Whether in work, in chores, or raising a family, it feels like things spin around in circles. Yes time marches on and events play out in the grand salvation story, but when you are in the middle of one of its scenes, the story feels repetitive. Whether in life or church, some things will always be the same this side of Jesus’ return.
David must certainly have felt that he had read the script before. Not five minutes it seems after he defeated Absalom but yet another rebellion seems to erupt. This time it is intra-tribal rivalry which sets things off. And there is yet more tragedy. And yet, David’s kingdom carries on. Sounds a bit like Christ’s kingdom. Disagreements, rebellion, and tragedies. But Christ’s kingdom carries on.
The end of chapter 19 ended with a face-off and fierce words between Judah and the northern tribes over who would lead David home to Jerusalem. David thought he had patched things up in the kingdom, but he was mistaken. There were still grudges and wounds held which would rip open again.
A worthless man named Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin, possibly even a relative of Saul’s hankering for the good old days, was the focal point when he raised the flag of rebellion once again (v.1). This time it was the northerners who followed the good for nothing fellow, while Judah brough David home (v.2).
Next came the first tragedy of the chapter. Absalom had helped himself to David’s concubines, and now David could no longer associate with them. So David ensured their provision and care as best he could, but they were left to live out their days like widows in an isolated, boring existence (v.3). Ten women doomed, through no fault of their own, because of the sins of another.
Then David turned to his new general, and gave him three days to raise the Judahite militia (v.4). But Amasa took longer, and David grew restless at the lack of action, so sent Abishai (Joab’s brother) after Sheba (vv.5-6). Out went Abishai with David’s crack troops, and “Joab’s men” among them (v.7).
And so, the second tragedy. Amasa finally caught up with Abishai’s troops north of Jerusalem. While Joab reached out to Amasa with supposed affection for the new general, his sword in his hand said otherwise (vv.8-9). Sadly Amasa did not notice, and Joab murdered Amasa for no other reason than Amasa had taken Joab’s spot (v.10). And then, matter of fact, took back off in pursuit of Sheba, as if nothing had happened.
But something had happened, and every trooper who came past saw their old commander dead on the ground (vv.11-12). So Joab’s lackey dragged the body into a field and covered it with a garment, so everyone would move on (vv.12-13). Some funeral.
Sadly for Sheba, the support never showed up and he found himself in the far north town of Abel with only his clansmen to back him up (v.14). Joab, newly re-self-appointed general, laid siege to the town (v.15). Suddenly a wise woman appeared, wanting to know why the town was under attack (vv.16-19).
Joab responded that he had no interest in destroying the town except that Sheba, the traitor, was there (vv.20-21). Hand him over, and Abel could go back to its prosperous ways.
The woman told him to wait for the head to sail over the walls, headed into town to convince the townsfolk to solve their problems with one swift swordstroke, and over the wall sailed Sheba’s head (v.22). Problem solved, everyone went home (except Amasa and Sheba).
So rebellion over, and Joab was back where he wanted to be; in charge of the army (v.23). And David’s kingdom carried on. Its ministers were still at work, keeping the ship of state running (vv.23-6). David was still king.
So another rebellion against God’s anointed king. More disagreements. More tragedy and needless death and suffering. But David’s kingdom carried on. Once it seemed so strong, then it appeared quite shaky, but it continued.
Same with Christ’s kingdom, the Church. Sometimes it seems strong. Sometimes, it looks shaky. But Christ is still king.
The Church is full of tragedies, as our sins against each other cause others to suffer because of our sins. A Sheba pops up and causes disputes and schisms in the Church, and further hurts instead of healing them. A Joab pops up and hacks with a sword so long as he can keep his place and his prerogatives.
It should not be like this, but it is. Just as our own lives are a little “rebellion encore” against God every day in our own uniquely similar sinful ways, so too the life of the Church suffers from rounds of disagreement, suffering, tragedy, and rebellion. We all have a role to play, like the wise woman of Abel, to help stop another rerun of the story, before more suffer hurt and tragedy.
But even as we fail, Christ is still king.
