SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 18
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. 2 Samuel 18:5] The final battle between David’s army and Absalom’s. Absalom has every intention of killing his father, yet here we find David urging his commanders to be merciful to him. The rest of the story is how Absalom is defeated, and how Joab defies David’s desire and personally kills Absalom – remember, it was his fields that Absalom burned [2 Samuel 14: 29-32]… revenge is sweet!
David’s heart breaks for his rebellious son. Here we see a picture of the Father’s love, even for His rebellious children. Jesus teaches that God is our Father, and that His love is like a father’s, even greater: If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! [Matthew 7:9-11] How much more! Does a parent ever stop loving their child, even when their child is rebellious? Yes, earthly parents may stop loving their child(ren), but our perfect Father in heaven never will: Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. [Psalm 27:10]
I am convinced that God’s heart breaks every day, every moment, when He sees what we (collectively and individually) do in His world, with His children. I am convinced that these words are still true: The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. [Genesis 6:5-6] But even so, His love continues. He loves us so much that He chooses to personally absorb the guilt and punishment of our sin through Jesus, so that we might be restored. He is gentle with us, for His own sake. He endures cruel treatment and rejection, so that we might be forgiven: When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” [Luke 23:33-34]
Through today’s reading, I am reminded of the Father’s love for me, how it hurts Him when I rebel, but also when I suffer and die. And where David was powerless to help his son, God is not. He has done what is needed to save me. Do I appreciate His love, His mercy, His forgiveness?
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for not treating me as my sins deserve [Psalm 103:8-10]. May I be merciful to others, as You have been to me.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Oh LORD, that I may learn to love with the depth and passion that You love me……
Joyful are the parents whose children walk in the Way. However, when children follow their own desires and do not follow His Way, parents angonize over it. It cuts them to their heart, as we also see in this reading. Davis would have traded places with his son Absalom. As ruler, David should have purged the land from the evil that was happening. Grace abounded. Parents forgive and then forgive in the hope that their children will return to the Way.
God is the King. I too deserve death but again and again He graciously appears in my life and gives me LIFE in Christ Jesus. Thank You Lord for your patience with me and continue to form me into the person You desire me to be. I am still under construction.
Kids under construction –
Maybe the paint is still wet.
Kids under construction –
The Lord may not be finished yet.
We’re more than just accidents without the cause;
We’re more than just bodies and brains.
God made us on purpose; we’re part of a plan.
He cares and He knows us by name.
Refrain.
Now, mister, I know that I get in your way;
I’m noisy and just bug you so.
But there’s lots of questions I just have to ask
If I’m ever going to know.
Refrain.
Dear Jesus, please make me more patient and kind,
And help us to be more like You.
And make room for all other children of Yours,
For they are still growing up, too.
A theme song for our ES chapels.