If you have brothers and/or sisters, or children of your own, you know that even with the same mom and dad, each are different.  I have four children and each one of them are very different.  They look different, they act different, they have different interests, and each have chosen very different careers.  Also, as we grow older and our children grow into adults, our parents and as parents of our own children, there comes a time when an individual makes his or her own decisions – some good, some not so good.  At the end of the day, each of us are responsible for what we say and do.

In 2 Samuel 15:1-18, King David had several sons.  Each one of them are very different.  However, in those days, it was not out of the ordinary for a man to have more than one wife; therefore, his sons most likely had different mothers.  Regardless, the same holds true then as it does today…At the end of the day, once an adult, he or she is responsible for their actions -And, so it was with David’s son, Absalom.  Absalom had a mind of his own.  He was angry with his brother Amnon, who had raped his sister, Tamar.  If you were to read on after Amnon raped Tamar, you would find that Absalom killed him.  It seems from that point forward, Absalom, King David’s son, was on a mission.  His mission is to take over Jerusalem and his father’s power as King of Jerusalem.  King David gets word of what Absalom is up to and is forced to flee (v.14).

I can only imagine King David’s disappointment in his son…that his son went against him and possibly be open to having him killed.  But, what about us?  We are God’s children.  He created each one of us.  God’s hope for us is that we would turn to Him in our times of joy, need, and pain.  Absalom turned away from his own father – He rebelled!  I honestly feel like our country has rebelled against God – His very own children killing and hurting each other!  Can you imagine God’s disappointment?

Let us pray, Jesus – Help us!  Help our country!  Help each one of us to turn to you for direction.  Send your Holy Spirit upon us and lead us into your will!  Not our own will.  Clean our hearts.  Fill us with love – not hate!  In your name we pray, Amen.