From the outside, Absalom appears very impressive. He is praised forhis exceptional good looks and his family is blessed with four children.
- P46
But as we learn more about him, we see that his heart is poisoned withsin. Though years have passed since he murdered his brother, the sinthat first sent him into exile still lurks inside his soul. - P46
When Absalomis unable to get what he wants because Joab refuses to respond to hiscommand, he chooses a vengeful and violent course of action and setsJoab‘s field on fire. - P46
This is what can happen when we allow our own willand desires to consume our hearts. But - P46
when we are led by God‘s will,
we will instead choose the path of righteousness and peace. - P46
Absalom explains to Joab that he set the field on fire because he wantsto see his father. Absalom is so desperate that he says that he is willing tobe put to death if the king finds any guilt in him. - P46
Hearing this, Davidinvites Absalom to come and see him and greets his estranged son witha kiss as a sign of forgiveness and acceptance. - P46
Although Absalom chosesinful means to gain his father‘s attention, God‘s will still triumphs inthis story as father and son are finally reunited and reconciled. - P46
God is inultimate control over all things. - P46
Even when we do not know what He isdoing, He is constantly at work, directing and governing all affairs forthe sake of accomplishing His will. - P46
Father, there are many uncertainties that lie ahead of me. May Your Word alwaysguide me and reveal to me Your good and perfect plans. I want to trust in Yourwill for my life. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P46
2 He would get up early and stand by the side of theroad leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone camewith a complaint to be placed before the king for a de-cision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town arefrom?" He would answer, "Your servant is from oneyouof the tribes of Israel." - P50
6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israeliteswho came to the king asking for justice, and so he stolethe hearts of the people of Israel.
- P51
10 Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout thetribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound ofthe trumpets, then say,
‘Absalom is king in Hebron." - P51
11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompa-nied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and wentquite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter.
12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sentfor Ahithophel the Gilonite, David‘s counselor, tocome from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspir-acy gained strength, and Absalom‘s following kept onincreasing, - P51
Absalom turns the hearts of the people toward him by sitting at the city gateand taking all the cases that were meant for the king to decide. - P51
He then goesto Hebron with the excuse of worshiping God, but in reality, he is carryingout his plans against David. There, the number of people following Absalomcontinues to grow. - P51
Nathan‘s prophecy concerning the devastating consequences of David‘ssin continues to unfold. - P52
David‘s returned son Absalom spends fouryears currying the favor of the people while criticizing his father behindhis back. - P52
When the opportunity arises, he conspires to take power overthose whose hearts he has won. - P52
A similar thing can happen in Christiancommunities when charismatic individuals build up a following out ofambition and a desire for power. Committed members are pulled awayfrom their local churches for the promise of a new, exciting ministryexperience. - P52
But when a person‘s ministry is based on their personalityand popularity rather than the leading of the Holy Spirit, the flashyfaçade will soon fade to reveal the emptiness inside. - P52
God has calledeach of us to a specific church community, and it is His desire thatwe remain faithful to the family He has given us-through the goodseasons and the bad. - P52
Dear Jesus, You always protect the righteous. Help us not to plan evil nor buildup evil actions in our daily lives. - P53
Instead, may we remain in Your grace as we buildeach other up with good actions. In Your name, amen. - P53
Finland is a model nation for freedom of speech, education, social progress, and stability,
- P52
Although Finland has a large population of professing Christians, only 8 percent of themattend religious services monthly and an even smaller 3 percent attend weekly. - P52
Because oftheir affluence in all areas of life, there is a general lack of interest in spiritual matters. - P52
Evenamid the increasingly secular culture and declining church attendance, the church in Finlandhas nonetheless been steadily sending out missionaries around the world - P52
|