Mon.’s Devo - David’s Return

Read: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17 David sent a message to the elders of Jerusalem asking them why they were the last to welcome him back to his palace. He even said that he would appoint Amasa, who had been Absalom’s commander to be his new commander. When Amasa heard this, he swayed the men of Judah to bring the king back. *** Many people met David at the Jordan River to escort him back to Jerusalem. Shimei, the one who had cursed him came and begged David’s forgiveness. David spared his life and gave him mercy for the time being. Ziba and his 15 sons came and helped him and his supplies across the Jordan. Even Mephibosheth came explaining how Ziba tricked him and didn’t allow him to with David when he left. David divided Saul’s property evenly between him and Ziba. Mephibosheth seemed fine with it. *** Barzillai, who had brought David so much provisions when he left came to welcome David. David wanted to bring him home and care for him but Barzillai wanted to stay where he was and die in peace with his own family. He gave David his son Kilham instead. *** The people of Israel complained that they didn’t get to help David come back because the men of Judah had stolen the opportunity from them. A troublemaker rose up named Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin. He blew a ram’s horn and cursed the dynasty of David and led the men of Israel to desert David and follow him. *** David arrived back in his palace and had his concubines, who had been defiled by Absalom, put in seclusion where they lived as widows. *** David sent Amasa to mobilize troops and go after Sheba before he could get to a fortified town. When Amasa didn’t return in the given time, David sent Joab and Abishai with troops to go after Sheba. Joab stabbed him in the stomach with a dagger and he died. Then, Joab led his army to capture Sheba. *** In John, seven of the disciples were fishing in the Sea of Galilee and were not catching anything. Jesus appeared on the shore and told them to put their net on the other side and they caught so much they couldn’t bring them all in. John recognized the man as being Jesus. Peter jumped into the water and swam ashore while the others struggled with the fish. They made it to shore where Jesus had made a fire to cook the fish for breakfast. They counted their fish and had 153. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to them. *** After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Each time with more meaning. Peter answered “yes” to all three. Jesus told him to feed his lambs, take care of his sheep and feed his lambs. It is my opinion that Jesus was giving Peter the assignment of shepherding God’s people like he had. Peter went on to do these things in his life. *** John had another assignment which Jesus pointed out was not Peter’s worries what John did. Peter was to stick to his assignment. A good word to us. We are to be who God made us to be. *** Lord, may we not compare ourselves to others, but say ‘yes’ to our role. May we be joyful and content to be ourselves, filled with your spirit.