2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 + John 20:1-31 + Psalm 119:153-176 + Proverbs 16:14-15
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Old Testament – Wow. Intense readings today. As could be expected from Absalom’s pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him. One commentary had the interesting point that Absalom’s “pretty head & long hair” (as you’ll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree. This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it’s own undoing. This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead…
Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego – like the Egyptian Pharaoh’s of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: “During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to carry on my name.” He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom’s Monument to this day.” Below is an image of Absalom’s Monument (Pillar) –
While on one hand I do appreciate David’s grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab’s boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: “We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don’t, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been.” That is quite a speech by Joab to David! And I believe he was right. David’s love for his son was admirable in one sense – but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense. David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this. It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives. Love for one person is a beautiful thing. But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too – and love them. And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good – a greater love – than the singular love we have been focusing on. This is not easy to discern of course… hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn’t sound too harsh? Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “The Darkest Days of David’s Life” is at this link.
New Testament – Today we read about Jesus’ glorious resurrection! Verse 18 is awesome – “Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!””
Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion gives a great list today of the order of Jesus’ 11 appearances after his resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene and the other women
2. the disciples on the road to Emmaus
3. Peter
4. the ten disciples in the upper room
5. the eleven in the upper room with Thomas present (Below is an oil painting by Carravaggio from the year 1601 titled “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas”)
6. the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius
7. the eleven on a mountain in Galilee
8. five hundred of the brethren
9. James
10. all of the apostles
11. those present when he ascended into heaven
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “The Burial and Resurrection” is at this link and “On Seeing and Believing” is at this link.
Psalms – We finish Psalm 119 today… 🙁 I am sad. I loved reading through this Psalm again! For some reason it meant so much to me these past few days. I pray this Psalm has been good for you as well this go round. I think the last 3 verses of this Psalm are worth us camping out on here for a moment. In verses 174, 175 & 176 the author of Psalm 119 closes out the Psalm with what I think is a prayer and a confession all in one – “O LORD, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” Wow… not a bad prayer and confession, eh? Is God’s Word your delight? Do you wish to live so you can praise God? Does His Word sustain you?
Proverbs – Proverbs 16:15 today is nice: “When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.” What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain? When a baby smiles at you? When you smile at someone else? When someone else smiles at you when you’re having a rough day? Let us be like gentle rain for each other!
Worship Video: Today’s readings in John about Thomas’ doubts reminded me of the FFH song “Come Undone.” Here’s a great live version of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo
Have you come undone? Click here and become undone!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Holy Spirit. Pray that you will allow Jesus to send you. Pray that you know Jesus’ peace that surpasses all understanding.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What is your reaction to David’s grief over his son Absalom today? Why do you think he grieved so much? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10
I am an observer of human behavior and I am always looking at patterns that cross cultural, ethnicities and “tribes.” One hundred percent, of the time, we grieve differently but the emotions, feelings and intent that fuels the grief is the same. Usually or grief is not about the physical death of the person, but of missed opportunities. When someone dies because of their own bad choices usually the deceased loved ones: mother, father, possibly siblings, aunts, and uncles, usually grieve inconsolably over missed opportunities to provide direction and correction and guidance. David grief was rooted in regret and guilt. Think about it. Our decisions, my decisions
I’m going to look at Joab and David from a different perspective than Mike.. As per scripture, our righteousness is not based on our behavior it is based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And our acceptance of that righteousness, Jesus Christ, is based on the condition of our heart, whether we accept what Jesus has done for us or not. For the Old Testament saints and ain’ts, it would be their acceptance of the One Who is To Come in the fullness of time. According to God, David had a “right” heart; however, Joab did not which we shall see in the readings to come. As per the commentary on the BibleOnRadio.Com for today’s reading, David was operating out of Love with no Justice toward Absalom, and Joab operated out of Justice with no Love. In my opinion, both were out of Balance.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before Your face. (Psalms 89:14 AMP
Grace and Peace,
Ramona
====== Anka:
The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you”.David was happy to stay at home again while his army went to fight.Maybe he was afraid to have to confront his son in battle because he may prefer to die than harm Absalom yet inspite of assuring the army he would go along with whatever they suggested he commanded them not to harm Absalom.
