For the Sake of Peace

2 Samuel 21

 ¹Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

     There are times, in our lives, when we experience a delayed consequence.  It didn't start with you.  It had nothing to do with you, but your the one that will pay for it.  David had nothing to do with what Saul did with the Gibeonites, but because there was a covenant broken, the issue had to be fixed, someday.  David did what needed to be done for the peace of Israel.  He took seven of the sons of Rizpah and offered them to be killed for the broken covenant.  Rizpah beat away the buzzards and cried.  It was one of the most unfair stories in the Bible, but in the end, God opened up the skies and it rained.
     What has been left in your hands to repair that was not your fault in the first place?  What price are you paying for some distant relatives mistake?  What are you having to do for the sake of peace?  Are you bitter about what it is costing you?
     Some years ago, I was left to raise children that I did not ask for.  I ran up debt that I am still repaying.  I suffered from years of bitterness and brokenness that many got tired of hearing.  It was not their burden.  Both children lived full lives and died in God and my job was done.

     This weekend I visited their graves in my hometown.  The leaves were just turning from the trees and it was a warm southern day.  The sun had come from behind the clouds and I had not a worry to my name.  I peered at the headstone of one, and the memorial of the other and a sense of pure peace filled my heart.  I am finally at rest with the price.  I finally found peace.