WRONG ADVICE. 1st Chronicles 19 The chronicler recognized the necessity for the returning Jews to possess a strong incentive to invest their energy into the rebuilding efforts ahead of them. The account of Israel's past victories over its enemies captured their focus on the importance of the task at hand. What they were undertaking and the opposition they faced were to be anticipated. Even when one's intention is to demonstrate kindness, that may be misinterpreted, misunderstood, or dismissed. A suspicious disposition complicates life significantly.
David’s motives toward Hanun and the Ammonites were not only questioned by them, but those men he sent were slanderously attacked, publicly humiliated, and openly rejected. There were no grounds for what was done to them or for the suspicion of the Ammonites. The Hebrew men had been humiliated in the most offensive way they could. His beard was evidence of his maturity and piety to a Hebrew man. They were also careful to maintain modesty in how they dressed.
There are family characteristics in people we know that we need to consider when interacting with them. People who are strangers to us give us signs of who we are dealing with. If someone seems excessively familiar when we first meet them, they may be unsure of themselves, overcompensating, or have an unspoken motive. A hidden agenda may be the cause of flattering words. A dour disposition indicates that someone is suspicious of us and our intent when we show kindness. Likely, they have been deceived or hurt in their interactions with people they knew prior to us.
Not everyone can be open and frank with others. The usual first response when we approach those we do not know with acts of kindness or something to give for their benefit is, "What's the catch? Nobody does this without wanting something back?" In the story of David's men and Hanun, Hanun's advisers were likely older than the new king. They appeared to be angry, jealous, bitter men who resented David's success. Their bad advice was to humiliate the emissaries David sent to show kindness to the son of an older acquaintance who had died. When taking action, think beforehand about what might happen if a particular course is followed. As representatives of the kingdom of God, we will not be welcomed into every home or situation. Even so, kindness is never out of date; there will be suspicion and a degree of opposition from those who love the world and its things. There will always be charges that we are judgmental and unrealistic because we do not fit the mold or do what most people do. Humiliation and embarrassment often follow the rejection of acts of kindness. Our response should be like our Lord, "When He was reviled, He reviled not again. When He suffered, He threatened not."
Challenges to the public testimony of an assembly or even a nation vary. We must defend the truth of God in our outward testimony. Humiliation is difficult, but by allowing time for the effects of the initial event to subside, we can make a proper decision regarding how to act after careful consideration. Those who opposed and rejected David's men took the first aggressive steps by spending a significant amount of money to cover up their mistake. When we make a mistake, it is wise to admit it and seek to rectify the damage. Sometimes, all we can do is ask the offended party for forgiveness. Avoiding the admission of error means that reconciliation will never fully occur. The cost of not honestly confronting a mistake may be high, but it can be the best way to tackle a problem. This approach can help prevent prolonged bitterness and ongoing issues.
The Ammonites involved others, and the issue escalated until warfare against the people of Israel ensued. Joab was a skilled military leader who could improvise and adapt to unique situations. He seemed to discern the best way to respond to a severe attack. Dividing the enemy around his army and positioning his men to fight in two directions while supporting each other led to victory. In this event, he acknowledged that the Lord would do what was good in His eyes.
Those who lead the saints of God must be mature enough to have a general strategy in mind before the event occurs. This way, they can unite in addressing a problem and act quickly. Leaders also need to be young enough to possess the energy to defend the truth. Eventually, those who have guided God's people for years must pass leadership roles to others who have the initiative to advance the work and the strength to execute it.
Motivation alone does not accomplish work. Opportunity must present itself, and faith needs to see beyond the opposition to God's perspective on a matter and the desired result. Additionally, encouragement to seize opportunity, combined with faith and motivation, enables progress in the things of God. The wisdom of older men, when paired with the strength, enthusiasm, and faith of younger men, facilitates victory as we fulfill God's will.
Fear and pessimism often create a detrimental pause in the work of God. The fear of making a mistake and a pessimistic view of the situation effectively halt this work. Overcoming complacency is one of the most challenging tasks of spiritual leadership. Excessive optimism can lead to great disappointment when it is not grounded in realism. A realistic understanding of our Lord's calling and a sensible evaluation of ourselves and our resources prepare us for what God has in store for us.
Poor David had all these things in place—and then stayed home. He then got into trouble with his recurring "women problem" with his neighbor's wife. It is possible for an older person who knows what is right and has experienced God using them to become complacent, critical, or pessimistic and fall into sin. The chronicler did not mention this event in this book because it would not have served any purpose regarding the rebuilding program. For our learning: lessons from the past are not just stories to be told, but salient points to be made.
David learned hard lessons, and when the enemy attacked next, he was where he should have been before, doing what he ought to do—leading his people. Leaders must be upfront, guiding, not staying safe behind the action. If one cannot do that, then step aside and pass the reins of active leadership in guiding the Lord's people to those who can. One or more victories do not guarantee future triumphs. When we become complacent, it is time for us to reconsider our roles and responsibilities. If we have been negligent, it is time to don the armor of God and return to work. If we cannot fulfill our leadership responsibilities, step back into an advisory role and support those who can lead God's people.
Acting before you know why someone comes to seek you out and deciding upon a course of action even before you greet the visitor can be a great mistake. They may have come to you with an honorable intention, perhaps to bring a blessing or alleviate some tension, before an important decision they make. By acting in haste, some lasting danger may inadvertently occur. Their response may be some retaliation that is impossible for you to avoid because your act gave them no choice.
Now, a situation has arisen over which you have no control. And the results of “second-guessing” have left many a grieving soul when you ignored the wise man’s voice. It is seldom a mistake when you take a second look. Many regret not considering the results before taking serious action; they took it, and now they have serious regrets. Take time to consider both sides, the pros and cons, and what “second-guessing” might cause to happen after they are gone. Then you won’t have reason to worry.
When an approach to you is made, be cautious, but stop to hear. What one brings to your attention should cause no fear when their suggestion is made in good faith. Don’t “second-guess” their motives until you hear their story. Then take time to decide that to God will be all the glory, and what you did was an act of grace.
If a thing has mushroomed into a serious and dangerous event, consider carefully how you react and how your effort is spent; deal with the action, but don’t “second-guess.” You may not be sure of the outcome if, for some reason, you act in haste, and there may only be left to you both the results of a bitter taste. A wise, careful decision God can bless.