October 5, 2024 - 2 Samuel 14:25-33

October 5, 2024 - 2 Samuel 14:25-33

 

25  Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.  26  And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight.  27  There were born to Absalom three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman. 28  So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.  29  Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but Joab would not come to him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come.  30  Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.  31  Then Joab arose and went to Absalom at his house and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?”  32  Absalom answered Joab, “Behold, I sent word to you, ‘Come here, that I may send you to the king, to ask, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” Now therefore let me go into the presence of the king, and if there is guilt in me, let him put me to death.’”  33  Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.

 

Do these set of scriptures surprise you?  I must say I was taken back by Joab’s nonresponse to Absalom, Absalom’s extreme measures to gain Joab’s attention and the king’s response to Absalom. 

 

Although these scriptures puzzle me, I find myself thinking, “Well I would have just ….. !”   I notice that sometimes it’s easier for me to find solutions to others’ problems than my own.  Do you find yourself in this situation? Why is this? Are you quick to advice others yet struggle to resolve issues, even family issues, for yourself.  Submit these struggles to God, pray continuously, and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you work to resolve your personal issues in a manner that glorifies our Heavenly Father.