Monday, May 24
A Father’s love
Scripture: 2 Samuel 17-18, 2 Corinthians 8
2 Samuel 18:33 The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”
Observation
At first glance, I wonder why David is so shaken by Absalom’s death. After all, Absalom had been plotting this conspiracy for some time, and his goal was nothing less than the death of his father and stealing his throne. David’s own son wanted him dead! And his son had instigated a costly civil war that sent David into exile. You’d think that David would be glad the traitor was dead.
But Absalom was his son—and David had hoped to spare his life and reconcile with him. David asked Joab and the other commanders to spare Absalom; one must assume that David still hoped for reconciliation. It’s a father’s love for his son—so deep it’s irrational!
In fact, the father’s love is so deep that he wishes he could have died in place of his son!
If it had been anyone else, David would have rejoiced at the death of his adversary. But it was his son. So David mourns deeply—it’s a father’s love.
Application
Two things.
First, this reminds me of when my son, Jeff, died. Jeff was a handful. He was on the autistic spectrum—high functioning autism—he was a challenge. We often said that Jeff required more energy and attention than the other four kids combined! But when he died, my grief was deep. “Oh my son, my son.” I understand David’s sorrow for his son—even a son that was trouble! You love your son no matter what—it’s a father’s love.
Second, this reminds me of how deeply our heavenly Father loves us. Each of us has been an Absalom. Each of us has been a prodigal son. And our Father loves us deeply in spite of our rebellion. Honestly, I look at some people and think the world would be better off without them—“Good riddance.” Our Father works to win them back and weeps for them when they fall. Even more, our Father actually did what David wished—He died instead of us. God came in Jesus and died in our place. It’s a Father’s love.
I rejoice in the Father’s love for me. And I want to have the Father’s love for others.
Prayer: Lord, give me Your heart for people. Let what breaks Your heart break mine. Fill me with the Father’s love.