Sun.’s Devo - The Love of God

Read: 2 Sam. 16-18
David has fled Jerusalem running from his own son, Absalom when he meets Ziba. Ziba was the servant of Mephibosheth, the cripple. He lies about him and says that Mephibosheth stayed and allied with Absalom so David gave Ziba all of Mephibosheth’s land. David had honored Mephibosheth because he was the only person he could find alive from the house of Saul but apparently there are more. He runs into one of them named Shimei on his flight to safety. This man comes out cursing and throwing stones. David refused to retaliate in fear that God might have sent him to curse him. David was humble when rebuked and didn’t defend himself. What a great lesson to learn. If someone speaks accusations against us, the best recourse is to consider why they are accusing us and let God bring truth out. That is what David did.
Hushai had stayed in Jerusalem to be David’s spy. He ended up detaining Absalom from chasing David right away which gave David and his men a chance to escape and regroup. He was a type of the Holy Spirit who knows everything and is our counselor.
When David and Absalom did meet on the battlefield, David’s men were ready. David had given his men orders not to kill Absalom. Verse 8 of chapter 18 says that the wood devoured more people that day than the sword. Isn’t it true that our circumstances defeat us more than the actual battle. How many marriages are lost by the little circumstances and not the big stuff. It was true of Absalom. He was hung by pride. His pride was in his hair and his hair was stuck in a tree leaving him hanging in the balance. When Joab heard it he went and killed him. He threw him in a pit covered him with stones and blew a trumpet signaling the battle was over and they had won.
When David found out his son was dead he wept and mourned.
It is so hard to think straight when your own kids are involved. David had a heart after God’s so we can see how God feels about us. His mercy and long-suffering is so powerful.
Lord, forgive us when we hurt your heart. Thank you for your mercy and grace.