Bible Chapter: II Samuel 15 & 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    As I read this, I was reminded of many of our modern politicians.  Absalom’s conspiracy played to the pride of the people and sounds like our modern political campaigns.  He promised them many personal benefits if they would support him to become the king.  He stole the hearts of the people by making promises.  He was a manipulator.
    David had to flee from Jerusalem because of Absalom’s political coup.  We also see the extreme immorality that had saturated the culture, starting from the top.  We see that Absalom set up a tent on the roof of the palace where the whole nation could see that he was sleeping with his father’s concubines.  This was done to make a direct slap in David’s face.  As the story unfolds it becomes sadder and more sordid.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    What does God want for our lives?  We know that His plan had nothing to do with what David did and became.  While we like to think that God’s plan is for everything to go well and for us to have a life of ease and comfort (which is not necessarily so), God has our best at heart.  And, God’s best for us might include things we don’t like.  God’s best will be seen in the light of eternity and we will rejoice in it.
    We can and must learn from the mistakes of others.  David harvested a large amount of destruction and negative results because of his sin.  We must learn from people like this and not make the same bad choices.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see what really happens when people obey, and when they disobey.  Each person is responsible for their lives and actions.  God is not out to condemn, but to save us from the consequences of sin.  It is up to us to obey and submit to His Lordship.