DEVOTIONAL

There is so much covered in today’s section of scripture. The passage is filled with highs and lows that matter in the story of God, Israel, and David. If you recall, Nathan warns David in 2 Samuel 12:11 that evil will come on David’s house. Well, now is the time. Brace yourself.  

Absalom is introduced in 2 Samuel 13. He is one of David’s sons that is on the fast-track for promotion to king. However, one small detail is left out. King David does not know about it. Absalom kills his brother Amnon to bring justice on his head for his wrong actions. Before cheers break out for Absalom, conspiracy and deception brood subtly in Israel.

As the story progresses, Absalom wants the power and authority to judge and bring justice on people (2 Samuel 15:6). In different ways, Absalom plants fear in the men of Israel. Absalom portrays that King David is no longer the right king to protect Israel and lead them forward. The message of Absalom’s campaign rallies innocent men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:11). The support behind Absalom builds in chapter 15 to the point where King David flees Israel. The fear spreads to David. He gets out of Israel because he is fearful that Absalom, his own son, will overtake David and his men.

As King David and his men go into the wilderness, the picture of a sad send-off unfolds in a bittersweet way in 2 Samuel 15:13-37. Sometimes the change caused by fear, ends up being the change that anchors us in the best place. This new place is where we start to trust, we release control, and we experience the mercy of God on us.

Then King David said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.”

2 Samuel 15:25-26

I love the exchange between King David and Ittai the Gittite. This man is a foreigner new to Israel, but Ittai follows King David out of Jerusalem because he believes that is the better choice. The wiser king. And then, David shows great trust in God in 2 Samuel 15:24-28 that gives me chills. David makes the decision not to cling to the ark of the covenant of God as he escapes to the wilderness. Instead, he tells Zadok and the priests to return to Jerusalem with the ark of the covenant of God and trust that God will make the right decision for Israel. King Absalom or King David. I encourage you to read Psalm 28 for more specifics on who God is to David in this moment. My take-aways are that David does not feel abandoned or confused by God. The words David uses to describe God are rock, strength, refuge, and shepherd. Are those words I use to describe God in my life during seasons of fear, uncertainty, or stress? Not all the time. Things get in the way. Sometimes I wonder if I am the “thing” that most often gets in the way.

Q: What words come to mind about God when you’re living in fearful, uncertain, or stressful situations?

When I read 2 Samuel 15:30, I stop for a moment. The humble posture of David can easily be skipped, but do not miss this. It says King David who left his palace, servants, and everything at his authority is weeping, barefoot, and has his head covered. Image each step up the ascent of the Mount of Olives. The exhaustion layered on David like caked on dirt. Does David ask God, “why does this feel like I am right back where I started?”

But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot.

2 Samuel 15;30

Remember, David fled to the wilderness when King Saul schemed against him. And what happened? David and his relationship with God grew incredibly strong. David fully depended on God for each step, each stronghold, each victory.

As the story continues in 2 Samuel 16, it kind of reads that David goes back to the beginning in the wilderness away from distraction to rekindle his relationship with God. We need these times of remembrance. Although David is faced with Shimei who does all he can to make David’s life miserable, make sure you read to the end. Yes, the hate inside Shimei does not grow weary. Shimei cursed David, threw stones at him and his men, and flung dust. However, the mercy of God comes in 2 Samuel 16:14 that tells us David refreshed himself at the Jordan. The Lord provides refreshment. We face hard things, but the Lord is refuge and shepherd that will not leave us stranded. The picture of David’s refreshment at the Jordan reminds me of what he writes in Psalm 23, “God leads me beside still waters and restores my soul.”

While Absalom thinks he has secured full authority as king of Israel, God is on the move. God uses Hushai and other key players to bring down Absalom. Absalom is knocked off his throne and killed. Who is left? David. The one God chose as king. He comes back to Jerusalem. David comes back to see both the ark of the covenant of God and his dwelling place which answers his prayer from 2 Samuel 15:25. What thoughts run across David’s mind as he takes his seat back on the throne? Is his heart motivated by God? Does he walk in humility? You bet. The wilderness changed David. Wandering in the wilderness with God has the power to transform ourselves for the better. It is hard work. Exhaustion may set in, but what comes out is beautiful refreshment.

There is no place I’d rather be.

Q: Do you doubt God’s presence or goodness when you face hardship? Are you praying for survival out of the wilderness or rejoicing in the refreshment today?

Additional Reading: Psalm 26, 28, 40