A Fathers Love
2 Samuel 18:33 David mourns the loss of his son Absolom which depicts the love that God has for us even though we stray.
1/29/20261 min read
Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33 (NJKV)
David sends his men into battle against Absolom's army and tells his three captains to deal gently with his son. Absolom's army is defeated and Absolom flees, getting caught in a terebinth tree. Joab, wanting to put an end to the conflict for good, kills Absolom. When the news of Absolom's death reaches David he grieves deeply, wishing that he had died instead of his son. Even though Absolom rebelled and betrayed him, David loved him deeply and his death caused deep sorrow.
God created us to be with him and he loves us deeply. But our sin separates us from him and the consequences for it is eternal death, which grieves him deeply. Because our Father in heaven loves us so much, He sent his only Son to die on the cross and take our sins away. 1 Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." Unlike David's request, Jesus, who is God in the flesh, died for us so that we could be without sin.
Choose to follow Jesus commission and bring someone to Christ. That is the most important thing you can do for God because it is His desire for all to be saved. God will lead you to someone that needs Christ. Choose to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare their heart and give you wisdom. Genuinely care for the person as an individual and share your personal story of how you met Christ. Explain that all have sinned, but Jesus paid the price through his death. Let them know how your life has changed and invite them as Jesus as their savior. Follow up and give them a bible, invite them to church, and let them know you are there to answer questions about their new life with Jesus. Remember that our Father in heaven gave the ultimate sacrifice because of his unlimited love for us.