2 Samuel 14:1-15:22; John 18:1-24; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 16:8-9
David and Absalom were separated because of his murderous act. Joab, the leader of David’s armies concocts a plan to convince David to bring Absalom back. Now, the end result is that David brings Absalom back but his heart had not changed. However, the principle of reconciliation is still true.
God does not give up on people! We shouldn’t either. “But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him” (2 Samuel 14:14).
Aren’t you glad God never gave up on you? When we were in our sin, God devised a way for us to come back. God does not compromise on this way back. The only way to come back to Him is through Jesus. No other way will work. The same should be true for us. When a relationship has been broken, give people a chance to fix the relationship by putting in place a reconciliation plan. If they live by it, then they can come back. But, if they refuse to follow the plan, then they are not ready and you should keep praying for them. Always give people a way back.
David should have seen that Absalom wanted to come back but his heart had not changed. He ended up taking over David’s kingdom. Use wisdom in how you bring people back into your life to ensure that real change has taken place.
Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11