In the Old Testament there is a character, one of David’s nephews by the name of Joab. He was controversial to say the least. He seems to start out as a good, God fearing man. He lives in exile with David. He attacks the Jebusites for David, securing his place as commander of David’s army. He then oversees the repairs of the city of Jerusalem. He fights a battle and makes this admirable statement: Be strong! Let’s fight bravely for the sake of our people and the cities of our God! The LORD will do what he decides is best (2 Samuel 10:12 NET)!” He later tries to convince David to not number Israel, seeing this action as abominable. These are not the actions and words of a wicked, dishonorable man. So, what happened? It seems somewhere around the event of numbering Israel, Joab begins to lose respect for David and possibly God. I’m sure that he held David to a higher standard, being in leadership. Plus he knew David his entire life being his nephew. So he probably knew David’s convictions very well. So, it may be clear why he begins to have issues with David, but why with God? There is an important story that shows us something important about Joab. Abner kills Joabs’ brother Asahel in battle. Later Abner adjoins himself with David and David sends him away in peace. Joab goes after Abner and kills him in revenge for killing his brother. This shows us clearly that Joab was not a man of forgiveness. So when he begins to see flaws in David and then he sees God forgive him, this becomes an issue with Joab. Later David sins again with Bathsheba and has Joab have Uriah killed. Joab doesn’t even try to convince David otherwise this time. He then sees God forgive him again. There becomes such a problem between David and Joab that Joab follows Adonijah (Davids’ son) to become king in Davids’ place. Why did Joab stray so far? I believe it was because he really didn’t understand grace, mercy and forgiveness.
When we see Jesus forgive someone and restore them, we should not be so quick to judge. We desire forgiveness in our lives. I feel like sometimes people see God forgive others and restore them and feel like they somehow don’t deserve it, especially those in leadership. News flash, none of us deserve it. That’s why it’s mercy and grace. Remember that grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ (John 1:17 NET). This is why Peter could deny Jesus 3 times and be restored and preach with the 12 on the day of Pentecost. This is why Paul could preach the Gospel. This is why Paul would be reconciled to John Mark. Because they experienced and extended grace and mercy.
So don’t get tripped up because God forgives somebody else with the same mercy and grace that He has extended to you because you don’t understand grace. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 KJV). Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you (Ephesians 4:32 NET) .
Romans 14:4 NET Who are you to pass judgment on another’s servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Ephesians 2:8 NET For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God;