Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. James 1:16-18. NIV.

In The Message translation: There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. James 1:17.

I read the above verse in Hearing God by Dallas Willard right after reading 2 Samuel 19. I couldn’t help but appreciate the contrast between the mind of man and the mind and heart of God.

Joab, David’s commander of his army, confronts David while he is weeping and mourning for Absalom, his son whom Joab killed. The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. v. 3. David’s army has defeated those of his own country who were trying to kill him, including David’s own son, Absalom. “You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men.” v. 6-7. Strong words to a king. Joab has been David’s commander from the beginning. They have been through battle together. David needed to hear the words Joab gave him. He did. He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. v. 14.

And now, as David comes to Gilgal, he is met by men who plead their case to him. Shimei who cursed David and threw stones and dirt at him and his men; 1,000 Benjamites along with Ziba, the steward of Saul’s household with his 15 sons and 20 servants who had told David Mephibosheth was unfaithful to David; and Mephibosheth himself…he had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king left until the day he returned safely. v. 24.

And then greeting the king, Barzillai, 80 years old, who had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. He wanted nothing from David. He gives to David his servant, Kimham. v. 31-38.

All these people pleading their case to their king and who can know their minds? Once they cross over the Jordan then all the men of Israel complain that the men of Judah brought David across the Jordan. “We have ten shares in the king; so we have a greater claim on David than you have.” v. 43.

I couldn’t help but think about this return of David to his throne and the coming return of Jesus. How many will claim a greater share of Jesus to the hurt of others?

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

In Matthew 10:34 this verse: Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. That seems like such a strange statement coming from Jesus. Then I read the chapter we are in today, I see events in this world, and I realize we like our own way. We cling to what we believe is right and look at the history of us! Who can truly know the mind of men? God alone who does not change. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13.

The word of truth…Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17. God stands. His truth stands.

I am so grateful that God knows my heart, my thoughts, my mind, my soul. I entrust everything I am to Him. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. Thank You, Lord!