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14 July 2020 - 2 Samuel 19:1-15

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14 July 2020

Today’s passage is 2 Samuel 19:1-15

Soon after the messengers had brought the news of the defeat and death of Absalom to the court of Mahanaim, Joab and his triumphant army followed, to celebrate the king’s triumphs and receive his further orders. Now here, we are told, what a disappointment it was to them to find the king in tears for Absalom’s death, which they saw as a token of displeasure against them for what they had done.

A Hope to hold on…

Vs 2 The victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people: This was not good. David’s loyal and sacrificing supporters won that day for the glory of God and the good of Israel. Then they felt bad about the victory because David was overcome with extreme weeping and mourning for Absalom.

David’s problem was in what he forgot – that God was still in control, that a great victory was won, that God was fulfilling His plan, and that God showed great grace and mercy to David. When someone is overcome in tragedy or sorrow, often one forgets the goodness of God.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul writes, I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. Some Christians sorrow at times in death or tragedy like those who have no hope in God. As a father it sure did hurt David to lose his son, but in his “chosen” -title as a King, it was imprudent of him to be excessively mastered by his feelings.

What actions will help us honor God while resolving difficulties? Heartache will inevitably strike us, but sorrow does not have to overcome us. This truth will help us appreciate the person of Christ, for He offers us a glory that is far beyond anything this world can offer: a hope to hold on.

A wake-up call to return and refocus!

Joab gave David a stern wake-up call. “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life” Vs 5 he said. Joab's remonstrance with David was rude, but Joab’s rebuke worked, and David was wise enough to receive it. “So, the king got up and took his seat in the gateway” Vs 8. This is what they needed to see – David sitting as king in the place of authority (sitting in the gate)

Sometimes such wake-up calls are necessary, in order to change our direction of thinking and working. The LORD may use the unlikeliest of people to stir His children to action. After listening to Joab, David left his place of mourning to return to his position as leader of the nation.

Are you able to hear this wake-up call, especially in a pandemic that has gripped the world? Ask God where you need to start, rise-up, return and refocus on the things you need to do for God!

 Bring back the King!

The tribes of Israel understood what David did for them, they understood that they rejected him and embraced Absalom, and they understood that Absalom was now dead. It left the people of Israel in a dispute about bringing back the king.

They only seemed to want David back after the false king Absalom failed. In the same way, we often only decide to bring back King Jesus when all our false kings fail. The reason we often miss out on the recuse of Christ is because we are looking for rescue in the wrong person and place. We are looking for heroes in the mere mortals, when we have an Almighty God who can save us.

“I think the reason we sometimes have the false sense that God is so far away is because that is where we have put him. We have kept him at a distance, and then when we are in need and call on him in prayer, we wonder where he is. He is exactly where we left him.”- Ravi Zacharias

If you’ve haven’t given the King his position to rule, the devil will make everything else look inviting and attractive. Is prayer your first response or your last resort during difficult times? Bring back the King to His position.

It was within David’s power to march to Jerusalem and take the kingdom by force. Instead, he delayed his return, waiting until the entire nation desired him to be their king.

God will never force His sovereignty in our lives. The choice is ours to make. Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.

Suggested prayer

Lord, may nothing separate me from You, for I know you are the only hope I hold on to. Teach me how to stand strong in You and choose You to be my King always. Help me walk by your truth, not my feelings and embrace anything that comes my way as an opportunity to see You at work. Love you Lord Jesus. Amen

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