Read the Bible in One Year: OT – 2 Samuel 14-15 NT – Luke 17:1-19
2 Samuel 14:14 – Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.
God reconciled humanity to Himself through Jesus Christ.
David was obviously troubled by his estranged relationship with his son, Absalom. The relationship between them was in deadlock, with neither side willing to do anything to break it. Joab, David’s chief commander, perceived this and decided to do something about it. Thank God for people who are agents of peace and reconciliation.
To soften David’s heart toward Absalom, Joab brings this widow from Tekoa with a similar story of estrangement from her son. Appealing to the king himself, the woman tells the king of how one of her sons killed his brother, and now the family wants him to be executed, which would leave her with no remaining family. David promises to protect her and her son, and that no harm will come to the son who committed the act of killing.
Quickly applying her story to David’s own story, the woman of Tekoa, confronts him about not initiating reconciliation with Absalom. She pleads with him not to harbor resentment against his banished son, urging him to bring the exiled one back. She reminds him that God does not take away a life forever, instead, finds ways to reconcile and restore the banished.
Reconciliation is the central theme of the Gospel, revolving around God’s plan for reconciling sinful humanity to Himself through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Romans 5:10 reminds us that while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through Christ. Reconciliation is a powerful expression of God’s grace and mercy, and it has the potential to transform broken relationships and bring healing to wounded hearts.
As recipients of His grace and reconciliation, we’re called to be agents of reconciliation, mending broken bonds, and reflecting God’s love. Through forgiveness and compassion, to bring hope and healing, pointing others to the ultimate source of restoration—Jesus Christ.
In a world longing for reconciliation, may we become messengers of peace and hope, embodying God’s heart for restoration and reflecting His divine symphony of love.
Ponder
Have you ever experienced a strained relationship in your life, similar to David’s with Absalom? How did you handle it, and what might you learn from David’s story about the importance of reconciliation?
Reflect on a time when someone showed you forgiveness and reconciliation. How did it impact you, and how can you extend that same grace to others?
In what ways can you be an agent of reconciliation in your community or family? Are there any broken relationships that you feel called to mend, and how can you initiate the process?
Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.
Jesus reached out to everyone, breaking down social barriers. Let’s follow His example and extend compassion to those in need. How can you show compassion today?
In our spiritual journey, let’s be wary of prioritizing man-made traditions over God’s word. Jesus teaches us that authenticity and heart condition matter more than mere appearances.
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