Holy Means, Holy Ends
Verses: 2 Samuel 4:9-10 "As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of all trouble, when someone told me, 'Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more—when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed—should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!"
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. The story of Recab and Baanah serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holy means. These two men, who had been tasked with protecting Ishbosheth, treacherously killed him and then reported their actions to David as if they had done him a favor. But David was not pleased. Instead, he was outraged by their wicked deed and had them put to death.
David's response was guided by a deep understanding of God's character and a desire to reflect His holiness in all that he did. He recognized that God was the one who had delivered him out of all trouble, and he was determined to trust in His sovereignty and provision. This trust in God's sovereignty is what sets David apart from those who would compromise their values in order to achieve success.
As we navigate the journey of life, we must be mindful of the fact that our actions have consequences, not just in this life, but in eternity. We must strive to live in a way that honors God, knowing that He is the one who sees all that we do. This requires us to be intentional about the means we use to achieve our goals, ensuring that they align with God's holy character and principles.
Ultimately, the means and ways we take to reach where God wants us to reach will determine whether we meet God at our destination. It's not just about reaching our goals, but about how we get there. Will we take shortcuts and compromise our values, or will we trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when the journey is difficult or uncertain?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prioritize Your holiness and righteousness in all that we do. Give us the strength to resist the temptation to take shortcuts or compromise our values, and instead, help us to trust in Your sovereignty and provision. May we always strive to fulfill Your will in a way that honors You. Amen.