Through the Eyes of God: David and Absalom – 2 Samuel 15 (RBHW)

"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most high." Isa 14:14.  The vice, the plot, the corruption, the deception actually CONTINUES, through Absalom in this chapter, and will continue in anyone who today is willing to side with Satan.  But you can't keep doing the same thing and expect to get different outcomes - that's insanity (the apt description of any rebellion staged against God.)  Satan is defeated, Absalom was, and so will anyone who sides with Satan.

What a clear object lesson for what little sins, left unchecked, can grow into!  Surely David must have heard of Absalom's carryings-on.  But he does nothing.  Sin must be nipped in the bud; zero-tolerated, otherwise it will take over our lives.

David shows worrying softness in dealing with Absalom (it’s not shown where he even tried to plead with Absalom to reconsider his ways) - although this may be seen as an admirable quality of consistency in not taking up arms to secure his throne - that was entirely God's department as far as David was seemingly concerned.  This is a perfect model in how we should fight against sin in our lives, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zech. 4:6.

 But sin and rebellion on Absalom’s part (coupled with David’s seeming softness/permissiveness, and seeming hesitance to reprimand) aside, is there any lesson of Grace in this story?  If so, it would have to be in what could be viewed as David’s God-like patience with Absalom.  He wasn’t quick to execute judgement – very likely hoping that Absalom would come to his senses.  God says in in Ezekiel 33:11, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”

How do we see rebels in our homes, in our places of work, in church?  Do we nip things in the bud?  Do we give them time to change?  God’s way would be to certainly let the error of one’s way known, but would at the same time leave the door of mercy and forgiveness ajar as He invites them to change.  If we could see through the eyes of God, we would do the same.

The Spring 2013 Week of Prayer starts this Friday, January 25, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Gymnatorium.  Tune to NCU FM and TV for live and delayed broadcasts.  See flyer for programme details http://news.ncu.edu.jm/event_item.aspx?EventID=62.  To listen and view online visit http://ncumediagroup.com/. 

To read the scripture passage and related blogs visit http://revivedbyhisword.org/en/bible/2sa/15/.