DCLM Higher Everyday 12 July 2024 — Mourning a Rebellious Son
DCLM Higher Everyday 12 July 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Mourning a Rebellious Son
Topic: Mourning a Rebellious Son
Text: 2 Samuel 19:1-7
1And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
3And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
4But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
5And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
6In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
7Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.
Key Verse: “And it was told Joab, Behold the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom” (2 Samuel 19: 1).
Message
King David was faced with a great tragedy, losing one of his sons – Absalom, who had attempted to dethrone him. Moved by the loss, David as a loving father, wept and mourned for his son. However, Xynophon, a Greek military leader, philosopher, and historian said that, “Excess of grief, for the dead is madness: for it is an injury to the living, and the dead know it not.” The question may even be asked, “Should David mourn the death of Absalom?” Joab, the commander of his army, proved him wrong. He rebuked David for mourning and not appreciating the fact that he and the army of Israel had risked their lives to save him and end the rebellion.
Today, rebellion of youths, like Absalom’s, can cause their parents untold agony of heart. Absalom’s untimely death should however serve as a lesson to all youths who are rebellious and position-seeking. Rather, they should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Also they should learn that failure to honour parents comes with dire consequences. Repent if you are on that evil path.
Quote: He rebuked David for mourning
Challenge: Every rebellion has its season of harvest.
Prayer for today: My God, deliver me from acts of rebellion, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
