Bible Pathway - Apr. 18, 2010
Highlights:
Joab, David's nephew (I Chr. 2:13-16), feels justified as he kills Abner (II Sam. 3:27), his cousin Absalom (18:14), and his cousin Amasa (20:10; I Chr. 2:16-17). Yet he sensibly reproves David twice (II Sam. 19:5-7; 24:1-3). There is one last revolt from the 10 tribes before David's kingdom is restored in chapter 20.
Verses for Today:
The victory that day was turned into mourning (and the soldiers slipped away) as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle (II Sam. 19:2-4).
Absalom was a traitor who was determined to destroy his father, so that he could be king. The rebellion ended when Joab killed Absalom. David's soldiers returned expecting a great celebration; instead they heard the king weeping aloud. And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life. . . . Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably upon thy servants (19:2-7).
David's great sorrow could have been a mixture of grief and guilt because he had failed to discipline this son as he should have, blaming himself for Absalom's willful and rebellious acts. Some parents fail to judge their children rightly, blaming themselves or others when their children do wrong. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6) is a basic principle.
Tragic events do happen to godly parents, but they are never unfortunate "accidents." We are not mere pawns in the hands of men or circumstances. However, all of us at times, are responsible for the adverse circumstances and sorrows that we experience — and we know it. But, as Christians who have acknowledged our sin and accepted Christ as our Savior, with a sincere desire to be obedient to His Word, we can be sure that God has forgiven us and our lives are in the care of our Heavenly Father.
All of us go through experiences beyond our control such as a tragic death, an automobile crash, an illness, a physical handicap, or a financial loss; but, like David, we can grieve too long over what might have been. If we have been out of the will of God, we need to repent of our sins, ask God to forgive us, then forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God (Phil. 3:13-14)..
We do have a loving Heavenly Father who, regardless of circumstances, will, without exception, forgive and restore all who commit their lives to Christ.
Thought for Today:
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you (I Pet. 5:6-7).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, who wished to be invited back as king (II Sam. 19:11). Our Lord Jesus wants to be invited into the hearts of all mankind. He comes in only by our invitation. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, (and enjoy sweet fellowship together) and will sup with him, and he with Me (Rev. 3:20).
Word Studies:
19:14 bowed =swayed; 20:3 ward =guarded house; 20:18 were wont to speak =used to say.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bob Latta (OH) and Rep. Gwendolyn Moore (WI) • Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that at all times you will find pleasure in what pleases the Lord (Phil. 2:13).
Optional Reading: Acts 9
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:12
