2 Samuel 23:5-7 – The King’s Enemies Will Be Consumed
The same news can have the opposite effect on different people. The King’s coming is good news for his friends – but spells disaster for his enemies.
Again and again the Bible divides the human race into two categories, and only two: Those who are for Christ – and those who are against him. In verse 6, those described as worthless men – those who have no time for the coming King – are described as thorns that are thrown away. They are prickly. They cause trouble on earth. The same word for thorn is used way back in Genesis 3 to describe the effects of the fall. That’s how thorns came into the world. But one day, we are going to live in a renewed Eden. The new heavens and the new earth will be like Eden, only better. And there won’t be any thorns there. Why not? Because God has said that nothing unclean will ever enter it. And because, at the end of verse 7, they’ll be utterly consumed with fire. As John the Baptist had said of Jesus: ‘His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ And the reason that hasn’t happened already is because he is being so patient with people. But one day his patience will be at an end.
Questions
- What are the two categories the human race can be divided into?
- What will happen to those who oppose Jesus?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of family and friends.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.