This week he took us to 2 Samuel 16 and 19 -- and talked about how David again extended grace -- this time to Shimei, and showed us how we need to look at criticism.
David let Shimei speak because:
- He was willing to hear what God might say to him through a cursing critic.
- He was not a bloodthirsty man. If David was the kind of man Shimei said he was Shimei would be dead.
- He saw the hand of God in every circumstance. He knew that God's hand was on the present as well as the future.
- He knew that God was more than able to shut Shimei up; David didn't need to give the order.
- He put the "Shimei problem" in perspective.
"Nothing is more proper to quiet a gracious soul under affliction than an eye to the hand of God in it. " - Matthew Henry
Again, at evening service, Bro Mike tied up some loose ends of Shimei's story and then showed us David's charge to Solomon regarding Shimei. What had changed?
Another great message - helping us see how to look for God's hand in our relations with others - extending grace when we can -- and how to consider criticism when it is aimed at us --
Criticism usually comes (1) when we need it least, (2) from people who are the least qualified to give it, and (3) in a form that is least helpful.
Criticism rarely comes when we're up and on top of things.
Hear the whole message - go to fbc.bc.org
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