Scripture:
2 Samuel 12:19-23 ESV
[19] But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” [20] Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. [21] Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” [22] He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ [23] But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Observation:
David had spent the last few days maybe even weeks praying fasting and pleading with GOD for the life of his child. Waiting for news knowing the matter was in the hands of the LORD. He saw his servants talking with each other and knew how things went. I could imagine that conversation between those servants…you tell him… um no you tell him he always takes bad news from you…but I told him last time you tell him. Either way, David already knew. He could tell by the way they were acting. So making a statement in the form of a question he asked them what he already knew to be true…the child died, didn’t it? Of course, the answer came back. Yes my Lord the child is gone. David’s reaction was somewhat unexpected. He cleaned himself up and went to church and worshiped. His answer was received there was nothing to do but worship. The LORD had done what HE was going to do so why not praise HIM? David had done all he could do fasting praying pleading…the decision was final. David’s servant did not understand how the king did not just flip out. So he posed a question…what are you doing? Your child is dead, and now you want to worship and eat. I don’t get it. David’s explanation was priceless. I did what I could do and GOD’s decision was final. At some point, I will see the child again, but I will have to enter the rest of the LORD, and HE is not ready for that yet.
Application:
There are honestly so many different ways I could go with this right now. But let’s look at the hard one. When tragedy happens what do you do? Do you blame GOD? So you can run off in your feelings. Or do you embrace HIM? Knowing that HIS plan is perfect. Now please don’t get me wrong I’m not saying I could sit here and not be affected if one of my children were called home. I would like to believe that they know the LORD and I will see them again. Death is only final on this side of heaven, and to worship GOD when you don’t get what you have been begging HIM for is not easy. It is however necessary. We have to trust HIS plan and HE is worthy of it all. The one true king whether we get what we want or not. When we think on this side of heaven. We will never be able to look at the bigger picture. I have heard it said…that guy is so heavenly-minded minded he is no earthly good. I think that statement is incorrect. The more heavenly-minded we are the more earthly good we can be. When we can worship when everyone else can’t even see how we are holding it together. It makes a statement to those watching… That guy knows GOD is in control.
Prayer:
Father, I want to just thank you for the time you and I spend together throughout the day. I want to thank you for how you have spoken to my heart. I thank you for the hard times knowing that your plan is for good and not harm. I thank you because I know that your word tells me that nothing is wasted. Every time I wanted to take my last breath you gave me the breath of life. You are truly in control. I desire to worship. You know as well as I do that I have had my fist-shaking moments. When I didn’t understand what you were doing and at times I still don’t understand. However, your word tells me that all things work for GOD for those who love you, and Father I love you we all love you, and you have called all of us. This morning all I can ask for is that you would give us a spirit of worship. That we would just see your hand in all things and know that you are present in every moment. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.