First Kings
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Payday Someday
(I Kings 2:5-9)
The Bible speaks of the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:8). Or, as grandma used to say, “You reap what you sow.” Actions, even things long ago forgotten, often make their haunting return at moments least expected. From a positive perspective, however, things done in kindness often reap a future reward—sometimes years after the fact. Whether negative or positive, the principle stands: You reap as you sow. And, though it’s sometimes delayed by years, there is a payday someday.
In his instructions to Solomon, David felt constrained to bring up unfinished business he had with several members of his court. Though Joab had been an excellent military commander and at times a good confidant, he had proven unnecessarily violent, jealous, and—in later years—disloyal. Remember, he had murdered Absalom (II Samuel 18:14), Amasa (II Samuel 20:8-10) and Abner (II Samuel 3:27). He had also supported Adonijah in his failed bid for the throne. Because he had proven himself homicidal and untrustworthy, David advised Solomon to bring about his untimely demise (6). Joab’s actions would come back to haunt him years later!
On a positive note, David advised Solomon to continue rewarding the loyalty of Barzillai, the man who had provided for David during his exile from the throne. Barzillai’s kindness, therefore, would come back to reward him years after the fact.
But then there was the foul-mouthed Shimei. Initially shown mercy, David counseled Solomon to deal with him. Obviously David feared that Shimei’s unpredictable nature could endanger Solomon’s reign. After all, “loose lips sink ships.” Shimei’s hasty words would come back to haunt him years after they were spoken.
You can’t thwart the principle of sowing and reaping. You can’t “sow your wild oats” and simultaneously pray for crop failure. Mama used to say, “What goes around comes around.” She was right! Make sure what “goes around” is positive, so it can come back to you the same way!
