Day 153 – June 2, 2021
Scriptures: 2 Samuel 17-18, 2 John 1, Psalm 86 2 Samuel 17-18 is the military strategy discussion and execution between two factions. Absalom against his father David. David’s army wins, Absalom dies at the end of chapter 18. It is one of those stories in the Bible where you wish that there was a different approach, altogether for both sides. Certainly the divisiveness could have been avoided. David responds to the death of Absalom with intense emotion. The response reveals the heart of David and his love for Absalom, even though Absalom wishes David dead. “The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”” (2 Samuel 18:33) David prays in Psalm 86 “Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless people seeks my life— they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:14–15) Perhaps this turmoil and altercation are in view within David’s prayer. This part of the Psalm leads me to think, maybe, “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant and save the son of a woman who served you before me.” (Psalm 86:16) Either way, we see in David one who trusts in the Lord and knows of God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness. No matter the emotion and struggle brought on by this altercation with Absalom and his death, David will trust in the Lord. Even though the prayer (if this is really for Absalom) isn't answered according to David's will, his trusting in God remains. Trust in the Lord! Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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