“It happened after this that Nahash the king of the people of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his place. 2 Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the people of Ammon to comfort him. 3 And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun, “Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Did his servants not come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” 4 Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away.”
1 Chronicles 19:1-4 NKJV
Prince of Peace,
Yesterday all is going well in the Kingdom. Then David, hears of someone else’s sad grief and sent a message of comfort. A simple act of kindness which is greeted with distrust and disdain, not by Hanun, but those around himw ho should have known better.
They did not just send the messengers back but they threw it back with offence. Then hired mercenaries for the lands surrounding them ( 1 Chronicles 19:6-7) to show how offended they were!. Perhaps David should not have sent the message or should have gone himself. Hindsight, however, cannot change things. But it does teach us.
In trying to be a good neighbour we can overstep someone else’s comfort zone or say something which is misunderstood. But it cannot stop us seeking to do good (Galatians 6:9), and from trying to show love our neighbours (Matthew 22:39). And if we say something that is taken the wrong way, You remind us that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1). Help us to act not react . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 19th April 2026
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled.” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear.
Though by the path He leadeth, But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Lyrics: Civilla D, Martin