King David had a unique experience with a man named "Shimei." You can read it first hand in 2 Samuel 16:5-13, but here's the gist of it...
Once again, David is on the run. For years, he roamed the wilderness, living in caves, running from Saul's attacks, and leading the downtrodden and disenchanted who came to him. He has seen years of peace and plenty in Jerusalem and now he runs from Absalom. His own son has been poisoning the minds of the Israelites against him. As he leaves the city, Shimei confronts David and his entourage - throwing stones and calling curses down upon them. The interchange is fascinating. Shimei taunts and abuses and reviles this rightful, albeit flawed king, who has lead Israel to countless victories. So, how does David respond? In his customary manner, of course. David certainly had his flaws, but this is one area where David walked in a revelation few can understand, much less imitate. While his guards and closest advisers ask permission to relieve Shimei's tired neck of it's hairy burden, David shows us a snapshot of Jesus. He rebukes the cry for blood and turns the guns on himself. David really knew humility. "Don't kill him," he says. "Don't even stop him," he adds. "Who knows...maybe God is trying to do something here. I mean, if God wants me out, I'm out. And if He hasn't authorized this abuse, then I am confident it will be reversed and remanded into a blessing." WOW!..........wow.......How often are we on the bad side of a rock or the bitter side of a curse? How often do we call upon all the resources of heaven to vindicate and deliver us? Could it be that God would have us take the highest road of all - the low road, and humble ourselves as David did?
May we, as born-again children of the Spirit, tap into the character of Christ to just such a degree. May we recognize that, for the most part, we can justify any negative treatment we may receive, if we analyze it through the lens of our own faults and failings. May we press on in the peace of David's faith, which declares, "I trust God, so severely and so comprehensively that the stones and curses of men matter not. They will either be used to serve His will in my humbling and healing or be reconfigured into the building blocks and blessings of my destiny. Either way, I am His and He is mine, and I will not fear or retaliate." May we, too, search for the leadership of God amidst the curses of men. And may we enjoy the peace that comes by knowing that anything we experience - no matter what - our Father's is able to convert it into a servant for our good.
Forever panning for gold,
Chris Liotta
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