The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: "O my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you--O Absalom my son, my son!"
2 Samuel 18:33 NIV
The pain, anguish and distress of David is palpable here as we read his spoken word after hearing of victory in battle; and loss of his enemy, his son, Absalom. There are no winners when a family is divided and subsequent battles and wars result.
One can reflect on the United States Civil War, when there was division in our country and families were fighting families. There was much pain, suffering and anguish when the defeated enemy was a close relative. Also, one can consider divisions in the Church as a source of pain, suffering and anguish. After all, we in the Church, are a family.
The messengers in this account deserve some consideration as well. Both had the same news. The Cushite who took the direct more difficult route, was able to give some consideration to the delivery of the message. This is in contrast to Ahimaaz who took the longer, yet easier, faster route and as a result; was unable to give full consideration to the message of Absalom's death when asked by David.
David's wish to stand in the place of his son in death points ahead to Christ, God's Son, who stood in our place in death to redeem us from our sin.
How do you consider the nuts and bolts in delivery of messages that you are tasked to carry?
How do you tell of the Good News of what Christ has done?
Pray for opportunities to tell the good news of great joy for all people.
In Christ,
David P
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