A Father's Love
David was driven from his throne by his son, Absalom, who conspired against his father after their falling out. It seems certain that Absalom's intention was to kill his father and consolidate all of the power in Israel for himself. His pride had taken over, and he was not thinking of his father with any love at all. Still, David loved his rebellious child. He ordered his commanders to treat him gently in the battle that ensued. Finally, he grieved over him when Joab killed Absalom against David's orders. (II Samuel 18:33) What a picture of the great love of a father for his children.
In David's response to Absalom's rebellion we see unselfish love. David could have stayed in Jerusalem and fought for his throne, but he voluntarily fled from his son. He could have plotted how to avenge Absalom's disdain for his father, but he continued to love his son. He wished him no harm at all when the battle for the throne came. However, Absalom died, and his father was left to grieve. His grief was so deep that he told God that he wished he had died instead of his son. The tears flowed freely, as David withdrew to his chamber.
We all share a love for our children that is so strong we can never stop loving them no matter what they do. Even if they oppose us, and think we are crazy, we love them just the same. Our love is not based on their love for us. It is based on the fact that they are God's gift to us, our heritage, and we realize each child is special and unique. There could not be a favorite child, because all of them are our favorite.It must be that this is possible, because we are able to love them with a little of God's love for us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 19-21.
In David's response to Absalom's rebellion we see unselfish love. David could have stayed in Jerusalem and fought for his throne, but he voluntarily fled from his son. He could have plotted how to avenge Absalom's disdain for his father, but he continued to love his son. He wished him no harm at all when the battle for the throne came. However, Absalom died, and his father was left to grieve. His grief was so deep that he told God that he wished he had died instead of his son. The tears flowed freely, as David withdrew to his chamber.
We all share a love for our children that is so strong we can never stop loving them no matter what they do. Even if they oppose us, and think we are crazy, we love them just the same. Our love is not based on their love for us. It is based on the fact that they are God's gift to us, our heritage, and we realize each child is special and unique. There could not be a favorite child, because all of them are our favorite.It must be that this is possible, because we are able to love them with a little of God's love for us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 19-21.