Coincidence or Karma

1 Kings 1-2

Let me tell you about 3 people who may have had the question "Is this coincidence or Karma?" when they suffered terrible consequences for past actions/deeds.

*First there is Joab, commander of kind David's army who knowing. He assumed he had gotten away with it.

*Second, there was Shimei, who called down bitter curses on king David when he was fleeing from Absalom. Then turned out and meet king David at the Jordan when he returned. David swore "I will not put you to death by the sword" Shimei most likely thought he was home free.

*Last is Adonijah, one of king David's sons who put himself as the king when Dave was very old. Conspiring with Joab, (remember him), and others for David's throne. He may have thought he could pull it off.

I'll elaborate on Adonijah first because his actions were the catalyst of the consequences bestowed on the other two.

Adonijah wanted to usurp his brother Solomon and be king so conspired with others to get the throne. However, Nathan heard and went to Bathsheba to discuss the matter and bring it to attention. He sent Bathsheba to the king to inform him and he backed her up. Upon hearing the news, King David took matters into his hands and made Solomon King.

Now king David gave Solomon instructions or advice you can say as to what he needed to do regarding Adonijah; spare his life as well as the others. And to this Solomon's reply mad no promise not to kill his brother. If he shows himself to be worthy not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, but if evil is found in him, he will die."

Adonijah had the gall to request his father's attendant his wife. Is that disrespectful or what? So he showed himself unworthy, and it cost him his life. Coincidence or Karma?

Now back to Joan who conspired with Adonijah he heard what happened to Adonijah and fled to the tent of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar, refusing to come down, saying "No I will die here."

David had told him to deal with Joab according to his (Solomon's) wisdom and not let his gray head go down in peace. So Solomon ordered him stuck down. Coincidence or Karma?

Last, let's discuss Shimei; who bitterly cursed king David when he fled Absalom. David informed Solomon that he swore to Shimei he would not put him to death by the sword. But advised Solomon not to consider him innocent, and told him he would know what to do with him. In turn Solomon, sent Shimei to live in Jerusalem and live there, not to go anywhere else he would be sure to die. However, 3 years later he left, he may have assumed he wasn't breaking the oath because he went to retrieve his slaves. After returning though he was summoned and reminded of the agreement. He was stuck down. Coincidence or Karma?

These 3 men illustrated perfectly that all action have consequences, whether you suffer them immediately or years later. I have to admit the situation I am in is Karma of the things I have done in my life. A consequence of my actions and I have admitted my wrong doing and faults, yet I still had to answer for my actions. Be mindful of your actions because there are no coincidences.