CUT OFF THAT WHICH TIES US TO A SINFUL PAST OR PERSON

PROCLAMATION

“Now you yourself know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me; what he did to the two commanders of Israel’s armies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether.  He killed them, shedding their blood in peace-time as if in battle … Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his grey head go down to the grave in peace.”  1 Kings 2:5-6 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

As King David was about to die, (1 Kings 2:1-2) he gave his son King Solomon some good advice. (1 Kings 2:2-9)  First he told him to be strong and be a man, (1 Kings 2:2) and he told him to obey The Lord God. (2:3)  Then David reminded him that Joab killed Absalom, Abner, and Amasa.  He told him to be kind to the sons of Barzillai who stood by him and helped him when he fled from Absalom. (1 Kings 2:7)  Finally, he reminded Solomon that one of his men, Shimei, had cursed him. (1 Kings 2:8-9)  David told Solomon that he was a man of wisdom and in his own way he needed to deal with Joab and Shimei for the wrongs they had done.  Solomon separated himself from both men and eventually had both of them killed.

APPLICATION

Some people are in our life for a season, and others are there for a reason.  Once a bad person has shown their true nature, we do not have to continue to deal with them.  After a relationship with a snake has ended, it is time to sever all ties with their past sinful ways.  That which The Lord God has brought us out of, we should not be trying to reconnect with.  We can be civil and speak if necessary, but we should not seek to maintain or repeat an unhealthy relationship.  Some ties just need to be cut off.  We need to pray, and to pray for them, and then move on.