David now returns to Jerusalem as king once more. He would have been expected at this time to take revenge on those who opposed him. But David is instead remarkably gracious as is evident particularly in the case of Shimei. In fact, there is no bloodshed at all on his return, a highly unusual thing for a king returning to the throne after a major rebellion. So why is David in such a gracious state of mind? It is simply because he himself is returning to the throne because of God’s grace to him. To receive grace and yet not give it is a terrible thing. Jesus’ parable of the ‘unmerciful servant’ in Matthew 18 illustrates this graphically. Those who have received mercy for their sins are duty bound to show mercy in turn to those who sin against them. David came back to Jerusalem being fully conscious of God’s mercy and grace to him. That is what compels him to forgive those who had previously opposed him. If you have received God’s grace you thereby forsake any right to hold against anyone the offense or injury they perpetrated against you. If you are willing to receive grace you must be willing to give it. Are you holding anything against anyone today? Be thankful that God is not holding your sins against you. Express your gratitude by paying his grace forward.
Think about who you need to show grace to.
Read 2 Samuel 19:9-39
