Fri.’s Devo - Petty Jealousies

Read: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17 David sent word to his priests Zadok and Abiathar who had stayed in the palace to spy for him telling them to go to the elders and ask why they hadn’t welcomed David back. He sent word to Amasa who had been Absalom’s army commander that he would make him his army commander. This spurred Amasa to get all the men of Judah to rally around bringing David back. *** Everyone who wanted David’s forgiveness and favor showed up to welcome David and his men back to Jerusalem. It was not clear who his friends were and who just wanted his favor because he was the king. Ziba and Mephibosheth. were prime examples. Ziba had met David leaving and given him food and provision. He told him that Mephibosheth had abandoned him to Absalom. But, when David came back, Mephibosheth met him and said that Ziba had deceived him and lied about him. He hadn’t shaved since David left. Who knows the truth. David ended up splitting the property he had given to Mephibo because he was so upset. David ended up giving half of Meshibosheth’s property to Ziba. He didn’t know which one of them was telling him the truth but it sounds like he leaned more towards Ziba. *** Next, David had to deal with the drama between the men of Judah and the people of Israel. The men of Israel complained that they didn’t get to help David cross the Jordan, The men of Judah told them that David was one of their own tribesmen but, assured them that they hadn’t received any special treatment for helping David. They argued back and forth until Sheba from Benjamin got fed up and blew the ram’s horn and led his men back home. They were not supporting David’s dynasty. *** David made it back home and the first thing he did was to quarantine the 10 concubines who slept with Absalom. Then he told Amasa to mobilize the army of Judah and report back in three days. He told Abishai to take his troops and chase after Sheba. Joab went with Abishai. When the got to Gibeon they met with Amasa. Joab went to greet Amasa but when he moved to kiss him, he stabbed him instead. He then told Amasa’s army to join him. They had to walk by Amasa’s dead body so Joab’s men finally covered him up. *** Treason upon treason. When are they going to stop? Everyone was looking after themselves and their own glory and not after God’s *** In John, the disciples had lost their leader and didn’t know what they were suppose to be doing, so they did what they were comfortable with. They were fishermen before so maybe they would have to go back to what they were doing before they met Jesus. *** After fishing all night and not catching anything, a man called out from the shore asking if they had caught anything. They told him no so he told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They did, and brought in a net so full they couldn’t pull it in. This brought back the memory of the first time they had met Jesus. The same thing happened. John recognized Jesus and jumped into the water to swim to shore. Jesus was waiting for them with breakfast of fish and bread. All of this brought back their memories of being with Jesus. *** Jesus asked Simon Peter three times if he loved him, each time the meaning of “love” was more intimate. Peter answered that he loved him three times. Each time it had to be washing away the guilt Peter had over denying him three times. *** Jesus gave Peter a glimpse into the death he would suffer then Peter turned and asked what would become of John. Jesus told him not to worry about John. That was what David needed to say to Joab about Amasa. *** Lord, forgive us of our petty comparisons and jealousy’s. May we put our attention on our own lives and what we can do for your kingdom and stop worrying about everyone else. May we hear your voice today and go where you need us to go.