[NIV] 9 Throughout the tribes of Israel, all the peoplewere arguing among themselves, saying, "The king de-livered us from the hand of our enemies; he is the onewho rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. Butnow he has fled the country to escape from Absalom; - P98
13 And say to Amasa, ‘Are you not my own flesh andblood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, ifyou are not the commander of my army for life in placeof Joab."" - P99
15 Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.
Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out andmeet the king and bring him across the Jordan. - P99
The tribes of Israel argue among themselves about how they are to bringthe king back. Meanwhile, David asks the elders of Judah to bring him backas king because they are his relatives. - P99
He also promises Amasa the positionof commander instead of Joab. On hearing this, the men of Judah invite theking back. They go to meet him at the Jordan river. - P99
The people who had supported Absalom as king now switch their allegiance
back to David. After Absalom‘s death, they remember the goodold days under David‘s reign. - P100
They recognize that David is the one whosaved them from the ruthless Philistines and decide that the king shouldreturn from exile. - P100
There are times when Satan blinds us to the goodnessof God‘s rule. - P100
When we fall prey to his lies, the consequences are alwaysregrettable. - P100
But God, in His mercy, is eager to forgive us whenever werecognize our sins and repent. - P100
It takes humility to swallow our prideand acknowledge the mistakes that we made. But let us be encouragedthat genuine repentance brings healing to our relationship with Godand with others. - P100
David learns that the people of Israel are planning to welcome him backto Jerusalem as their king. He sends the priests Zadok and Abiathar tohelp Judah take the lead in bringing about his return. - P100
He strategicallyappoints Amasa, who was Absalom‘s army commander, as the head ofhis army. This act sidelines Joab-perhaps because he disobeyed Davidby executing Absalom-but it will help unite a divided kingdom. Inthis unique turn of events, God restores the kingdom to David - P100
Today,
God is still in the business of restoring His people to their intendedpurpose. Let us remain attentive to how the Holy Spirit moves throughpeople and circumstances and build our plans upon the work that Hehas already started. - P100
Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that You are the God of restoration. - P101
I praythat you would use me as an instrument of peace and reconciliation wherethere is conflict. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P101
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