Day5
Week20
2 Samuel
“The king said, “Let him turn to his own house. He shall not come into my presence.” So Absalom turned to his house and did not come into the king’s presence.”
2 Samuel 14:24 MEV
Cross references
2 Samuel 12:10;
Hebrews 4:15;
Exodus 34:7;
Jesus In All Of 2Samuel by Spoken Gospel
Turned Away
Nathan’s prophecy has come true; the sword is not far from David’s house (2 Samuel 12:10). And the violence David began will only deepen throughout the rest of Samuel.
Amnon’s lust, Tamar’s rape, and Absalom’s murder go unchecked. David’s sins haunt and paralyze him. He has not only turned away from his son, but from his responsibility as king to deliver justice.
But Jesus is not like these sons of David. Despite being tempted, Jesus has never abused his people or abdicated his power (Hebrews 4:15). David’s reign was marked by passivity and injustice, but Jesus’ reign begins with a decisive judgment against lust, rape, and violence. Jesus willingly died the way Amnon and Absalom deserved.
God’s judgment of Jesus shows us that he is a decisive ruler. He will not tolerate the rape of his daughters. He will not allow his sons’ lust for power to go unpunished. Jesus’ death proves that God will by no means clear the guilty (Exodus 34:7). God’s death in Jesus proves there are no limits of judgment for those who reject Jesus as King by their abuse of power and rape.
If you have been abused, if you are the victim of other’s lust for power, if you feel desolate over the inaction of those you thought you could trust, if you’re oppressed by those in power—Jesus’ death is good news for you.
It is God’s decisive judgment against those who would harm his daughters and sons. If God’s Son did not escape God’s judgment, how little hope do your oppressors have? And if God’s Son has been raised from the dead, what power can your abusers wield over his coming justice? God’s decisive judgment against evil on the cross is good news for those who have watched abuse swept under the rug. Nothing is hidden from his eyes. His eyes are not turned away. God will bring decisive justice.
Action Step
God, thank You for Your Word, which reveals areas of my life that desperately need Your correction. Send people into my life who will walk with me and sharpen me, as iron sharpens iron. Guide my tongue, so I speak with loving truth and intention to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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