The Way Back (2 Samuel 14:1-24)

Read 📖

Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 14:1-24

“Then the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I grant this; go, bring back the young man Absalom.”

2 Samuel 14:21

Reflect ❤️

We begin chapter 14 with Absalom still in Geshur, having fled after killing Amnon. We are told that David's heart longed for Absalom, yet he still remains passive in his actions. David has neither acted as King seeking to bring judgment for Absalom’s crime, or as a father seeking confrontation with his son that may lead to repentance and reconciliation. A striking contrast from chapters 9 & 10 where David was actively seeking to show loving kindness.

Joab, recognising David’s longing, wants to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem from banishment, and thought up a situation where David would allow Absalom back. He then put it before David deceptively, effectively twisting David’s arm to get him to allow Absalom back from banishment.

We were all banished from God’s presence by our sin and rebellion. We, like Absalom, fled after our sin and so there was no way for us to be able to get back to God’s presence on our own. And we could never twist God’s arm and force him to save us, nor could anyone do it on our behalf.

But Jesus came to save us. Through Jesus we can come before the Father and are no longer banished. This is not because someone twisted God’s arm, but rather because of God’s immeasurable kindness and love, he did this of his own free will. No one forced God to save you, and yet he did because he cares for you. And unlike David sending someone else, God himself came to save us in Jesus, and in doing so gave us a way to repent and have true reconciliation with Himself.

Pray 🙏

Thank you Lord Jesus for coming to save us. Thank you that no one twisted your arm, but you came because of your great love for us and saved us, that we could come back into your presence and no longer be banished.

Tim W