What was it about this guy that made David love him so much?His looks?Could Abalom have taken a bigger part of David’s heart than God’s laws.We see he preferred to leave Israel to Absalom than to consult God and protect Israel from a son he knew really didn’t have a heart for God.
Idols don’t have to be golden cows..they can be money,family etc.I pray God reveals our idolsand the things that compete for His love and laws in our lives before we become a stumbling block for others and give satan an opportunity to wreck havoc in our lives..Israel got divided,had to fight eachother then creep back home ashamed after the battle,David went home heart broken…
Mary’s love for Jesus is something I realised today I wished I had.While the other disciples slept soundly(or maybe stayed behind locked doors afraid of the Jews)Mary went out to the tomb where Jesus was put.When Mary saw the tomb was empty,she told the others…just John and Peter set out but returned to their homes when they saw the tomb was empty…Mary stayed.Maybe in her mind she hoped someone would give her a clue to what happend.Many times when we loose someone we love,we kinda feel drawn to the room the person stayed or when we visit the person’s tomb it gives us a feeling of closeness to the person,Mary just couldn’t leave,she kept peering into the last place she knew he laid.Her love for Christ defied her fear of the jews.Her heart was longing for him and Jesus blessed her with His presence.I pray for that kind of love and longing in my heart,for such loyalty…
God bless you all
Anka
====== Jim:
I was always impressed with the way Joab called David to account for mourning Absalom in the presence of the troops who just rescued him from certain death. While mourning his son’s death isn’t wrong, as a leader of men he needs to care for their morale and express his appreciation for a job well done. David is certainly one of my Biblical heroes because of his unfailing faith in God but you also see his failings too… something I can cerainly identify.
Another one of my Biblical heroes is Mary Magdalene in this passage in John. Her love for Jesus seems to certainly surpass that even of the disciples.
Have a good one all…
Jim
======= Shirley:
I had never noticed in the New Testament when Jesus breathed on the disciples and told them that who ever sins they forgave would be forgiven and who ever they did not forgive would be unforgiven. I don’t understand this. Can anyone offer insight?
Shirley
====== Sue:
Shirley:
“Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
It is my understanding that Jesus announced this to his disciples; it was incumbent upon the people to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and it was a “done deal” if they believe–their sins are ALREADY forgiven because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross; but if they did not believe (and the same thing goes today)–if there is no belief–faith–grounded acknowledgement that Jesus is whom he claims to be, there is no forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment; we shall know them by their fruits. Jesus said: If you love me, obey my commandments.
As I understand it, this was not a special pronouncement whereby the disciples had the ability to hold a sin against someone–or to forgive them (as the Sanhedrin and high priests and Jewish leaders recognized, and about which they were so ticked at Jesus: )Only God can forgive sins, but Jesus (as I understand the text here) was announcing to the disciples that they could now discern if someone was forgiven or not forgiven. Hence:
“Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Further we have that confidence in us because WE believe, so Jesus is IN US, and we are IN HIM, so we have “THE MIND OF CHRIST” — or at least we SHOULD have the mind of Christ that comes with the washing and regeneration of the word.
God’s love and blessings.
Sue
====== Marilyn:
I was under the impression somehow, I don’t remember how, that since the name “Theophilus” is Greek for “Lover of God”, that Luke could have been addressing all of his readers, including us, with that title.
Marilyn
====== Liz:
I’d have to say it again, it’s just tough being king! Was Absolom spoiled? I think so … David didn’t seem to have a very good rein overy his children. I always wondered about he handled Tamar’s rape, for one. And the picture you chose – wow, it does speak volumes.
Liz
====== Dan:
I think it’s worth noting that in general, Thomas gets a bad rap. But I’m not sure that where Jesus was going with it. We call him “Doubting Thomas”, and we like to think that we could have/would have believed that Christ was resurrected just upon hearing of it! But I think Jesus was a bit more understanding than us.
In the Message translation says, “So you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” (John 20:29). He doesn’t say “the only blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing”, just better blessings!
There are certainly those among us who need intellectual stimulation. Does that mean they are doubters? Or does it mean that they simply think on a different plane than others?
Just a thought!
Great passages today…well…it is the Bible so, I guess that’s to be expected!
