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REFLECTION

Amasa kissed and killed is the theme for today’s reflection. It is an irony to be kissed and killed since a kiss ought to be a symbol of love and affection. Amasa, a nephew and commander of David’s army was kissed and killed by Joab, his cousin, who is also a nephew and special adviser to King David.

Amassa was Absalom’s (David’s son) general when he rebelled against King David. Absalom was later defeated and killed by Joab against the wishes of King David. King David was restored but surprisingly he made Amasa the general of his army. Why would you make the friend of your enemy your friend? This shows that David was not a vindictive person. Unfortunately, Amasa indeed proved that he was still loyal to Absalom, his rebellious cousin even after his death. Amasa who played a very important role in the army of David went ahead to conspire against David. An enemy called Sheba rose against David but Amasa’s conduct in pursuing and having Sheba killed was slow. “Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.” So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him. And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” (2 Samuel 20:4-6)

Joab, David’s aide de camp, cousin and soldier realised that Amasa cannot be trusted as an army General because of his reluctance in apprehending David’s enemy. “When they were at the great stone that is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was wearing a soldier’s garment, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened on his thigh, and as he went forward it fell out. And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died. (2 Samuel 20:8-10). Beloved in the Lord, disloyalty to a person who loves and cares for you is costly. It cost Amasa his life when he remained disloyal to King David who should have killed him in the first place but gave him another chance. Why rise against your benefactor and the hand that feeds you? Amasa betrayed David but ironically Amasa died through the same betrayal, he called Joab brother, but Joab kissed and killed him for being disloyal to their uncle the King. He died a painful death through disloyalty and betrayal. A great lesson for families and friendships in our world today. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear God, strengthen us to be loyal to those who love and care for us. May we resist the temptation to betray and conspire against the people who love us. Amen.