Redemption

2 Samuel 14

In 2 Samuel 13, Amnon, David's son, rapes Tamar, Absalom's sister. Out of revenge and spite, Absalom kills Amnon and then flees from the wrath of King David. In chapter 14, we read about the road to reconciliation between the two.

After the death of Amnon, David set his sights upon Absalom's death. Joab sent a woman to present the king with a story of which parallels David's current situation and essentially rebukes King David in his actions.

2 Samuel 14:14 "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him."

This passage really stuck out to me. In the context of the story, this deals with King David allowing Absalom to return to Jerusalem. However, it applies to our situation as well. Like water spilled on the ground, we are useless and hopeless. We serve no purpose and cannot be saved. But the Lord is gracious. He saw that and made a way for us when there was no way! That way was at His own expense as God sent Jesus to the cross. Our God loves us, useless things, that much.

As the end of 2 Samuel 14, Absalom asks to see David and says "If I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death." Clearly, Absalom was guilty of murdering his half brother and David's son, Amnon. When David saw him, he responded by kissing Absalom. That is very gracious and loving but I cannot help but be surprised by this. Either David is a saint or extremely foolish.