STEP OUT
Opening Prayer
Quietly open your hands as a sign of trust in God today as you open your mind to his Word.
Read 2 Samuel 19:1–8a
Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”
8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him.
Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are there times you look to hide away? Are there times you sense God calling you to take a step of faith?David was grieving for Absalom and this affected all the troops and his people (1–4). There were many mixed emotions flying around. The army was carrying out their duty but David had lost a son. Regardless of Absalom’s rebellion, David was enduring the pain any parent would feel. But as king, David needed to see the bigger picture and lead his people from the front. There is a time to mourn and a time to rejoice (cf. Rom. 12:15), and we must not deny such times. But we cannot stay in a place of introspection forever.
Joab encouraged David to see the bigger picture—that this loss was to save him and his people (5–7). David realized he could no longer serve himself, and he came out into the public domain, taking his seat as king, so that people could see that he ruled and reigned (8).
We cannot ignore the importance of following God’s will. Jesus was the King who died in our place that we might not die but live. He was doing the will of the Father. May we look to Christ the King of kings and see through and beyond our circumstances, knowing he is seated on the throne, sovereign over all.
Apply
Is there a situation in your life that God is asking you to get up and move beyond? Can you trust him and take the next step today?
Closing prayer
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to die for us. May we look to Christ our sovereign King and may we be led by Your Spirit today.
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