King David had some really great moments. He also had some really rough ones, mainly brought on by himself and the life choices he made. A few passages ago we heard about David and Bathsheba. This was the start of some sinful decisions David made.
Fast forward to the turmoil happening in these passages as a son and father are against each other. Absalom (David’s son) ends up dead as they go to war against each other. There is so much we could focus on in this passage but the thing that sticks out to me is the disheartened king as he learns about the death of his son.
King David, with all the power, money, and fame, is broken as he mourns the loss of his son. Regardless of their differences, in this moment, the king sets those aside as the reality hits him. In 2 Samuel 18:32-33, we read the king would have rather it been him to die than his son.
“What about young Absalom?” the king demanded. “Is he all right?” And the Ethiopian replied, “May all of your enemies, my Lord the king, both now and in the future, share the fate of that young man!” ”The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.”
When there is a time of tragedy, it brings us back to the cold, harsh reality that we are not immune to death, sadness, and pain in this world no matter how powerful, rich, or famous we are. It reminds us that we are hopeless without the love, hope, and grace of Jesus Christ.
We are given a perspective of just how human we are in times of hurt and pain and no matter the differences, arguments, and disagreements we can have with others, ultimately love unites us to be more like Christ in all we do.
Questions for reflection:
- Where in your life do you need some new perspective?
- Ask God to create in you a clean heart to see the world through his eyes instead of your own.