Absalom had been banished. No one was happy with the situation, but David left his son in exile over what was a serious family squabble. It was time for him to come back to Jerusalem and one of David’s trusted lieutenants recognized that. He sent a woman to convince David of that by telling him a story of similar woe. As she reveals her purpose, she makes a very important statement. “We all have to die—we’re like water spilled out on the ground that can’t be gathered up again. But God doesn’t take life away; instead, he makes plans so those banished from him don’t stay that way.” (2 Samuel 14:14) This might be the most misunderstood truth about God. God continually seeks ways to restore our fellowship with Him. He doesn’t cast us aside when we do wrong, never to see us again. God’s goal is so that those of us who are banished from God, living in self-imposed exile really, don’t hae to stay that way and we can have a restored relationship with Him. That was the purpose of Jesus coming to earth, paying the penalty for our sin, and then rising again to show His power over life and death. Yes, I have sinned, but God took care of the situation so that I could be with Him again.
Lord, rebellion against You is serious and I find some way to rebel each day. You don’t banish me or give up on me. You continually make plans to draw me back to You. Forgive me when I fail You and restore the joy of my salvation.
Daily Devotion by Bob James https://dailyenduringtruth.com/https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Enduring-Truth-January-February/dp/1983973955
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