In today’s reading we see a lot of betrayal, violence and revenge amongst King David’s closest circle of people: his family. It’s dramatic. How difficult this must have been for David?! I imagine it being easier for him to go to battle against the mightiest of kings, than to struggle with the brokenness in his own family. Though he was not perfect, David loved God and sought after to please Him. Yet his children disobeyed God. Everything seemed to be going wrong: his daughter was violated and disgraced, his sons turned to violence. At one point David thought that he had lost all his sons!
Naturally, David grieved for his loss. Understandably, he was furious for the injustice in his family. But moreover, when challenged by the clever Joab, David forgave and had mercy on his son Absalom. David’s reaction is encouraging. How did David find the strength to forgive? He not only forgave, but he also loved his son again: “And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.” (2 Samuel 13:39)
I wonder if it had to do with the fact that David’s own sin was recently forgiven by God? It reminds me of when Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians to forgive, just as they were forgiven:
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."(Colossians 3:12-14)
How about us? How do we react when everything seems to fall apart at once? Especially when it hurts the most: when it relates to family? David is showing us today that sorrow when people hurt us is natural, but he also shows us that forgiving others and trusting God in our sorrow is possible.
King David’s present story in our reading reminded me of this song I heard recently:
I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crooked lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still.
(by J.J. Heller)
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