Dan
====== Aslan:
concerning the love of David for Absalom, I am reminded again that a “born-again” parent loves unconditionally (God’s love) but the parent cannot expect that same unconditional love from their child(ren)… UNTIL the child comes to a living Relationship with the Lord. And…. the sins of the parent become so harshly clear (to the parent) when they are manifested and enlarged in the child(ren) as sin, aka rebellion/deviance/love of money, world. As a parent of 5 adult children, I know this to be true in my life. It breaks my heart everytime I read about David and his children. What a lesson!! I believe that David, like me, wishes he had it all to do over again.
Aslan
====== Carmen:
I find David’s life a good example of surviving great obstacles with God by your side. He was a very powerful man who endured suffering and disappointment. He was discouraged many times as seen in Psalms. But he loved the Lord and was in constant communication with Him. He always confessed his sins and weaknesses. When David loved he loved unconditionally. We see this in his relationship with Saul and his son Absalom. I admire his courage to do God’s will no matter what the obstacles were. Even though he complained about his trials, in the end he always praised God his savior. We should try to do the same. Thank you for your daily devotionals and bible study. I read them everyday and they are a blessing to me and I am sure to many others.
Carmen
======= Jenny:
Aaaaw, that picture of David is so sad! the story is very sad but i understand Joab’s rebuke. tough situation! I remember seeing the movie of King David back some yrs ago n have that image of Absalom in the tree, stuck in my mind, really gross!
I’ve heard so many good sermons on pretty much every verse in this readings of John. wish i could share them all!
Jenny
====== Heidi:
today was the first day in studying with your blog…and i loved it!!!! the links to the bible verses, and the expounding on them in blogs is wonderful…..thank you so much… im blessed to have found another blog that is for the right reasons….so much of the blogs arent worth reading and im finding a few that are great… yours being one of them…. god bless, and keep it up!!!!
Heidi
====== Mae:
“When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.” What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain? When a baby smiles at you? When you smile at someone else? When someone else smiles at you when you’re having a rough day? ~ My day can be refreshed when I can do something for somebody else, that makes my heart smile! It points out that my life is not about me, it’s about other people. To help them and make their life refresh like a gentle rain. Or when I start my day with a great prayer, that’s just awesome! Whatever brings me closer to God, or to feel His presence … THAT refreshes my day like a gentle rain!
Mae
====== Skip:
Although I like the way John describes the two angels asking Mary Magdalene why she is crying and then turning she sees Jesus standing there, I still like Luke’s description of the angel asking her, “Why do you seek the living among the dead. Jesus is not here, He has risen.” Luke’s description says it all; Jesus died, has risen from the dead and is again living.
The description of Thomas doubting that the Lord had appeared to the other ten has always provided me with a level of comfort. Not that he doubted, but at what Jesus told him when He appeared to Thomas, John 20:29 “Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (NIV). Jesus gives all who believe without seeing a blessing. What a comfort knowing that we have received a blessing by believing that Jesus rose from the dead and is sitting at the right hand of God without seeing physical proof. I know of one other place in the New Testament where Jesus gives us a blessing, Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (NIV). How wonderful it is to hear Jesus give us a blessing!
Yours in Christ
Skip
====== Art:
My initial reaction to David’s grieving was similar to yours, Mike. But then I thought: David is an archetype for Jesus… a precursor and a sign pointing to what was to come through his lineage. I therefore think of David’s grieving as being more akin to Jesus’ weeping for Jerusalem (Matt 23:37; Luke 13:34) and the parable of the lost sheep (Matt 18:12; Luke 15:4). Yeah, the rest of his folks may be confused at his reaction, but he specifically says, he (David) would rather have died for Absalom, with the implication that, had he done so, Absalom would not have been lost to eternal damnation. The rest of David’s flock were going to be fine. He was grieved that he could not save all of them. Only Jesus can do that.
Art
====== Alli:
What is your reaction to David’s grief over his son Absalom today?
I see that no matter how “bad” a child may be perceived, to a parent their is always an undying love…If an earthly father feels this way about his loss, what more our heavenly father when we choose not to follow in His way…He grieves over the lost of us sons and daughters as well…
Alli
====== Larry:
I did just want to say thank you Mike for being faithful to give us insight on the scriptures we read. I have had several reading programs, but I have never been to successful at them. Thank the Lord this is the first time I have read the One Year Bible, and to give God the glory I am doing fine in this program. Also do you think that the One Year Companion is really that detailed to get. Also if anyone has any other opinions on this I would like your comments.
