Youth Challenges- 98 (3.9.2014) Absalom-A Bold & Beautiful life Wasted! *********************************************** Now no one in Israel was as handsome as Absalom. From head to foot he was the perfect specimen of a man. ( 2 Samuel 14:25) Without true forgiveness, bitterness will inevitably tear our relationships apart. No relationship or family will hold together for long if the people involved are unable to grant forgiveness characterized by both word and deed. Incomplete forgiveness can sometimes secure a semblance of peace within a family, but when that forgiveness is not evidenced by the way we live, true reconciliation will never result. Absalom was very handsome and had long hairs. He was the third son of King David, suffered much and also caused much suffering because true forgiveness was not a part of his life. Early in his life, Absalom discovered that his sister,Tamar, had been raped by his half brother Amnon. Absalom harbored hatred toward Amnon for a period of two years until he was able to kill him. Soon thereafter, Absalom fled to the protection of his grandfather Talmai, king of Geshur, in order to avoid the wrath of his father, David. After three years of separation, David relented and permitted Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but it wasnt until two years later that David finally spoke with Absalom. Apparently little was said between them, and David continued to ignore his son. Although there was much weeping at the reunion of David and Absalom, the scars of isolation ran deep. Absalom was never able to regain the love he once had for his father, nor the relationship he longed for. In fact, Absalom spent the rest of his life scheming against his father; his life ended while he led a rebellion against King David. Absalom is an example of the wasted years and broken hearts that can result when we fail to speak the truth, accept responsibility for our sins, express our emotions honestly, hold each other accountable, and truly forgive each other. Weaknesses and Mistakes: It seems that Absalom never once turned to God for guidance. Absalom took the law into his own hands. Absalom harbored hatred against those who crossed him, refusing to release the grudges he held and refusing to forgive. Lessons from his life: Incomplete forgiveness destroys relationships. Words of forgiveness must be proven by action. Delaying forgiveness may render reconciliation almost impossible. The sins of parents are often repeated by their children.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:14:38 +0000
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