Today’s Reading 2 Samuel 16-18
Focal Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:33 “The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber above the city gate and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!”
David was chosen by God. He was anointed. Became king and experienced many victories. Committed a great sin. Was also given severe consequences because of that sin. He then was at war with his own son and was even on the run. Then his son gets caught in a tree and gets stabbed to death. This is where the focal scripture reveals David’s heart again, even after he made mistakes. He was devastated over the loss of his son. Regardless of what was happening between them his love was big and passionate for his boy.
The application is simple for believers. Love your kids and let them know it as much as you can. Our kids matter. We must demonstrate love to them even when they become an enemy. Even when your kid falls into sin they must know that they are loved. The Bible tells us to love one another. It does not mean you will agree with everything your children do but it should mean they know you love them in spite of their sins. After all the scripture says “God demonstrated his love towards us, in that yet, while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
Love is powerful. I wonder with Absalom if things would have been different if he knew how much David loved him while he was alive. Love your kids. Even the difficult ones who may not want you around. Persistence is key and love changes the direction of many lives. Especially young people.
Be encouraged today that you can love and do it well. A father’s love can change the direction of a child. Especially a wayward child.
Tomorrow I plan on reading 2 Samuel 19-21
