So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.” (II Samuel 10:4-5 ESV)
Hair and Hope
David’s servants lost half of their beards. But they lost more than that. Culturally, they had lost their respect, standing, and reputation.
Most of us have lost something. Maybe not half a beard. But we have lost possessions, positions, and companions. And like David’s servants, we have at times lost respect, standing, and reputation.
David was a good King. He was sensitive to his servant’s loss. And he acted to restore what he could. He could not make their hair grow, but he could help them restore their place in society. He helped them wait.
We have an even better King. Jesus restores what we have lost, too. And He has more power and ability than David did!
I can not promise that Jesus will restore tomorrow what is causing you to feel loss. But He will restore, and so urges our attention on, all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) He is the Greatest King.
Perhaps not until we open our eyes in His Kingdom. Perhaps after a wait, like David’s servants. Perhaps sooner.
But because He is King, we can hope.
Take the hope God grants us.