March 19, 2023 - 2 Samuel 16-19

What troubles David endured: rebellion after rebellion by those who would be king in his place. There was Shimei. There was David’s own son, Absalom, aided by Ahithophel and Hushai. More rebellions and uprisings are to come but, surely, these are enough for today. I don’t know if it is a fully faithful application, but I recall Jesus’ words: “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Up to this point, David has faced enough challenges and sorrows, and there are more to come.

The greatest sorrow, perhaps, was that of a father: David wept for Absalom, the son who had rebelled against him and pursued him in order to kill him. That’s the heart of a father. Even in the face of rebellion such as this, David’s heart breaks. Sort of a picture of our heavenly Father, it seems to me. No matter how we sin (have to be careful not to see this as license for or opportunity to sin with impunity), God reaches out to us as his children and would have us turn to him. What love!

How deep the Father’s love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory. -- Stuart Townend (1999)