Bible Pathways - Apr. 18, 2008
April 18
Highlights In Today's Reading:
As the king weeps loudly over the death of his son Absalom, victory in winning the war is turned to mourning. Who reproved David this time? As David is restored to the kingdom he gives Amasa command of his army even though Amasa was Absalom's general. Both Amasa and Joab were David's nephews through his two sisters (17:25; I Chronicles 2:15-16).
David's deep grief at the death of his evil son Absalom made him incapable of feeling or carrying out his responsibility to both God and the people. His sorrow was so great that he lost all sense of gratitude to God and his faithful followers. But the death of the rebel leader was the only way by which peace could be restored to the nation and the throne could be restored to its God-appointed king.
A great crisis faced the nation and, if Joab had not aroused David to action, the consequences could have been disastrous. David's weakness here is one of which all of us in similar circumstances need encouragement. Although we may take exception to the spirit of Joab's rebuke to David as rude and unkind, no one can contradict his reasoning. Subsequently, David manifested a proper spirit and acknowledged himself wrong.
The general discontent of Israel gave Sheba, an ambitious leader, the opportunity to start another civil war. So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king (20:2). The years of suffering, rebellion, murder, and civil war during David's reign were directly related to his sin with Bathsheba (12:10). Little could David realize, when he beheld the beautiful Bathsheba taking a bath, that it could bring so much suffering. But sin always does! No one is exempt!
Although the Lord forgave David's sin (12:13), its consequences continued to plague him throughout the last half of his reign. The fleeting, momentary pleasures of sin always come at a price much higher than was expected!
The tragedy of broken homes, hearts, hopes, and dreams is all too common. The healing touch for hearts that are breaking comes from the heart of Him who said: Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1). Recognizing His presence will help; however, it never depends on our feelings but on His promise that He will never leave thee, or forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). How grateful we should be that a Christian is never alone. Someone is always present, a personal Savior, a warmhearted Friend, an all-powerful Lord. This is a fact and He is always available, anytime and everywhere.
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).
Thought for Today:
Grief and sorrow come to all of us sooner or later, but Christians put their lives and their trust in the resurrected Christ. I would not have you to be ignorant . . . concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope (I Thessalonians 4:13).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, who wished to be invited back as king (II Samuel 19:11). Our Lord Jesus wants to be invited into the hearts of all mankind. He only comes in 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 (Revelation 3:20).
Word Studies:
19:14 bowed =swayed; 20:3 ward =guarded house; 20:18 wont to speak =used to say.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Staff: Michael Sharp • Government Official: Rep. Gwendolyn Moore (WI) • Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in one accord with other Christians (Acts 1:14).
Optional Reading: Acts 19
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:21
