This is the key passage ... 

2 Samuel 19:18-23 ... They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king and said to him, "May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first of the whole house of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king."

Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, "Shouldn't Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the LORD's anointed."

David replied, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?" So the king said to Shimei, "You shall not die." And the king promised him on oath.

Now this is interesting. The same guy, Shimei, who cursed David and was gleeful at his fleeing, is not falling down on his face before the king, begging to be forgiven. 

Imagine what David could do ... but David does none of that. He could seek out revenge. He could just kill him. He could torture him. You name it he could do it. But he does not. 

David chooses to let it go. He moves on. He swears an oath that Shimei will live. Which means no revenge. It means he is forgiven. 

Is that what you would do?  

Lessons: 

• Even if you disagree with your leader, there is no reason to curse him or her. 
• If someone does curse you, let it go. Walk away. 
• If someone begs you to forgive them ... do it. This is what the LORD has done for you. ​