Sons and Kings

I have been reading the story of David and his son Absalom and it reminds me so much of God and us. Absalom murdered his brother (maybe for good cause, but nonetheless murdered him). He leaves his father’s authority and establishes his own life in a distant land. David eventually brings him back, but Absalom’s heart is still far from his father. Absalom makes it his goal to win over people and their approval, so much so that he crowns himself King. Absalom becomes an enemy of his father; his men and David’s men eventually meet in battle. Despite Absalom’s murder, his wandering, his abandonment of family, his usurping of authority, his crave for power and approval, David still commands his soldiers to spare Absalom’s life. Why? Because Absalom is His son. No matter what he has done, it cannot change the fact that he is his son. Absalom ends up being killed and David grieves and mourns for him. Why? Because he loved his son. No matter what he has done, he still loves his son. Maybe you have acted wickedly. Maybe you have strayed from God. Maybe you feel like you are wandering in a desert, not knowing how to get back to God. Maybe you have returned to God, but still feel distant. Maybe you are still fighting to be king of your life. Know this: God is still your Father and he still loves you and if you are His son or daughter, nothing will ever change that. God’s arms are always open.