Betrayed!

God showed me something important and I believe I'm to share it with you.

I woke up to feeling I needed to read 2 Samuel 15. I went there to read about King David, and how he had to flee his palace, as his son Absalom was coming to overthrow King David.

History tells us of this story. David flees the palace and 600 men went with him. When he gets away from the palace, Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant tells David that Mephibosheth was joining Absalom and no longer supporting King David. In return, King David told Ziba, "I'm taking back all the property I gave Mephibosheth and giving it to you." However, when David returns he is met by Mephibosheth. Remember Mephibosheth sat at King David's table. King David did nothing but honor Mephibosheth. He blessed him and not harmed Mephibosheth. Certainly, King David had a right to understand what changed? He did good to Mephibosheth.

Why the betrayal? Mephibosheth told David that Ziba had left him behind. He was ready to leave with David. Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, purposely left him behind, and then told the King he was not supporting him, but Absolom a madman. King David was caught in a confusing situation. Two different stories. King David then told them he would divide what was previously Mephibosheth's property, which he had given him to begin with, between Mephibosheth and Ziba, but Mephibosheth told King David, "Give it all to him. I don't care., I don't want it!" Obviously, this would not be the response of a man that hated the King or would want to harm him. Ziba didn't even say a word. Greedy, evil people never do! Is it clear to you as it is to me?

It's the closest people to you that betray.

Ziba might have inherited the worldly possessions by lying, conniving, conspiring, and manipulating but in the end it was Mephibosheth that King David believed. We can learn much from this story. Lies, manipulations, and all sorts of evil can be told about you. But God always has final word.

Your response must always be like that of Mephibosheth, "Go ahead give it all to him who lied about me." Mephibosheth knew the truth and knew God would reveal the truth. My friends let your enemies do what they need to do. Your trust and hope is to a God that sees and hears behind the scenes. He knows how to take care of the innocent, God always reveals the truth. Always! Let your enemies be and bless them. Don't fret over evildoers. Keep your mouth shut, and keep your eyes on God.

Whatever the wrong, let it go.

Whatever was taken, let them have it.

Your reputation is not in the hands of liars. Your reputation is in the mighty hands of the Almighty God. He knows how to avenge you. Oftentimes your enemies are those who you thought were your friends. Ziba might have stolen Mephibosheth's possessions, but I promise you his ending was not the same as that of Mephibosheth.

I believe God is telling us through this story that He will bring forth the truth always. Trust God no matter what, give those that purposely hurt you over to God and be radical. Pray for them and mean it.

Leave to God what belongs to God.

This reminder blesses me, and I pray it blesses you, too!

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You, O God, are the Defender of Your Children, and You know how to take care of Your children. I place my enemies in Your hands, O God, and will continue to walk in faithful obedience to You and Your ways. Be my Guide as You lead me along Your paths of righteousness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

#TopicArticle #vengeance #revenge #honor #enemies