2 Samuel 19:22 (KJV)
And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
I am reminded of a New Testament passage:
Luke 9:53–56 (KJV)
And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
There are always those who want to strike first and ask questions later. Neither David nor Jesus were of that nature. Though some could argue that both would have had just cause to settle matters against their detractors—and that both had the authority to do so—neither demonstrated such a spirit.
Our text tells us why.
“…do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?”
David knew his position. He had no reason to lop off heads or destroy those who had taken the other side in the contest. Only those who possess something they ought not have are eager to fight to defend it. David knew the kingdom had been given to him by God. It was God’s to keep or God’s to take away.
Jesus had this same confidence. The Bible says:
John 13:3 (KJV)
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
Jesus also said:
John 10:17–18 (KJV)
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Such confidence inclined Him to peace, not violence.
When we are confident in our relationship with God, we have no reason to be defensive—even in the face of cruel attacks against us and our faith.
Of course, we know David was willing to strike when it was necessary and just. He never fought to defend himself, but he fought without hesitation for his nation. That was the role appointed to him by God.
We also know that Jesus will one day strike. He came as a Lamb the first time, but the Bible warns that He will return as a Lion.
The longsuffering and grace of God must never be mistaken for weakness or delay.
The right time to be reconciled to God is today.
#ConfidenceInGod #SpiritOfGrace #BiblicalLeadership #StrengthUnderControl #GodGivenAuthority
Strength Without Violence: The Difference Between Godly Authority and Defensive Anger
If this message helped you see biblical strength more clearly, don’t scroll past it.
Visit marvinmckenzie.org for trusted Bible teaching, resources, and studies designed to help believers stand with confidence and grace.
Join the conversation below: Where have you seen the difference between godly authority and defensive anger—either in Scripture or real life? Your comment may help another believer more than you realize.
For this and, more than 7000 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.
If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.
My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org
Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/
Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more
Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give.
No comments:
Post a Comment