Friday, June 21, 2024

I was recently going through old pictures of my family and chatting with my cousin about some of the discrepancies I found. It turns out that we have some real scandalous backstories in our family history! We both chuckled and said, “that explains a lot.” There have been secrets, lies, revenge, and bitterness. Some relationships never healed; others resulted in forgiveness and reconciliation. We’re not that different from King David’s family!

Absalom was the third son born to King David. He was rightfully angry at his brother Amnon for raping his half sister, Tamar. Absalom took his sister, Tamar in, but he also wanted to avenge her. Instead of taking the issue to King David and allowing him to confront Amnon, Absalom secretly allowed resentment and bitterness to take root in his soul.

Why? To save Tamar further embarrassment? Maybe his pride wanted revenge and to take justice into his own hands. God only knows! Whatever the reason, Absalom had planted a seed of destruction.

Galatians 6:7 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

In studying the Word of God, we can glean a lot of wisdom. King David was a king and a father. As a king, it was his responsibility to hold Amnon accountable for his sin against Tamar. But as a father, David was conflicted. He loved his son and chose not to address the sin. Because of his failure to resolve the issue, resentment and bitterness took hold in Absalom’s heart.

Eventually, Absalom deceived his brother and took his revenge. That act separated him from his father, who eventually forgave him, but Absalom never found the humility to accept his own guilt. His bitterness continued to grow, separating him from his heavenly father and leading him to attempt to overthrow the kingdom and kill David. Absalom’s rebellious actions resulted in his own death.

Our heavenly King, in his infinite wisdom, has a plan to address this issue. He allowed Jesus to take on our sin—yours and mine! He doesn’t want to be separated from his children. The forgiveness and love we have in Christ reconciles us to our Father in heaven.

This doesn’t mean we won’t suffer the consequences of our actions, like Absalom did. We reap what we sow. Consequences have been planted; however, forgiveness has been granted.

Questions:
What is your backstory? Do you have some unresolved sin that needs to be addressed? Can you humble yourself enough to take the first step toward reconciliation?

Next Steps:
Ask God to show you if you have unresolved bitterness and resentment in your heart. Allow him to show you the next steps to take. Share this with a close Christian friend, and ask for advice. Look to God’s Word for wisdom.

Prayer:
Father, you provide a way out when I'm tempted to take matters into my own hands. Thank you for your forgiveness when I do. Your word teaches me that revenge is not mine, but yours. Your word assures that all wrongs against me will be made right. I humbly place all of my concerns at your feet, knowing that your love and mercy will lift me up and carry me through any brokenness, resentment, or bitterness I feel deep within my soul. You are a good and gracious Father, and I love you! Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 37:3-4
³ Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. ⁴ Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.