David flees upon hearing that his son Absalom plans to march with a rebel army into Jerusalem. As David and his royal procession travel towards their destination, they are met by Shimei, son of Gera. The man begins cursing the king, accuses him of being an accomplice in Saul’s death, and throws stones at him. David calms his men down and asks them to not retaliate. David explains that his son is trying to kill him – this is the true disgrace, not Shimei’s insults. Moreover, he sees these reproaches as an opportunity to atone for his sins and come closer to God. In his eyes, the stones that Shimei throws at him are sent from God. His humiliation is a precondition for attaining forgiveness. We can always transform instances of disgrace and evil into opportunities for receiving God’s blessings.
“And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day” (2 Samuel 16:11-12)
Spiritual progress requires hard work; thoroughness means leaving no stone unturned.
