“How long before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?” (2 Samuel 2:26 NIV)
King Saul had passed away but his son, Ish-Bothsheth inherited the throne. He was King of Israel and David was made king of Judah. The warring between Saul’s men and David’s men continued. At the pool of Gibeon it seems like they killed each other for sport, not valor or justice. Finally, Abner, the commander of Ish-Bothsheth’s army called out to Joab, commander of Davide’s army “How long before your men stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?”
Abner and Joab had been fighting their leadership’s battles for so long they had forgotten they were brothers. Battling as brothers within a county’s borders is called civil war and it is often the final act before total collapse. Neighboring nations can easily infiltrate and attack because the homeland is preoccupied with their own people.
This text makes me think about our own nation and the widening divide between right and left. Pre-pandemic tensions were high and when the national disaster was declared, it seemed, for a season, that people were ready to cross battle lines to work together for the good of the Union. However, within a few weeks, political parties started sharpening their swords again, looking to leverage our grave circumstances for personal benefit. It’s downright shameful. Should Americans pursue other Americans?
This text also makes me consider the church. Growing up in and spending most of my adult life in a parsonage, I’ve had nearly forty years of exposure to warring believers. I’ve witnessed the petty, the power-playing, the destructive and the devastating. This should not be. Brothers should not pursue brothers.
When we war within the walls of the church, the effects are the same as the faltering nation. Bickering and politicking preoccupy the body and open the door for deadly attack from our mutual enemy.
Maybe this is why Jesus tells us, don’t even participate in worship without resolving our issue with another believer. Leave your gift at the altar and go make it right before you move toward Me.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; and then come back and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV)
It is a privilege to be a part of the family of God, an honor that we cannot afford to take lightly. Learn from Abner and Joab today: brothers should not pursue brothers. Lay your swords down and look for common ground.
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 13:1 NIV)
Lord, let us recognize our own contributions to civil war. Help us remember our offense before we get to the altar. Forgive us as we forgive others. Unite the church anew by Your blood. Amen.