Larry
====== Lily:
Mike your words ” It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives. Love for one person is a beautiful thing. But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too – and love them. And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good – a greater love – than the singular love we have been focusing on.” touched my heart today. I pray that this will touch the heart of one of my loved ones so she could move on with her life.
God bless you for God’s wisdom spoken through you.
Lily
====== Jen:
I was thinking about Absalom and human monuments. Do I want to build monuments to myself? I pray for death to my desires and life to the desires of the lord in my life. My the glory of God be seen in those things that I create.
blessings
Jen
====== Bob:
When I read John, I wonder what it is that changed him and come to the belief in Jesus Christ. Obviously the things he wrote about are the message we need to change us. His account of Thomas is so much like my own stubborn desire to see it with my own eyes. I have had a lifelong battle with this personality trait that I am sure most others share. My own belief and faith comes from the infinite coincidences that happen to me every day that I experience and cannot rationalize as occurring without divine guidance. Too many, too mysterious, too complicated, too clear, too crazy . I sound like a choo-choo train! Somewhere in there I become like a Thomas and it’s too much evidence to believe anything else and that’s exactly where Jesus wants me. How beautiful is that! Thank you Lord.
Bob
====== Jane:
I really like your analogy of how one is like Gentle rain to another. We think of rain as showers of blessings but I like the thought of sharing Gentle Rain to someone. A smile , a hug. Being the better person, blessing someone with kindness are all gentle rain, That’s sharing Gods love! Let us be gentle rain to others Thanks for sharing this thought Mike . God bless you today!
Jane
====== Pat:
People have commented on the fact that John refers to himself in his writings as the one that Jesus loved as he did in John 20:2 today. “2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” Is John being egotistical? Maybe. Is John setting himself aside from all others that Jesus also loved? Maybe. Is John wrong in the way he betrays himself? No, I think not. Each of us needs to think of ourselves as “the one Jesus loves” because Jesus loves each of us in a special way, a way that makes us special in this world because of the love of Jesus. We often comment on what good Christians other people are and how they are filled with God’s love but we need to thank the Lord that we too are good Christians and what makes us a good Christian is the Holy Spirit that lives within us. We are no better than other Christians, we are each flawed, we are each in need of daily repentance, but we are each special because we are the one that Jesus loves!
Pat
====== Dee:
True I like that and your wisdom Ramona:
June 1,22 2 Sam 18:1-19:10
Wanted love without justice
Cross brought love and justice satisfied
Saul/Absolom monuments -Do we really remember them?
Before u run. Be sure right person to deliver the msg.
I agree w/ Joab- Yes – Absolom was David’s son. But David forgot why he was fighting so hard. He was King, was he not? The Kingdom and the people were in jeopardy. You can’t hate one’s that love u and love the ones who hate. (And I will add a step in my notes..unless u have a Jesus conscience heart) only God can change a heart..only the Lord can love this evil corrupt world and His spirit change the minds and hearts of people) anyway ..it reminds me of a conversation of a former employer..there seems to be an imbalance of good and evil where good is perceived as evil and evil is perceived as good.
Peter and John on the run.
They needed a meeting w/ the Living Christ. Mary changed from a mourner to
A missionary. Faith- Lord deals w/ our doubts and unbelief.
June 1st.22
John 20:1-31
Both times, Jesus came-stated “Peace, be with you.
What does that mean to the believer?
What did it mean to the disciples?
They were scared-locked behind a closed door–meeting in secret. The Lord said, have peace and He sent a “comforter” to them-the Holy Spirit. I winder what it was like to be w/o the Spirit living freely in them? Hmm.
Psalms 119(completed today) wow!!
Vs: 153-176
When the enemy accuses you-let the Word of God affirm u. Have joy in your heart-love Lord more than $$. Put Him 1st.
Proverbs 16:14-15
To me this reflects what Joab was hoping for David–he (Joab) didn’t want sorrow and remorse-vs 14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise try to appease it(Joab in this instance was acting or consoling as the wise) vs15 When the King smiles (or in this instance-greets others at the hill) there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
Dee
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