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CHAPTER 14 (ESV)
21 Then the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I grant this; go, bring back the young man Absalom.” 22 And Joab fell on his face to the ground and paid homage and blessed the king. And Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, in that the king has granted the request of his servant.” 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence….
28 So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.
REFLECTION:
- David finally permitted Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but would not see him for two full years. If forgiveness is to be granted, it must be complete. Incomplete forgiveness, compounded with un-dealt with past sins, creates bitterness and antagonism.
- David, despite his high achievements as a great king, failed miserably as a parent. Such incidents abound: He was upset by what his children did, but did not discipline (13:21). He loved his children so much that he lost perspective (13:37). And he forgave incompletely (14:1-24).
- When we are unable to forgive others, our hearts become hardened and unable to experience love of God and of others. When God forgives, he forgets, and he goes on to restore and rejoice. “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!”(Rom 5:1,11, the Message)
- How do I express forgiveness to someone I love? How do I ask forgiveness from someone I love?
PRAYER:
Merciful God, you showed me forgiveness by sending your son, Jesus, to suffer, die and rise again in glory. Help me to show my gratitude to you by being generous in forgiving those who have offended me.
