Daily Devotional for Sunday, January 14

David Meets with Absalom

“So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom,” 2 Samuel 14:33.

All families have problems. My older sisters have always told a story that they had a yard sale when I was just three years old and tried to sell me and the goat. I always thought this was an exaggeration just meant to pick on me and make me feel loved, but just a few years ago I came across an old picture of my sisters and me, along with a table of junk in the driveway, and hanging on me was a for sale tag.

David’s family problems were a bit rougher than mine. Absalom had killed his half brother Amnon because Amnon had raped Absalom’s sister Tamar. David did not provide justice to deal with this crime and sin in the family, so Absalom did. This caused Absalom to flee from David’s presence and hide out in a neighboring kingdom for three years. David finally allowed Absalom to return home, but he would not meet with him for another two years. Finally, through a bit of deception, David met again with Absalom, and there was a reconciling kiss. Shortly after this, though, Absalom plotted an overthrow of his father, which brought about civil war and Absalom’s death. Amnon’s sin, David’s sin and Absalom’s sin (and others) all created family problems without true reconciliation.

Compare this family with the family of the prodigal son, also with a reconciling kiss. Notice the difference? The prodigal son had a father without sin able to extend true forgiveness. Contrasting these two stories can bring us great joy knowing that our Father in Heaven does provide true justice for our sins through the cross, providing a complete restoration to him.

REFLECTION
Our Father forgives, restores and changes our heart to love Him. What a reconciliation we truly have!

Jason Rutherford