Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Calvinism Everywhere, Part 14

Continuing with the fallout of David's sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 13ff, in the light of 2 Sam. 12:10-11, let's consider an intriguing passage: 2 Sam. 16:5-14. There we read of one Shimei who curses David continually. And Abishai didn't like this one bit (2 Sam. 16:9). "But the king [David] said, 'What have I to do with you . . . ? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, "Curse David," who then shall say, "Why have you done so?"'" (2 Sam. 16:10). Then David adds, "Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to" (2 Sam. 16:11). David appears to be interpreting this harassment in view of 2 Sam. 12:10-11. And he knows, in any case, that this could not happen unless the Lord had ordained it.

Now although we're not typically in David's position (at least I hope not!), do we ever respond this way, aware of our own sin and its social consequences? Do we acknowledgeeverthe Lord's sending a messenger of Satan to keep us humble? (2 Cor. 12:7).

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