18. Reconciliation without the heart ( 2Samuel 14:21 – 33)

Absalom finally saw his father’s face, but David’s heart was not ready for his son.

πŸ‘‰ Read 2Samuel 14:21 - 33


Q1. What verse shows that David didn’t forgive Absalom from his heart?

V24.


Q2. Why did people like Absalom? (25 – 27)

He was handsome. Also, his daughter was very attractive. 

The shadow of valuing appearance over the heart reappears—just as it did when they failed by choosing King Saul for his outward looks.



Q3. Absalom lived in Jerusalem for (     ) years without seeing David’s face. Absalom wanted (     ) to persuade the king to call him, but Joab refused. So Absalom set fire to his (     ) field. In this way, Joab reluctantly arranged a meeting between Absalom and his father, David. When they met, the king didn’t say anything and simply kissed him. It was a gesture of reconciliation, but without his (     ).

Absalom lived in Jerusalem for (two) years without seeing David’s face. Absalom wanted (Joab) to persuade the king to call him, but Joab refused. So Absalom set fire to his (barley) field. In this way, Joab reluctantly arranged a meeting between Absalom and his father, David. When they met, the king didn’t say anything and simply kissed him. It was a gesture of reconciliation, but without his (heart).

Both of them were angry with each other and held on to their pride, unwilling to be the first to say, “I’m sorry,” “Forgive me,” or “I was wrong.”

Though God had forgiven David for his adultery and murder, David could not forgive Absalom. Perhaps God was trying to teach David about true forgiveness.




When David was torn between compassion and justice regarding the affair of Absalom’s murder of Amnon, a woman from Tekoa risked her life to teach King David God’s way: to seek a way to save sinners by all means. Being moved and agreeing to grant Absalom’s return from exile, however, David himself didn’t want to risk his reputation to make complete reconciliation. 

Only voluntary self-sacrifice could reconcile compassion and justice. Though David agreed to the truth of God’s way, he was reluctant to sacrifice himself (his reputation or his thoughts) and thus could not experience reconciliation. So it is with us. Although we all know and agree with God’s sacrificial redemption on the cross, we hesitate to sacrifice ourselves when we confront situations where compassion and justice collide.

Though Jesus' sacrifice reconciled us to God, we cannot fully experience that reconciliation without self-denial in following His way.

When we preach the cross, they hear the life.

When we live the cross, they experience the life.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

8. How Sin Reigns: Cain and Abel’s story (Gen 4:1-16)

As Adam and Eve ate the fruit, the sin entered their hearts. Now, this sin was inherited to their son Cain. The sin arouse burning anger in his heart and caused him to murder. Read Gen 4:1-16 Guided Observations When Cain was angry for his rejected offering, the Lord said, “If you not do what is right, (         ) is crouching at the door. It desires to (            ) you, but you must subdue it.” After Cain killed his brother, what was God’s punishment for him? (v11-12)   What was God’s grace upon Cain? (v15)   What was Cain’s problem? (hint: Eph 4:26)   Meditation & Application 1. Cain should have accepted his humiliation when his offering was rejected instead of being angry     -> learn to admit your sin, fault, or a humiliating situation. 2. It was the Lord's grace that He explicitly warned Cain not to go further from his anger      ...
Read more

16: Jephthah: An Outcast Turned Contract Leader (Judges 11:1 – 28)

Image
The background of Jephthah’s story is the eastern side of Jordan, especially Gilead. They kicked him out because he was born from a prostitute. But being invaded and oppressed, they called him to be their leader.  Read Judges 11:1 - 28 Q1: What was the problem for them when the Ammonites assembled to attack the Israelites? (10:18) Answers πŸ‘‰ There was no one to lead the battle. No one wanted to risk their own life in leading the army.  Q2: In what condition was Jephthah appointed as the leader of them?  Answer πŸ‘‰ To lead the army, fight against the Ammonites, and win. They did not apologize for their kicking him out. (8)  They had once cast out the one they marginalized, but now, they asked him to be their king for their survival. They offered no apologies for their past actions nor showed the courage or faithfulness needed to lead in battle. They were willing to become subjects if it meant saving their lives. Begging for survival was their true reas...
Read more

15: They repented for the first time, But... (Judges 10:1 – 18)

They repented before the Lord, but He was not willing to deliver them because He knew their irresistible tendency toward idol worship. Read Judges 10:1 - 18 Q1. After the death of Abimelech, Tola rose up to (             ) Israel and (         ) Israel for 23 years. After him, (             ) rose up and (           ) Israel for 22 years. The towns he and his sons ruled were collectively called (                   ). Both (          ) and were buried in their hometowns. Answers πŸ‘‰ After the death of Abimelech, Tola rose up to ( deliver ) Israel and ( led ) Israel for 23 years. After him, ( Jair  ) rose up and (  led  ) Israel for 22 years. The towns he and his sons ruled were collectively called ( Havvoth Jair ). Both ( died ) and were buried in their hometowns. They...
Read more