SATURDAY 30 July, 2016
Bitter Sweet Victory
Just then the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “There is good news, my lord the king! For the Lordhas avenged you this day of all those who rose against you.” And the king said to the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” So the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!” - 2 Samuel 18:31-32
The Cushite greeted the king in a similar manner as Ahimaaz; but he also had details of the battle that would answer any of the king’s questions. The foremost concern on the king’s mind was his son. For the love of his son, he asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” Respectfully, the Cushite wasted no time in telling the king the facts––Absalom had met with the same end as all those who had risen against the king.
Imagine, the Cushite thought he was bringing good news to the king; but the message he gave was the most devastating report the king had heard––his beloved son was indeed dead! Victory can be bitter sweet; it had cost David his son. The awful truth was hard to conceive; the pain unbearable, as if a sharp sword had been thrust into his heart.
Mary and Joseph received a prophecy at the temple, about their Son from Simeon who waited for the Consolation of Israel. Their Child, Jesus, would bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles (Luke 2:25; 29-32). Then Simeon, according to custom blessed the Child and told Mary:
“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” - (Luke 2:34-35).
Simeon’s words were bittersweet. A day would come; for her precious Son to die on the cross for our sins. In His victory a sword of sorrow would pierce her very soul––her comfort would be to know the plan of salvation.
Humanity wants comfort in its sorrows…the Gospel gives all this to us.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!