Hello Sweet Friends,
Today’s Reading … Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122, 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55, 2 Samuel 13-18
Absalom reminds me so much of another of David’s great adversaries, King Saul. Both loved by David, both charismatic and attractive, both filled with potential and both running from God.
Like Saul, Absalom:
1. Took matters into his own hands. “Absalom ordered his men…’Strike Amnon down, then kill him” (2 Samuel 13:28). Absalom was filled with rage and seeking revenge for what Amnon had done to his sister Tamar. He did not seek the Lord in how to deal with the issue. He devised a plan and carried out the murder of his brother.
2. He ran away from the consequences of his sin. “Meanwhile, Absalom had fled” (2 Samuel 13:34). Absalom did not have the courage to confront King David and face the consequences of his impulsive actions. He ran and hid, from David and from God.
3. He attempted to control the hand of God. “And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were judge of the land’…so he stole the hearts of the people” (2 Samuel 15:4&6). God’s Spirit was on David, not Absalom and yet Absalom attempted to usurp the throne from David. What arrogance to take on the God of creation and undermine His plan for His people!
4. His life ended in tragedy. “They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a big pile of rocks over him” (2 Samuel 18:17). Like Saul, Absalom’s attempts to reign power in his own strength, in opposition to God, led to his death.
Absalom is an easy target of what not to do! But…do you remember how Nathan confronted David concerning his sin by using a story about someone else? Additionally, we see Tekoa appeal to David using a story that was about someone else to help him see what He needed to do regarding Absalom. It is so clear to us when we see sin and issues in the lives of others, even when we are blind to those in our own lives. While none of us has the exact same action of sin as Absalom, we all have the heart of sin represented in his life. I can certainly be impulsive and take matters into my own hands, without consulting the Lord on his plans. My natural instinct is always to run form the consequences of my mistakes. I daily, at least subconsciously, attempt to take control from God. I might call it “planning” or “protecting” but the real word is “controlling.” And, these heart issues always lead to death… which is separation from God.
The great news! We can all stop running and return to God at any point. When I realize that my heart has wandered off in one of these ways, I can stop and ask forgiveness and return to the arms of God. So can you, anytime, at any moment. He will restore life as we surrender to Him.
Love you all,
Kinsee
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11).
