December 30 -- "Dying in Another's Place"

 Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 18

"Dying in Another's Place"

David deeply loved his son, Absalom. His love for his son is considered one of the greatest examples of fatherly love in the Old Testament and one of the greatest examples of the grief that love can sometimes produce. David’s love for his rebellious son teaches all of us about God’s love for us when we, in our human sinfulness, rebel against Him.

Absalom was described as the “handsomest man in Israel” and was known for his luscious and thick head of hair. (2 Samuel 14) Other than being David’s son and growing up in the household of a father who was a “man after God’s heart,” not many positive things are recorded in Scripture about him. In fact, most of the Biblical record describes the evil things he did. He murdered his brother Amnon, committed fornication in public to torment his father, and rebelliously set up his own kingdom with the goal of overthrowing David as king.

In this final chapter of Absalom’s life, David sent out military troops to attack and defeat Absalom’s rebellious uprising. His command to his military leaders shows us the love and concern David still felt for his son: “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” David wanted the uprising to be put down, but out of love for his son, he ordered that Absalom not be harmed. David longed to be reconciled to the son he loved.

David’s care for his son is an example of our Heavenly Father’s love toward us. Although we are infected with a sinful nature, and commit sins that offend our Father deeply, and although we don’t deserve His love and forgiveness, He loves us and longs for us to be reconciled to Him. Romans 5:12 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  You may be far from God today. Perhaps you have offended Him by your rebellion and backsliding. But be certain of this – He still loves you and wants to restore you to a right relationship with Himself.

Tragically, despite David’s command to protect his son, Absalom was killed during the battle. When David learned of his son’s death, his heart breaks. You can feel the depth of his grief when he realizes that the son he loved so deeply is never coming back. David is so grieved that he actually wishes that he had died in Absalom’s place. 

Tragically, David could not die for Absalom’s sins. There is only One Man in history who could die for others’ sins – Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son for the purpose of taking our sins upon Himself and opening the door to be reconciled to Him. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) 

Your Heavenly Father loves you so much that He sent Someone to die in your place! "I implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:20)