Devotional - June 1, 2004

The news of Absalom's death was welcomed by those who followed David, but the king's heart was broken when he knew his son was dead. But where would the king vent his anger when it was his son's own arrogance and ambition that led to his death? And what part did he himself play in his downfall?

We've read the accounts of many who served God faithfully except in the job of rearing their sons and daughters. Eli and Samuel were both rebuked by God for their failure to keep their sons in line. But what about David - the man after God's own heart? How would you rank his skill as a father in the light of Absalom's life? Most likely, it was his failure to lovingly discipline his son that led to his rebellion. So just who was to blame when Absalom went astray?

In his grief, David tried to resume his kingly responsibilities, but he was sending some strange signals to those who had defended him. His captain Joab said, " You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead." " (2Sa 19:6)

Parents can either handle their children or be handled by them. As king, David had responsibility to a lot of people and not just his family. He was not unlike most leaders in that his judgment was clouded by a strained family relationship that translated into a problem for everyone else. That was proven true when the people argued among themselves when it seemed the king's grief took precedence over desire to be ruler over them. ( 2Samuel 19:9 )

Perhaps nothing took the wind out of David's sails as the fact the people of Israel anointed Absalom to rule in place of him. But now, he was the only anointed king alive just like when Saul was killed. Would he do what a king should do or continue to pout and let Israel be sacrificed for his reluctance to assume control?

We've seen what David did that was wrong. Now may we learn a positive lesson from his experience. While there's a proper time to mourn our failure and loss and a time to be disappointed with people, we should never allow anything to prevent us from completing the work God called us to do.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 2Sa. 18:1-19:10a Jn. 20:1-31 Ps. 119:156-176 Pr. 16:14-15 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society