Jun 11 – 2 Samuel 16:15-23, 2 Samuel 17, 2 Samuel 18:1-18 Acts 7:20-43 Psalm 72:1-20
2 Sam 17:2-4
I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.” And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
The way that Absalom betrays David is so sly, so subtle and so common. The hearts of those close to David were turned – this advice we read here seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and ALL the elders of Israel. Where had their loyalty to the king gone?
David didn’t deserve any of this treatment.
Yet how does David react?
In the next chapter we read this:
“And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.”
David, a man with the heart of God… when he’s betrayed, how does he react? With honour and with kindness.
When we find ourselves betrayed we must not seek petty vengeance but we must react with honour and kindness. That’s God’s heart. That’s how He treats us when we are still sinners.
Ps 72:18-19
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
May the whole earth be filled with His glory. Isn’t it amazing to think, there is coming a day where it will be? Where the knowledge of The Lord will cover the earth like the water covers the sea.
There is coming a day when this fallen earth will be restored – it will be renewed and it will be filled with His glory just as it was meant to be.
And we have a place in this restored earth. Blessed be His name forever.
