When the Tables are Turned

O. T.#734  "When the Tables are Turned"
April 14, 2016
2 Samuel 20


LET IT GLOW

Just when we think things are going good and we relax, wham! The tables are turned on us. I have found that it is usually folks close to us that turn the tables on us. Our supporters turn against us and we stand in shock, unable to believe they would do such a thing to us. How do we react? Do we continue on like David?

Now skip down to verse 3 of chapter 20.When David returned to Jerusalem, he put his concubines in seclusion, to a life of abstinence because of their sexual relations with Absalom (16:21-22). Absalom, David's own son, who lead a revolt against him, raped David's concubines in public view to show his replacing the king. David provided for those women's needs were met, but they lived like a widow until they died.
     
Through this we can see how  our sins often have horrible effects on others. (Guzik)

Do people stop and consider what kind of effect their actions (especially sinful) can have on others? Probably not. When people are living for the flesh, for their self, they aren't thinking of others.
How will this effect our reputation, our church, our family?  How do we react when our tables are turned upon us? Do we respond with forgiveness and love or revenge? Something to think about before the incidence occurs.

Instead of striking back, ask God to take your case, bring justice, and restore your reputation. (Life Application Study Bible)


LET IT GROW

Then the men of Israel showed jealousy toward the men of Judah when Israel wasn't invited to escort David back to his reigning city. Now a man named Sheba, of the tribe of Benjamin, (Israel) comes on the scene. He turns the tables on David. Who is this troublemaker (NLT), a wicked man (LASB), a worthless person (Liberty Bible Commentary), probably a leader among the Benjaminite delegation appointed to escort David to Jerusalem (Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary). This is the only account of Sheba being mentioned. He must have been a person of considerable power and influence to raise so sudden a revolt; Sheba belonged to Saul's tribe. He sought to overturn David's authority in Israel. He let jealousy get the better of him and made a mess of things. His influence is seen here.

Sheba blows the ram's horn and called the people of Israel to break off their support of David. In the heat of the moment, it must have seemed to be the right thing for the Israelis to do, because they deserted David. However, it was not the right thing to do.

David Guzik gives 3 principles common to rebels:

1. Sheba denied the king's sovereignty, claiming David had no right to reign over him or the 10 tribes of Israel.
2. Sheba devalued the king's identity. David's father Jesse was only a humble farmer, and Sheba emphasized David's humble beginnings.
3. Sheba decided to go his own way an drew others with him. He acted on his low opinion of David. 

As Judah demonstrated loyalty to their king, so should we remain loyal to Jesus in spite of the mocking of others, the rebellion of the flesh, and even when He seems distant from our situation.

It seems that the disloyalty of the north continued as long as Sheba lived.  (MacArthur)

LET IT GO

Lay my case before God, pouring my heart out.

Ask Him to bring justice.

Allow God to handle those who turn the tables on me.

Trust God to restore my reputation and relationships.

Let Him heal my hurting heart.