| ABOVE THE LAW |
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Memorise: “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea he shall give delight unto thy soul” (Proverbs 29:17). Read: 2 Samuel 14:21-33 |
| “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea he shall give delight unto thy soul” (Proverbs 29:17). One of the several slips of King David was his inability to adequately correct his children whenever they erred. His mode of correction was either inadequate or excessive and in the process defeated the purpose of the correction. For every wrong doing or offence, there is a commensurate corrective measure that can prevent a reoccurrence. Even in the Church and society today, punishment for wrong doing is hardly commensurate. In homes too, most parents are either too harsh or very patronizing. There is need to prayerfully look up to the Lord to determine the type of corrective action that can positively change evil behaviours so that we do not turn simple offenders into hardened criminals. By virtue of King David’s position, he was the judge of the land. All offenders- those who broke the law or had disputes with each other came before his court for final arbitration. God had blessed him with wisdom so to a large extent, he judged the Israelites righteously without fear or favour. When it came to applying the big stick on others he was very swift, but on his family, he allowed sentiments. Concerning others he ensured equity, justice and fairness. But on family members he devised another law contrary to God’s. When his first son Amnon was involved in an incestuous rape of Tamar his half sister, David boiled with rage but did nothing. According to the provisions of the law, Amnon was supposed to die but King David felt since he was his first born, he was above the law (Leviticus 20:17). If he had applied God’s law, Absalom would not have had to take laws into his hands. Absalom avenged his sister by killing Amnon and then went on exile for three years. Later through the intervention of Joab, David asked Absalom to return. According to the law, he too should die but David waived that. He refused to let Absalom see his face for another two years after his return. Later, Joab intervened again and brought about a reconciliation. Although David kissed his son, it was plastic and dry and Absalom got the message that his father had no intention for proper reconciliation hence he damned the consequences and planned his overthrow. King David’s refusal to adequately deal with the situation-either to have him executed or properly reconciled with, laid the foundation for Absalom’s revolt. Today, many are blaming Satan and others for their problems they caused. |
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Those who know the law are those who abuse them. Are you above God’s law? Ask for grace to obey every ordinance of God. |
