S ~ After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here! It’s too bad the king doesn’t have anyone to hear it. I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!” When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:1-6
O ~ Two words that begin Absalom’s rebellion: ‘After this,”. After 2 years of being back in Jerusalem, he finally gets to see his dad. 2 years of waiting. 2 years of living in exile in Jerusalem. 2 years of being back, but not being wanted. Finally, he gets to see king David. The meeting may not have gone as well as David thought.
A ~ I wonder what happened. It simply says that Absalom bowed low before David, and David kissed him. Perhaps he was expecting to be back in the palace - or back at the table - or back in the family. Whatever took place, it wasn’t what he wanted - because ‘after this’ is when it all goes bad. 2 years of being back, but it was this moment that is the turning point. It is so important for me to pay attention to people - to what is really going on in their lives. Jesus knew ‘the heart of man’, and so I need to rely on His leading as I meet with people - so that things can go better for Absalom, and with Absalom.
P ~ Lord, please help me to have wisdom and insight as I meet with people - that you would spare us from a divided family and church family.
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