Tues.’s Devo - David is Restored to his Kingdom

Read: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17
Today’s reading reads like 2020 elections. David is reinstated and he has to prompt his own party to welcome him back. Once he tells Amasa that he will be his new commander of his army, Amasa gets on board and welcomes him. Those that had been loyal to him and those who hadn’t are now wanting his attention and giving him their support.
The very one that had cursed him, Shimei, had to repent and beg his forgiveness. David’s general, Abishai wanted to kill him but David spared his life. This was a time of celebration, not revenge.
The truth came out about Mephibosheth and how Ziba lied about him. David divided Mephibosheth’s land between him and Ziba. Ziba and his sons had been great supporters of David and there was enough land for both of them.
Barzillai of Rogelim had met David when he was leaving and supplied him and his army with supplies. He also met him on his return. David wanted to him to come live with him in Jerusalem so he could care for him as a reward. Barzillai was old, so he sent his son instead. David promised to give him anything he wanted.
Then the trouble started. The men of Israel complained that David was their king too, so why were they not invited to help bring the king home. It didn’t take long to expose their hearts. One among them rose up and cursed David and told everyone to follow him. His name was Sheba.
David knew that Sheba would cause more trouble than Absalom so he sent his army after him. He told Amasa he had three days to mobilize and army. When he hadn’t returned in three days, David sent his other two generals, Abisai and Joab. Amasa met up with them at the great stone in Gibeon where Joab stabbed Amasa.
According to the commentators, David wanted and promised Amasa to be his commander of his army in place of Joab who was becoming to big in his own eyes. Joab saw this and killed Amasa to make sure he wouldn’t take his place. Once Amasa’s troops saw their commander was dead, they had no choice but to follow Joab.
In John, Jesus reinstates Peter. Peter had gone back to what he knew, which was fishing. When Peter met Jesus the first time, he had been fishing all night and not caught anything. Jesus had told him in the morning to cast his net on the other side wand when he did, he had caught so many fish, the nets broke. This time the same thing happened but none of the fish got away. This was the last time Peter would fish for fish.
Lord, may we have eyes to see that this world is so temporary, we need to fish for men and use our gifts to further your kingdom.