SUMMARY: Guilty
OVERVIEW: Ish-Bosheth is murdered in his bed. The killers hoped to be rewarded, thinking they were doing David a favor. Instead, they were disciplined and killed.
BIG IDEA: Don’t try to achieve success through deception.
KEY VERSE: 2 Samuel 4:11 (David to the men)
How much more should I reward evil men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Shouldn’t I hold you responsible for his blood and rid the earth of you?
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Being faithful to me should be your highest aim, not success or wealth. Strive to know me and love me. Prove your love through obedience and loyalty. If you are to receive success or wealth, let me provide them. In that way, you will receive a just reward that will last. You could enjoy the gift and sleep well at night, rather than wonder if you did the right thing. There is a blessing in obedience. Sometimes it’s financial and sometimes it’s spiritual. On occasion, it is both.
Focus on faithfully serving me. Put all your effort into doing the right thing. Don’t overcome evil with evil. Overcome evil with good. When you do, you will model for others what it means to trust me. When you respond patiently and have peace during stress-filled times, people notice. They will wonder why you are acting as you are, and you can tell them you are trusting me. That will not always be the popular decision, but it will be the right one. Follow me today. Give me all the things about which you think and worry.
NEXT STEP
James tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19). Discipline yourself to think before you act. Don’t immediately respond to how you feel. Sometimes your feelings lead you correctly, but sometimes they lead towards disastrous results. When you are angry, take some deep breaths, ask me to give you wisdom, and—when possible—call a friend and discuss how you’re feeling.
LYRIC VIDEO
BONUS VIDEO