BLIND LOVE
II Samuel 14:1, 33
"So Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the kings' heart was concerned about Absalom.... So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom."
David had 19 sons born to his wives, plus other sons born to his concubines (I Chronicles 3:3-9). Amnon, the first-born, was murdered by Absalom, the third-born. Between them was the second-born Chileab (or Daniel). But it seems that of all his sons, Absalom was his favorite. So I question: Why did David love Absalom so much? Absalom (like Amnon) was undisciplined, unruly, and conniving. Absalom murdered his half-brother and set fire to Joab's field in a pique simply because Joab did not do what he wanted (vs. 30). David allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but did not allow him to come to the palace to see David. Finally, after two years and through Joab's intervention, David allowed Absalom to meet with him. This proved to be a mistake, because Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (15:6), and caused insurrection as "the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number" (15:12). But even then, David did not take control. Instead of putting down the rebellious son, he fled from Jerusalem, allowing a coup by Absalom. David's love for his son may have been understandable and commendable, but David was blinded by his affection for his son, and the entire nation suffered. It may not be easy, but true love is tough love.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Love is sometimes blind to reality and allows wrong behavior go unchallenged to the detriment of all those involved.
[end]
Have a tough-love day. Love you.
II Samuel 14:1, 33
"So Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the kings' heart was concerned about Absalom.... So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom."
David had 19 sons born to his wives, plus other sons born to his concubines (I Chronicles 3:3-9). Amnon, the first-born, was murdered by Absalom, the third-born. Between them was the second-born Chileab (or Daniel). But it seems that of all his sons, Absalom was his favorite. So I question: Why did David love Absalom so much? Absalom (like Amnon) was undisciplined, unruly, and conniving. Absalom murdered his half-brother and set fire to Joab's field in a pique simply because Joab did not do what he wanted (vs. 30). David allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but did not allow him to come to the palace to see David. Finally, after two years and through Joab's intervention, David allowed Absalom to meet with him. This proved to be a mistake, because Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (15:6), and caused insurrection as "the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number" (15:12). But even then, David did not take control. Instead of putting down the rebellious son, he fled from Jerusalem, allowing a coup by Absalom. David's love for his son may have been understandable and commendable, but David was blinded by his affection for his son, and the entire nation suffered. It may not be easy, but true love is tough love.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Love is sometimes blind to reality and allows wrong behavior go unchallenged to the detriment of all those involved.
[end]
Have a tough-love day. Love you.
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