God's Sovereignty and Humanh Frailty

God’s sovereignty and human frailty.
2 Samuel 1-5
“And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”
God often uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.  When 1 Samuel ended, it seemed that all was going according to God’s plan.  Samuel had anointed David to be the successor of Saul, and Saul had died in battle, so the stage was set for David to assume the throne.  The story takes a dark and sinister turn when we come to the first five chapters of 2 Samuel. Rather than a smooth transition of leadership, Israel and Judah descended into a civil war as the competing political alliances of David and Ish-bosheth (son of Saul) contended for control over the nation of Israel.  
As we read through the text, David’s ascent to the throne seemed to be achieved more by political manipulation and military action than by God’s sovereign activity.  The text does not condemn nor approve of Joab’s actions or the violent manner in which Joab secured David’s position as king. The history of events is simply recorded so that we might know how David secured the position as King over all of Israel.  However, the civil war that occurred between the House of Saul and the House of David created a fracture in the nation between the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribes of Judah that would remain and ultimate lead to the division of the nation after the death of Solomon.  Even though David would be established as the king, the division created by the actions of Joab would remain.
As we read through the story of political intrigue, murder, and conflict, we also see two important lessons that are true in our lives. First, we see the sovereign hand of God at work as He uses the actions of sinful men to accomplish His purpose. This does not mean God approved the activities, but that God can direct even sinful men to accomplish His ultimate purpose.  Despite their sinful intent, God still governs the events that happen and the results that are achieved. God is at work in the world, the affairs of nations, and the events in our lives, and nothing can thwart his plan and purpose.  Even through the sinful activities of people, God still controls the direction and events of history.  He can draw a straight line with the broken stick of man’s sinfulness.  This is why we do not need to live in fear as we look at the events and political chaos of the world today.  Despite man’s sinful actions, God still guides history for his purpose.
The second lesson we see is that sin always has consequences.  The political manipulation and murder of Joab would have far-reaching effects.  It created a rift between Judah and Israel that would not be healed.  It would plague Solomon when he ascended to the throne, leading to the nation's division after Solomon’s death.  While God still accomplishes His purpose through sinful man, there are consequences.  Sin always has adverse effects on our lives and those around us.  Just because God blesses and uses us does not mean he overlooks unchecked sin in our lives.  When we see God’s blessing on our lives, we should never use it as an excuse to allow sin to go unhindered.  Instead, we should confess it and turn from it. Otherwise, it will have a negative influence.  The wonder of God’s grace is that He can use us despite our sins and failures.  The warning of His holiness is that unchecked sin will eventually lead to discipline. We do not need to be perfect to be used by God, but we should never abuse His grace by allowing sin to remain.