Today’s Scripture Reading (January
19, 2013): 2 Samuel 14
Discipline
is never something that is meant for public consumption. It is always a private
matter. But while discipline is supposed to be private, often we seem to want
it to be public – that is, as long as we are not the ones being disciplined. As
a result, in public circles, keeping discipline private is a challenge. And
sometimes, people get upset because they believe that discipline has not been
applied just because it has been applied in private.
David knew
two things. One was simply that Absalom was guilty of the crime; he had killed
his brother. Yes, there had been a provocation. His brother was guilty of
raping their sister Tamar, but still, a murder had been committed, and Absalom
was guilty. And the crime had left David torn. He probably felt guilt over the
rape that Amnon had perpetuated against his daughter Tamar. He definitely felt
guilt concerning the murder of Amnon, after all, it was David that allowed the
boys to be alone together in the first place. There was probably a big part of
David that believed that he was the one that needed to be punished – and yet,
it was his children that were bearing the punishment for David’s sins.
And so David’s
decision is to banish his son. But it is a decision that costs David. And Joab
realizes the burden and the cost that the king was bearing, and begins to hatch
a plan to reunite the king with his son.
We all need
someone around us who understands our pain, and is willing to try to help us. David,
early in his life, had found that very thing in Jonathan, and now he finds it
in Joab. In actuality, Absalom would
come back to the city, but not into his dad’s presence. It would be another two
years before the king and Absalom would find themselves in the same room. But
throughout this stage of his life, he would have Joab stand beside him and
understand exactly what it was the David’s desired in his heart.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2
Samuel 15
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