A “through the bible” devotion from 2 Samuel 15.
The light turned green, but I waited for a moment. In that moment, a car sped through the intersection. If I hadn’t hesitated, I might have died in the collision.
I’m very glad I waited.
If Absalom had just waited, he would have ascended to the throne when his father David died. But he can’t wait. He just can’t wait to be king.
So Absalom starts acting like he’s running for office.
- He rides around in a chariot with fifty attendants, as if he were the king (2 Samuel 15:1). Optics are important, right?
- He’s got time for people who can’t get an audience with the king. He makes campaign promises like, “If I were appointed judge in the land…everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” (15:4)
- He treats everyone like a friend. “Whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him” (15:5).
Absalom did this for four years and “stole the hearts of the people of Israel” (15:6). His popularity soars and the people are willing to declare him to be king. David wisely flees before any violence breaks out.
There will be plenty of violence. But when the dust settles, Absalom dies. David retains the throne.
If only Absalom had waited.
Waite for it... 