SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 14
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him. [2 Samuel 14:14] In describing the character of God, this woman gives voice to the good news, the gospel. Though death is the very real result of sin, God does what He can to reverse the curse of sin. He devises a way so that we – the banished human race, kicked out of the garden [Genesis 3:23-24] – can be reconciled to Him, no longer estranged, no longer banished.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [John 3:16-17] This is the way devised by God so that we might be reconciled. Jesus takes the death penalty on our behalf. Jesus defeats the power of sin, death and hell. He opens the way to forgiveness and freedom and life beyond the grave. He heals the broken relationship between God and people, but also between people. The alienation and dysfunctional relations that result from sin (between husbands, wives, parents, children, neighbours, races, nations) he reverses. He forms a community from every tribe and nation and religion and class, and produces one people.
God’s reconciling heart is expressed even through this woman, whose words are a script prompted by Joab. I believe that God is whispering His heart through everyone – even non-Christians. Anyone who speaks on behalf of justice or healing or reconciliation or peace, is echoing what the Spirit whispers in their hearts. They may not understand fully what they say, they may not even believe in God. But Satan is not the author of such thoughts, they are inspired by God. If sin divides, then grace reconciles. This ought to motivate us as Jesus-followers to find ways to reconcile where we need to. This lady is also whispering to us, calling us to show mercy to the guilty, the wayward. Is there a family member with whom we are mad; the Spirit is prompting us to take steps towards healing and reconciliation. Someone at work, at school, in our church? Those who strive to be peace-makers reveal their unity with God and His healing Spirit. Those who refuse find themselves at odds with God, and His Spirit. And they cannot win.
Who is God whispering to you today, through this woman, to seek reconciliation with someone with whom you are estranged? Are you willing to pay the price, like God did, to heal a broken relationship?
PRAYER:
Lord, make me a channel of Your peace, Your grace, Your healing.
Oh LORD, thank You for the promise that You devise ways to bring us back to You when we have allowed ourselves to be separated from You. LORD, give us eyes to see where we have allowed walls to be built causing division and separation; give us hearts to see the hurt that is being done because we have not sought Your Redeeming love, mercy and grace when we found ourselves in a trying situation.
LORD, I know that if I don’t bring You into every situation that I will react in ways that would not be Your response. Thank You LORD that I can surrender all of this to You and in Your power, Your strength, Your Spirit, reconciliation can happen. Grant me a willing heart that Your will may be done. Fill me with Your peace, that I may be a vessel of Your peace in this unpeaceful world. Abba, I long to have a heart of reconciliation…
Those in sin are also banished for the Lord God. Those who are banish are able to come to God only through a mediator – Joab – the widow – who retored the relationship of Absalom.
It is only through Christ Jesus that I am restored in the right relationship with my Father God. The only gift I can bring to my Saviour is my heart. I need to be the wise man on today to live for Him always. As far as it depends upon me, I must live at peace with all mankind. Therefor I too need to be a reconciler – a peace maker – a restorer of right relationships.
Absalom brought nothing to restore the relationship to his father. It is by the grace of God that I am brought into His presence doing His will for my life serving Him by placing Him first so others can see Him in me. Therefore
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3. O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consolded as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul – .
4. Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.