Second Chance

1 Kings 2:24

“And now, as surely as the Lord lives – he who has established me securely on the throne of my father David and has founded a dynasty for me as he promised – Adonijah shall be put to death today!”

I have my discipline guidelines set. One disobedience, one spank. If Rilian’s hits Kjaran by the hand, the rod will fall hard on that hand. If he stomps his feet in tantrums, his legs will get the scolding. If he snarls aloud in defiance, I tap his mouth to make my point. This might not be agreeable to some moms, but it’s quite effective for us.  Anyway, one time, after giving him a spank for disobeying, he turned and made an angry growl at me. And then as if it surprised him as well, he shifted gears and blurted, ‘Ay, sorry mom!’ For a few seconds I stood there not knowing what to do next. My book says I have to scold him for the snarl, but this was admittedly unguarded. I decided to take a step back and leave him with a warning. I was not sure then if I did it right.

First on Solomon’s to-do-list as newly enthroned king were discipline issues. Not a very nice welcome assignment right? Especially if first in line is your own brother. Good thing Adonijah chose to bow in surrender after his caught-rebellion. So was Shimei, David’s curse-r. Both admitted their wrongdoings and so was given another chance. Guess I did right with Rilian that time. But Solomon did not just let go. He implied that his eyes are on them. Alongside giving a second chance is to make sure they are now accountable for their actions. Discipline is a necessary follow through for the rebellious. Since they have breached the trust, they have to prove their loyalty back. Sadly, these two men never learned their lesson. Or probably, repentance never really took place.  Adonijah’s scheme to have David’s last concubine proved he’s still eyeing the crown, while Shimei was caught breaking his sworn oath by leaving Jerusalem without permission. Both faced death by the sword. They have been warned. But they gave away that second chance.

As leaders, parents, or teachers, let us be mindful of those who cry out for mercy. It is true that every sin has its consequences, but every repentant sinner needs a second chance too. We do have a merciful God and His patience stretches to giving us nth chances right? But read again the qualifier: repentant. Context? Insubordination. For Joab was still killed for the murder of Abner and Amasa, not because he conspired against Solomon's authority. Withholding punishment for discipline doesn’t mean disregarding the offense. It merely changes its form to positive measures, moving the rebellious from being passive receivers to active responders. But this implies taking responsibility as leaders. Shifting to yield mode is signing a conforme that says we’re keeping an eye on them. If we’re giving them a second chance, we have to be there until they’re fully submissive. It’s no accident that forgiveness has the word ‘give’ in it. Quite a thought. Still pondering here….