Thursday, March 19, 2009

Thurs. Devo - Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Read 2 Sam 18
David divides his men in 3 companies and sends them out to fight Absalom's men. The people convince David not to fight because his life is too important. He submits and stays at the gate.
They fought the battle in thick woods. The conditions of the woods killed more men than the actual battle. Absalom comes riding on a mule to his hanging. Didn't Jesus ride a mule to his hanging? The difference is that Absalom is the counterfeit trying to usurp the kingdom. His life was taken from him. Jesus was the real king who willingly laid down his life. David, as a type of Jesus totally gave his fate over to God, he didn't even go out and fight. He believed God would administer justice even if it was to him. Joab finished Absalom off with 3 darts. How fitting, the Devil is always throwing darts at us. He puts him in a pit and covers him in huge rocks. Retribution is served. The Devil is sent back to the pit and buried under the very words (stones) he threw at us.
Joab has to get word to David what has happened so he sends a runner: Cushi. Ahimaaz asked to run too. Joab didn't understand because he had no message to give but he let him run. "Ahimaaz" means "brother of counsel". He wanted to prepare David for the blow Cushi was bringing because he knew it would upset David. The Bible also says that at the word of 2 witnesses a thing is established. If this is the picture of the end then there must be 2 witnesses.
David mourns for Absalom. Will God actually mourn the devil's death? I think he will in a way. The Devil was once a leader in heaven; one of God's beloved creations. I think he will mourn what he did with his power and what he could have been if he hadn't turned from God. This must be how David mourned for Absalom.
Lord, reveal your plans to your children so that we will not be caught unaware. Expose the devil's schemes and exalt your power in us.

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