A father's mistakes are often reflected in the lives of his children.In Absalom, David saw a bitter replay and amplification of many of his own past sins. God had predicted that David's family would suffer because of his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. David's heart was broken as he realized that God's predictions were coming true. God forgave David, but He didn't cancel the consequences of his sin. David was horrified as he saw his son Absalom's strengths run wild without the controls God had built into his own life.
By most casual evaluations, Absalom would have made an excellent king, and the people loved him. But he lacked the inner character and control needed in a good leader. His appearance, skill and position did not make up for his lack of personal integrity.
David's sin took him away from God, but repentance brought him back. In contrast, Absalom sinned and kept on sinning. Although he relied heavily on the advice of others, he was not wise enough to evaluate the counsel he received.
Can you identify with Absalom? Do you find yourself on a fast track towards self-destruction? Absalom was not able to say, "I was wrong, I need forgiveness." God offers forgiveness, but we do not experience that forgiveness until we genuinely admit our sins and confess them to God. Absalom rejected his father's love and ultimately God's love.
How often do you miss entering back into God's love through the door of forgiveness? Do you know God? Do you know Jesus?
Are you certain that you are going to heaven? If the answer is no or your not really sure and there is something stirring inside you at this very moment to do this, then all you have to do is say a small prayer and you can be assured of your name being added to the Book of Life. Go to the prayer of salvation and pray the words out loud and believe in your heart and you will be saved.
Absalom's story is told in 2 Samuel 3:3; 13 - 19.
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