Reflect
This is a very dark and sad passage that illustrates all too clearly the consequences of our choices. If you have been tracking with the devotional guide through 2 Samuel, you read of David’s passivity in addressing very pressing issues in his family and of the angry, arrogant rebelliousness of Absalom. In 2 Samuel 18, we see the result of this passivity and rebellion. Many men die needlessly in a bloody civil war. David loses his son to death, having already lost his respect and any semblance of loyalty. Absalom’s life ends in a monument to his humiliating defeat (v.17), which stands in stark contrast to the monument he built in to himself in his pride (v.18). All of this could have been avoided had David chosen the path of gracious confrontation, and Absalom chosen the path of humility. While it is true that neither path would have been easy at the outset, it is equally true that their fruit would have been incredibly sweeter in the long run.
Apply
Are there areas in your life where you are choosing the easy shortcut over the right thing to do? Ask God for wisdom to know what choices are best in the long run and for strength to carry through as He leads.
Pastor Lyle
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Lyle, for his family and his ministry.
- Pray for Eric Peters, Facility Manager; Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Maintenance, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Bee Stiansen, Cam Klapstein, Darryl Sparling, Gerhard Hiob, Julie Leverette, Marvin Schneider, Matt Barker, Matt Chute, Mike Pedde, and Nick Mitchell.
- Pray for our office staff: Robin Radke and Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.