David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.
How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hand and destroy you from the earth?” 2 Samuel 4:9-11
When people take matters into their own hands without first praying and seeking counsel, they can make everything worse. That’s what happened with those trying to please king David. They thought by killing Saul’s son they would please David and make the situation better. It did not. Here in the U.S. we witnessed a tragedy and ungodly reaction in Dallas of the black men in recent encounters with police. If only more of us would follow the call of the police chief to pray first and unite in a peaceful manner.
Am I seeking God first before I react to situations?
God, thank you for hearing our prayers. I am certain Your heart is grieved by the violence and tragedies that have occurred. You know all things. Help us see what is happening and make God-honoring responses. Please protect our police and law enforcement officers in their service. Help them prevent mistakes and expose any hatred or desire in ungodly people who have are in their ranks. Please protect citizens from mishaps and outright abuse (rare though it may be).
