RTW April 28
Check Your Anger
After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him.
2 Samuel 15:1
My Takeaways
Something Old
David and Absalom reconciled in words only. Absalom’s anger went unchecked for 2 years.
When we don’t deal with our anger, it deals with us.
- Creates isolation. (2 Samuel 15:1-2)
- Gives time to stir up trouble. (2 Samuel 15:2-4)
- Invites others into our anger. (2 Samuel 15:10-11)
- Makes unwise and life altering decisions. (2 Samuel 15:13)
Something New
It’s possible that Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather.
Something to Do
Reconcile with my heart and with my words.
My Takeaways: Absalom thinks he’s all that and more.
Something Old: According to Iva May. “Absalom was an accident waiting to happen! He lifted up himself in praise, lifted up himself in ambition, lifted up himself in pride, and eventually died lifted up in mid-air.”
Something New: “The King was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room or the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went he cried, ‘Oh my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! Oh Absalom, my son, my son.'” David was very upset. His behavior over Absalom’s death is much different, then his behavior over his infant son’s death. Do you think it’s because he knows he will never see Absalom again? I wonder if Absalom has a place in heaven? Do you think David knew that one of his weaknesses was not being the father he should have been? Maybe his knowledge of this made him blame himself. Absalom was David’s son and David obviously loved him very much. The consequences of his sin is heartbreaking.
Something To Do: Stay humble. Be the parent God wants me to be. Ask God to give me a forgiving heart even when it seems impossible.