Risk the Wounds
Read 2 Samuel 13-15
2 Sam 14:14 But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.
A FAMILY breaks down. King David, the one who has conquered a giant, subdued nations, and escaped death many times, is incapable of going to his son and saying, “Let’s work this out. I love you.” In this scripture a woman reminds David what God does and what God is doing.
God’s son Adam sinned and left the household. But God has pursued the children of Adam ever since to be one with him again.
David has allowed Absalom to leave the household. As he is awakened to his grievous error of indifference (it seems—or is it fear?), he calls Absalom back home. Yet, David still keeps his distance. He is unwilling to truly care for his son whom he loves. He would rather live separate from his son than deal with any conflict and possible wounds of restoration.
God, your heavenly Father, comes into the conflicts of your heart to draw you to him. His Son, Jesus, suffered conflict to the death to bring the peace of life into you. –Isa 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
That’s the kind of father David needed to be. He needed to show Absalom how much he loved him. He needed to go into the conflict of their relationship, be willing to suffer through the wounds and strive to heal the wounds. Parents, is there something separating you from your children? Go to them, even if it’s hard and you risk being wounded. Say to your child, “I love you. Let’s figure out how we can live together.”
Pause and Consider: how much you love your children, siblings and parents.
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