It is wise to ask questions and not accept things at face value, both David and Jesus did.
2 The king asked Ziba, ‘WHY have you brought these?’
3 The king then asked, ‘WHERE is your master’s grandson?’ 2 Samuel 16
We saw yesterday that even in the midst of fleeing for his life, David still had the presence of mind to ask Ziba the steward two searching questions. What’s your MOTIVE for bringing these supplies and where is your MASTER? WHY ARE WE DOING SOMETHING AND WHO ARE WE DOING IT FOR? These questions are still relevant for the believer’s walk with God. I also quoted God’s very recent word through Amanda Grace;
’Do not exalt pastors (Leaders) above My Name. I am your source, I am your banner, I am your provider. DON’T MAKE FALLIBLE MEN AND WOMEN YOUR SOURCE.’
It’s always easier to follow someone, perhaps with a powerful gifting or very charismatic, than to seek God’s will for ourselves. There’s much compromise in the Church today and we need to be asking for the Lord’s direction in our lives.
Ziba said to him, ‘He (Mephibosheth)is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, “Today the Israelites will restore to me my grandfather’s kingdom.”’
4 Then the king said to Ziba, ‘All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours (The word of a king is all powerful and we serve the King of Kings).’
‘I humbly bow,’ Ziba said. ‘May I find Favour in your eyes, my lord the king.’
King David, still king though his Rulership had been usurped, similar to another situation today. David made a pronouncement based on Ziba’s report to him.
17 The first to present his case seems right,
until another comes forward and QUESTIONS THEM. (It is Biblical to ask questions although it may not be well received, particularly by leaders.) Proverbs 18
In 2 Samuel 19:24-30 the Bible gives us the other side of this affair when David QUESTIONED Mephibosheth. Once David heard his explanation, he immediately changed his earlier ruling.
25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the KING ASKED HIM (At the First Opportunity!), ‘Why didn’t you go with me, Mephibosheth?’
26 He said, ‘My lord the king, since I your servant am lame, I said, “I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so that I can go with the king.” But Ziba my servant betrayed me.” 2 Samuel 19
We shouldn’t ask question just for the sake of doing so, but God’s Spirit can give us the right questions to ask, and often revelation on what we seek.
29 The king said to him, ‘Why say more? I order you and Ziba to divide the land.’
30 Mephibosheth said to the king, ‘Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely.’
David’s final judgement was more balanced than the one he’d given based on Ziba’s words alone. There are always two sides to any situation and Gossip often covers only the side the teller wants us to hear! Even the news media today is particularly slanted and biased, organs of propaganda.
Be Wise, Ask Questions Before You Accept or Take on Board what you’re being told and seek the Lord for understanding.
God bless and keep you today.