A People Divided

Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. Only the house of Judah followed David. 2 Samuel 2:10 (NKJV)

After Sauls death, David inquires of the Lord and goes to Hebron where he is anointed king by Judah. Abner, knowing that he would lose his power as commander of the army, anoints Ishbosheth, Sauls son, as king over the rest of Isreal, igniting a civil war. The two kingdoms eventually came together under the rule of David, however, the conflict left a lasting impact on the unity and stability of the kingdom. The division between the northern tribes and the southern tribes, contributed to the weakening of Israel's governance and military strength and their separation after the death of Solomon. As a people divided, they did not have the strength needed to defend themselves against the rising power of the nations around them.

Division amongst Christians mirrors the strife in Isreal after the death of Saul. Mathew 12:25 says, "But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." When we bicker within the church, we weaken ourselves and make Jesus' commission less effective. Quarreling within the church is rooted in sins like pride, selfishness, envy, and lust for power or recognition. But we are called to be better than that. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 says, "Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Choose to love, one another like Jesus loves you. Do not get caught in the trap set by Satan and avoid senseless arguments that lead to division. Be willing to forgive your brother or sister for a transgression against you. Seek to understand the others hurt and look at your own part in it. Choose to speak the truth tactfully and not blame. And always pray to God first for His guidance and direction. Remember we are not to be a people divided, but one people bringing the world to Christ: one person at a time.