April 22, 2006 - II Samuel 14-15 and Luke 17:1-19
Many people have trouble with unforgiveness. This passage shows us some of the problems David had when he failed to forgive Absalom. We all need to learn from this example, so we will not have these problems.
In chapter 14 Joab tries to convince David to forgive Absalom for killing his son, Amnon. Even though David asks Absalom to come back to Jerusalem, he does not speak to him for 2 years. Then, when they do meet, there is a lot of emotion, but no real forgiveness. We can see that because David did not restore his relationship with Absalom. This caused Absalom to become bitter toward his father. These are some of the results of unforgiveness. God does not want us to have to go through this type of pain, but we bring it on ourselves, when we won't forgive others.
Then, in chapter 15 we see what Absalom does to undermine the authority of David. He judges the people and speaks badly of David, because of his bitterness. This leads to Absalom attempting to overthrow David and become king himself. David does not fight back, because he does not want to fight against his son. All of this happened because of his failure to forgive his son.
Luke 17 clearly shows us that God wants us to forgive others completely. When they repent, we are to restore our relationship completely. The story of the faithful, profitable servant shows that we are do what God expects without thinking that we are doing anything special. The story of the lepers shows that we are to have a thankful attitude all of the time. Now, put all of this together for David's example. If he would have obeyed God as a good servant and forgiven his son, then, everything could have been restored, and the rebellion would not have come. If he would have had a grateful attitude, instead of holding a grudge against his son, he would have been able to work it out, and save a lot of heartache. He did not do it, though. He felt justified in not forgiving Absalom. That led him to trouble, and it will always lead us to trouble, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 16-18 and Luke 17:20-37.
In chapter 14 Joab tries to convince David to forgive Absalom for killing his son, Amnon. Even though David asks Absalom to come back to Jerusalem, he does not speak to him for 2 years. Then, when they do meet, there is a lot of emotion, but no real forgiveness. We can see that because David did not restore his relationship with Absalom. This caused Absalom to become bitter toward his father. These are some of the results of unforgiveness. God does not want us to have to go through this type of pain, but we bring it on ourselves, when we won't forgive others.
Then, in chapter 15 we see what Absalom does to undermine the authority of David. He judges the people and speaks badly of David, because of his bitterness. This leads to Absalom attempting to overthrow David and become king himself. David does not fight back, because he does not want to fight against his son. All of this happened because of his failure to forgive his son.
Luke 17 clearly shows us that God wants us to forgive others completely. When they repent, we are to restore our relationship completely. The story of the faithful, profitable servant shows that we are do what God expects without thinking that we are doing anything special. The story of the lepers shows that we are to have a thankful attitude all of the time. Now, put all of this together for David's example. If he would have obeyed God as a good servant and forgiven his son, then, everything could have been restored, and the rebellion would not have come. If he would have had a grateful attitude, instead of holding a grudge against his son, he would have been able to work it out, and save a lot of heartache. He did not do it, though. He felt justified in not forgiving Absalom. That led him to trouble, and it will always lead us to trouble, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 16-18 and Luke 17:20-37.