Pray:
Lord, may my loyalty be to You. May I be true to You in every situation and relationship.
Read:
2 Samuel 18:19-33
Reflect:
How is David's focus off?
Messengers are running to the king with news from battle. History has been made this day. The politics of the country have shifted decisively. Yet, our interest is in the reaction of the king. The political situation, the legacy of history and the king's dynastic security are all forgotten. Absalom, referred to by David in the build-up to the battle as "the young man" (5), is now "Absalom, my son, my son!" (33).
The two runners are differentiated by one's appreciation of this personal perspective and the other's lack of it. Ahimaaz delivers the news of victory but withholds the confirmation of Absalom's death. The anonymous Cushite messenger has no appreciation of David's position as a father. His focus is solely on the military outcome.
Throughout the narrative of David's life, two truths are consistently illustrated. First, people in positions of power are no different than anyone else; second, it is often in their personal and private affairs that the destiny of public figures is decided. This section ends in suspense. How will David's private grief play out in the public sphere?
Apply:
Consider the private aspects of your life that may influence how you behave publicly. Talk to God about this.
Pray:
Lord, help those who lead Your church to rightly hold their private and public worlds before You.
