“Prophetic Curse!”

“Prophetic Curse!”(II Sam.16:5-14).
King David and his trusted officials were running away from his son Absalom who planned a coup to overthrow his father. On the way they met Shimei, a clan man of king Saul. This man rained curses on king David and called him a blood sucker and scoundrel. He even pelted them with stones. He said the dissaster on David was the LORD’s payback for the blood David shed in the house of Saul.
This was intolerable to the extent that one person in David’s retinue wanted to go and cut off the head of the guy, but David stopped him. David told his officials, “My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.”
David took the option of nonretaliation because as has been said, if you stop to throw stones at all the dogs that bark on you, you may never get to your destination on time. Besides, only trees with good fruits attract the fling of slings.
Whenever you are insulted, humiliated and publicly disgraced there is just one possible reaction: If the insults and humiliations are justified, then be calm and go correct yourself, because some of the best pieces of advice are given through insults. Our people say while fighting, listen to the insults. On the other hand, if the insults and humiliations are unfounded, still be calm because nobody can kick your buttocks unless your buttocks is infront of him.
That notwithstanding, David, though a great and powerful king made his own mistakes. As a great warrior he killed thousands, but he was also a murderer; he plotted the death of Uriah to take his lone wife Bathsheba.
For David the insults from Shimei was a prophetic message from the LORD. He deserved what he got! He was atoning for his sins.
Dear friend, God works in ways we cannot fathom. God raised David from a shepherd boy to a mighty king of his chosen people. But when David fell from grace to disgrace, his own son had to stage a coup d’etat against him! A king who was running away from his own son had no moral backing to punish Shimei who only cursed and pelted him with stones.
No condition is permanent; not even the coveted positions we have. The Lord who elevated us is the same who will brings down!
He is also the Lord of good times and bad times as well. Rather than deal severely with those who curse us and throw dirt on us, let us see them as prophets of the Lord sent to point out our wrongs where our friends are either too blind to see or not bold enough to tell us.
Prayer of the week: LORD, see my distress from the insults of my enemies and repay me with good, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Welcome back to a new working day and week! Have a blessed day and week! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.