Tag: Absalom
God’s kindness meant to lead to Repentance!
Scripture reading for May 25th: 2nd Samuel 18-20, Psalm 34, Romans 2
Key Scriptures: Romans 2:1-5 “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, everyone of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man–you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself–that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”
Paul carefully explained to the Romans that judging others for sins they were committing would bring God’s wrath. To them God’s patience was being mistaken for God’s approval of deeds He had stated in His Word as sinful. These sins were enumerated in Romans chapter one. Suppressing God’s Word and truth resulted in a downward spiral of ongoing judgment leading to sexual perversion and idolatry. Failure to repent would lead to eternal wrath! Beware! Thankfully, God has kindly provided the way to escape His wrath and the bondage of practicing sin through faith in His Son.
Psalm 34:16 “The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.”
Faith confession and prayer: Thank You Lord Jesus for Your kindness and patience with me and all sinners, allowing time to repent and believe. Use me to faithfully declare the Gospel that none may face Your wrath.
2nd Samuel 18:33 “And the king (David) was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, . .”
A Father’s grief!
Scripture reading for March 31st: 2nd Samuel 15-18
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your god has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16
“This is what the Lord says; ‘out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel'”.( 2nd Samuel 12:11-12)
God’s Word never returns void! King David disobeyed God’s command against adultery and although he was forgiven, he reaped what he had sown. Now Absalom chose to rebel against his own father and try to take the throne of Israel. Absalom was a master politician. He made all kinds of promises and used flattery to win the hearts of the people. (2nd Samuel 15:4-6) He secretly set himself up as king and secretly won over David’s trusted counselor, Ahithophel. He was a man full of pride and self-promotion who would do anything to gain power.
Ahithophel advised Absalom to take his father’s concubines and sleep with them in front of all Israel. This appealed to this rebel son and he willingly broke God’s commands and dishonored himself and his father, not to mention God! In doing so, he fulfilled Nathan’s word to King David after his adulterous affair. (2nd Samuel 16:20-22)
Absalom’s brief rebellion ended tragically. He was always proud of his long hair. As he was riding his mule through the forest of Ephraim in battle with his father’s men, he caught his hair on a branch and was left hanging in mid-air. He was struck down by Joab, David’s army commander.
King David lamented his son’s death and wished it had been him! His sexual sin seemed to offer such pleasure, but in reality caused death and agony! In David’s lament we hear the heart of God for all his lost children! He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but wishes for their salvation and restoration! In fact, He sent His own Son to die in our place!
“Oh Absalom, my son, my son!”
Scripture reading for March 31st: 2nd Samuel 15-18
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your god has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16
“This is what the Lord says; ‘out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel'”.( 2nd Samuel 12:11-12)
God’s Word never returns void! It is always true and the one who chooses to go against it does so to their peril. King David disobeyed God’s command against adultery and although he was forgiven, he reaped what he had sown in his own household. Absalom, a son of King David, chose to rebel against his own father and try to take the throne of Israel. His story is recorded in today’s reading. It has a boastful beginning and a sad ending.
Absalom was a master politician. He made all kinds of promises to win the hearts of the people. His heart was plotting a take-over of his own father’s throne and he did it by flattery and empty promises. (2nd Samuel 15:4-6) He secretly set himself up as king and secretly won over David’s trusted counselor, Ahithophel, who joined in the conspiracy. He was a man full of pride and self-promotion who would do anything to gain power.
Ahithophel advised Absalom to take his father’s concubines and sleep with them in front of all Israel. This appealed to this rebel son and he willingly broke God’s commands and dishonored himself and his father, not to mention God! In doing so, he fulfilled Nathan’s word to King David as his own father was confronted with his own sin of adultery! God’s Word is always true and comes to pass! (2nd Samuel 16:20-22)
Absalom’s brief rebellion ends in a tragic way. He was always proud of his long, thick hair. As he was riding his mule through the forest of Ephraim in battle with his father’s men, he caught his hair on a branch and was left hanging in mid-air by his beautiful hair. He was struck down by Joab, David’s army commander, and Joab’s armor-bearers. His life cut short by dishonoring his own father!
When told of his son’s death, King David laments his death and wishes it had been him! What anguish is caused by sin! These sexual sins seem to offer such pleasure, but in reality cause death and agony! We reap what we sow! David’s lament is very touching! In it we hear the heart of God for all his lost children! He wants none to perish, but all to come to repentance. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but wishes for their salvation and restoration! In fact, He sent His own Son to die in our place! Wow! What amazing love! Our Father identified with our sins and weaknesses and and offers pardon and restoration!