Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: 2 Samuel 15-19

In today’s reading we see Absalom rise up against David and honestly these chapters are filled with consequences, grief, loyalty, forgiveness, and people making choices both good and bad. We continued seeing the ripple effects of David’s past sins and family struggles unfold. In chapter 15 Absalom gained influence by charming and manipulating the people and turning them against David. Influence is such a powerful thing and when ambition is not kept in check it can become destructive very quickly. We also saw incredible loyalty from some of David’s followers.

“Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there your servant will be.” -2 Samuel 15:21

That kind of loyalty is a powerful thing. It can feel easy to be loyal when things are good, but much harder when everything is falling apart. Think of this in marriages and relationships. Cheating, lying, etcetera typically don’t happen when everything is going right. David also responded very differently than what the world usually tells us to do. Instead of immediately seeking revenge or trying to take control of everything himself, he prayed. Something that I try and try to do before reacting. 

“O Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.” -2 Samuel 15:31

In chapter 16 we see David show restraint again just like he previously did with Saul. Shimei was literally cursing him and throwing stones at him and yet David did not respond in vengeance. These chapters really show that even when God forgives sin, sin can still have consequences and ripple effects that hurt relationships, families, and the people around us.

I was actually talking to my mom about this today because sometimes you may not have been the direct cause of something happening, but if you were involved in the situation there is still room for empathy and apology. My son recently had a brand new toy broken while playing with his cousins. I was not there to see exactly what happened, but I do believe what my son told me happened and he was very upset. If the roles were reversed though, I would still have my child apologize to his cousins. It reminded me of when I was little and tumbling around with a friend at church. She fell and got badly hurt. I did not physically hurt her myself, but it had been my idea to play that way and my mom still had me apologize and show compassion toward her. We visited her while she healed and brought her a stuffed animal and card. I remember feeling awful. Not because I intentionally hurt her, but because I was involved in something that ended badly.

I think that ties into forgiveness in a very important way. God forgives our sins and we are called to forgive one another too. In chapter 19 Shimei asked David for forgiveness after previously cursing him and David chose mercy over revenge. That kind of mercy reflects God’s mercy toward us.

“You shall not die.” -2 Samuel 19:23

In chapter 17 we also see the importance of wise counsel because Absalom ignored the better advice that was given to him which contributed to his downfall. Not every voice speaking into our lives is wise or Godly; it is important to have discernment. In chapter 18 Absalom was killed even after David specifically asked for him to be spared. Other people made choices against David’s wishes and it resulted in sorrow and mourning.

“O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom!” -2 Samuel 18:33

Even after everything Absalom did, David still loved him deeply because that is the heart of a parent. Your child can hurt you, disappoint you, rebel, and make terrible choices and you still love them. And honestly I think that reflects God’s heart toward us too. We sin and fall short constantly and yet God still loves us, pursues us, forgives us, and calls us back to Him.

Discussion Questions

1. How does David’s love for Absalom reflect the heart of a parent?
2. Why is influence such a powerful responsibility?

Connect with the Author

LinkTree

A Note from the Author