David: God's Imperfect Anointed

This past Wednesday, we were reminded of the frailty of our heroes. A thought-provoking devotional was presented, in which David's three exchanges with Shimei were observed. A short reminder: David leaves it in God's hands (2 Sam 16), David forgives (2 Sam 19), and David commissions vengeance through his son's hands (1 Kgs 2). An exchange I've read over and over got me thinking about some things.

First, how remarkable the grace of God must be. I'll be the first to admit that one of the most comforting things in life is certainty—I love it when things are black and white, but that's unrealistic; there is a little shade of grey. I share that because I have tried, instead of just taking the lesson, to rationalize some acceptable behavior out of David's instructions to Solomon. Surely, this can't be sinful; after all, David is in the Hall of Faith (Heb 11). He is named with those who are to be perfected alongside the Christian (Heb 11:40), meaning he will be in heaven. I am amazed at the grace of God simply because there is no possible defense for David's dying words, but there is the clear implication of his awaiting heavenly home. This is comforting, I would dare say more comforting than the black and white, God compensates for my failure. I don't have to have a blank slate when I die. This shouldn't encourage me to abuse grace but to appreciate God. Recognition of His grace provoked frail men to serve Him. (Note: There is a difference between frail and weak.)

Second, I am so thankful for Jesus. There are numerous similarities between David and Jesus. Much foreshadowing of Jesus can be found in David. One of the greatest examples is his role as the Lord's Anointed. However, this compares an imperfect, godly man and the only perfect, holy man, which comes with differences. The greatest thing I see from this exchange between David and Shimei is the value of words. Unlike David, Jesus forgives when He states so. Unlike David, the forgiven are no longer viewed in wrath. Unlike David, I can trust every single word that comes from Jesus with absolute certainty.

It isn't all black and white. Thankfully, He is, and whatever grey there is only works in my favor.