Barzillai, a Man of Faith

Today's passage sheds light on what true faith and character are, through the various people King David met on his journey back to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion had been put down. Joab uses the victory in battle for his own power and fails to understand David's heart, while Shimei tries to save his life with a false repentance that is really fear in disguise. Barzillai, by contrast, served David sincerely when he was at his lowest, and even when the king's power was restored he did not covet luxury or glory but kept to his own place and humbly declined.

Through these contrasts the sermon distinguishes the calculating logic of the world from the heart of God. Joab and Shimei knew grace and opportunity when they saw them but did not turn back, and in the end they were judged, while Barzillai, through a wise life with God at the center, was blessed even by David's descendants. It emphasizes that true faith is not shaken by outward circumstances or human righteousness, and comes from having a character that carries out one's given mission with gratitude.

Do we now judge good and evil by the world's standards, or do we choose a life of obedience to God's will? We are led to look back on how deeply a life of devotion and thankfulness like Barzillai's has taken root in us.