Month: August 2013

Re: Verse reading–2 Samuel 13:1-2, 20-22, 30-37, 2 Samuel 14: 21-24, 2 Samuel 15:7-14, 2 Samuel 18:6-15, 33 (day six)
“The king said to him, ‘Go in peace.’  So he (Absalom) went to Hebron.”  (15:9)   He should have known better.  David knew his own heart–how prone to sin it was, how weak when not held accountable.  He should have been more vigilant with his sons.  Should have questioned Amnon more carefully.  “Now why is it that only Tamar can help you feel better, and why does she need to come to your bedroom?”  More cautious with Absalom’s plans.  “Now, what is happening in Hebron?”  Sometimes I feel guilty for being suspicious, careful with others.  (As if it is a character flaw to not trust people easily, automatically)  John 2 makes an interesting observation about Jesus.  “He was not entrusting Himself to them, because He knew what was in all men.”  Jesus knew. It is possible to be too trusting.  We are to be as wise as serpents AND as gentle as doves.

Re: Verse reading–2 Samuel 13:1-2, 20-22, 30-37, 2 Samuel 14:21-24, 2 Samuel 15:7-14, 2 Samuel 18:6-15, 33  (day five)
“As soon as you hear the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’ ” (15:10)  It is an old story.  Young man. . .thinks he is ready for leadership. . .impatient. . .willing to do whatever to have his opportunity. . .even betray his father, challenge God’s choice.  He has not, like his father, graduated from the school of patience.  Absalom is a fool.  For years, David has been off-balanced by his own sin and resultant loss of moral authority.  He has been too lenient.  Too trusting.  At the end however, he rises to fight for the place that God has given him.  Was he conflicted to do so?  Yes.  Did he summon up the courage to fight?  Yes.  The loser was Absalom.  “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.”  (John 3:27)  “Wait on the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage;  Yes, wait on the Lord.”  (Psalm 27:14)

Re: Verse reading–2 Samuel 13:1-2, 20-22,30-37, 2 Samuel 14:21-24, 2 Samuel 15:7-14, 2 Samuel 18:6-15, 33 (day four)

Isaiah 55:11 says, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”  To set the stage for this narrative of Absalom’s life…David had just committed his terrible sin with Bathsheba.  Nathan had delivered God’s judgment…the sword would never depart from David’s house, evil would arise from his own house, his wives would be given to another and be violated in broad daylight in public.  David’s sin had far reaching consequences!  Now in the lives of Amnon, his first born son, and Absalom, another son, David experienced God’s judgment.  God’s Word is Truth!  None of God’s Words are void…none will just pass away without success.  Do you treat God’s Word with understanding of their validity?  Do you trust them to come true?  Trust…Believe…God is faithful and true!