Daily Devotional

[FaithfulWalker]

September 08, 2024 Sunday

Joshua 1:5-9 (KJV)
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Big shoes to fill

David Jacobs

My father was a devout man and an excellent father. He was patient, strong, caring, and intelligent. He was far more open and loving his family than most men are, giving my siblings and I an excellent example of a loving male role model. I am lucky, but because of how extraordinarily good my father was, I felt that I had giant shoes to fill when I had children of my own. In fact, I delayed having children due to my feelings of inadequacy, because I truly felt that I could never live up to the high level that my father had set. Regardless of whether or not I am as “good” a father as he was, my father did not raise his family well for competitive reasons. Once I learned that I had a blueprint on how to raise a family right, my insecurities faded away.

In Joshua’s case, Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the desert, and was revered by all of the people. With Moses’ passing, a massive void in the Israelite community was created. Someone needed to fill it, but who would want to follow the most important Israelite that had ever lived? The pressure and feelings of inadequacy would be almost impossible to overcome alone. Luckily for Joshua, God steps in, showing him the same level of intimacy, care, and guidance that He had shown Moses. God promises not to fail Joshua, the same as He did with Moses. All Joshua needs to do is be strong and courageous. The size of the shoes doesn’t even matter; what matters is that Moses had set an excellent example of how to lead. Similar to my father, they didn’t leave gigantic shoes to fill, they gave us a map that we could follow so that we could effectively lead.

Prayer
My Father in Heaven, you have always led me to where I needed to go. Like a stubborn horse, I have not always listened to you, but you have always been patient with me. Lord, I pray that I hear your instructions and shed my anxiety about leading. You have shown me the way, been a lamp at my feet. With this prayer I vow to be strong and courageous, like Joshua before me. In your name I pray, Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 09, 2024 Monday

Joshua 2:9-17 (KJV)
And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
And the men answered her, Our life for your’s, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.

The Lord is God in Heaven above and in Earth beneath

David Jacobs

I was nervously excited about my mission trip to Africa many years ago. I was unable to communicate with many of the people there, so I had to convey God’s message through my actions more than with my words. I believe that education is the most effective way to positively affect anyone, so I shared what knowledge I had in various subjects with the villagers where I was stationed, including in the Bible. Having never heard these subjects, I was surprised to see the voracity with which my students devoured my lessons. They seemed unable to get enough. They thirsted for education and thirsted for the Lord without even knowing that God existed. It helped me realize my calling and I pledged to educate myself, and others, for as long as I lived.

In these verses, Joshua has sent two spies to Jericho. Upon arrival, they stayed with a prostitute named Rahab. The king of Jericho hears that the spies are living with Rahab and asks her to send the spies to him. She says that she does not know where they are, hiding them, and helping them escape in a basket that she lowered from the city’s walls. She also makes the two spies promise an oath to her because she has heard the stories of the Israelites and of God.

Like the villagers in Africa, she knows about God before she has been taught anything, and makes the spies swear that they will show mercy on her and her family. We should also take an oath to be as enthusiastic and open as Rahab, willing to go against orders to do what you believe is right. Through education and a willingness to learn, we can spread the good news of the Lord.

Prayer
My Lord and Shepherd, deliver me from the temptations that I face everyday. Help me to educate myself in your Holy Word, so that I may share your teachings with those that thirst for it. My heart has melted for you, Abba Father, for I know that you are the one and only God. I pray that I have the strength and the courage to share this knowledge with all people. Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 10, 2024 Tuesday

Joshua 7:20-26 (KJV)
And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:
When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.
And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD.
And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.
And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Yet he who has not sinned cast the first stone

David Jacobs

As an American, I feel that the death penalty is a black mark on our society. State governments have the authority to kill people that have been found guilty of certain crimes. I do not believe that any human has the authority to kill another, especially considering the number of cases that have been overturned with DNA evidence in recent years. No matter the crime, I feel that the death penalty only breeds more death, evil, and violence and is not a successful deterrent for crime.

In Joshua’s time, this may not have been the case. As we have read in other parts of the Old Testament, God appreciated obedience and even wanted His followers at the time to fear Him. If God’s trust was taken advantage of, He could become vengeful, as is the case in these verses. God threatens to stop helping Joshua in the earlier part of chapter 7, unless Joshua finds and rightfully condemns the person or people that sinned. That person, Achan, plundered the bounties of a recent quest, hiding it in his camp. Joshua and the Israelites know that Achan must pay for doing this. God has commanded it and the others have not sinned in His eyes. Achan and his entire families were killed and his possession was deprived. Then God was no longer angry.

The major difference between these examples is that in today’s society, state governments and all people have sinned. Joshua and other Israelites had not sinned in the eyes of God. God has the authority to make the decision on whether or not a person should live or die; humans do not. Love each other, go from sin, and leave the big decision to God.

Do you think that the death penalty is ever justified? We can see that God authorized the killing of Achan. Now consider the story of Jesus Christ: why were his persecutors not similarly judged?

[FaithfulWalker]

September 11, 2024 Wednesday

Ruth 1:8-16 (KJV)
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.
The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.
And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.
And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Honor your mother and father…and mother-in-law

David Jacobs

My uncle was diagnosed with a very aggressive and deadly form of spinal cancer years ago. When he was first told about it, we were all hopeful that he could beat it. As time progressed, we soon realized that the disease was stronger than we feared. He attempted to protect his family from seeing him waste away in a way that I think anyone can understand: he tried to push them away, telling them he didn’t want to see them anymore. Of course, we never left his side, and the last months of his life were some of the most valuable memories that I have of him, even in his weakened condition.

Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, has dealt with one tragedy after another. Her sons and husband have all died, leaving her a widow, with only two daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth. The two girls come back to see how Naomi is doing, and Naomi, like my uncle, tries to push them away. Ruth will not listen to Naomi. She will not even let go. She knows that Naomi needs her now more than ever, and that they both need God more than before.

Prayer
Abba Father, I shall listen to your commandments. Remind me to honor my mother and father, and if I marry, my spouse’s mother and father as well. Help me, O Lord, to heal those who are grieving, knowing when to be close to them and to give them space, Be ever-present in my life and theirs, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 12, 2024 Thursday

Ruth 2:15-23 (KJV)
And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.
And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.
So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

Work to enjoy the Lord’s harvest

David Jacobs

A few years ago, I was traveling in Singapore with my wife for our anniversary. Our plane landed, and we got on the subway to take us to our hotel. It was about an hour journey to the hotel, but when we got there I noticed something unfortunate: I didn’t have my wallet and passport. Without any credit cards, money, or identification, I started to panic and get upset. My better half reassured me saying that everything would work out. In my emotional state I wondered how she could stay so calm.

We talked with the hotel manager and he understood the situation, so he let us check-in and put our bags in the room. So far, so good. Then, we went back to the subway station that we got off at, and I asked the subway station employees if they had found a wallet and passport. She got on the phone and…presto! They had found it at the airport, with all the cards and money inside. Within an hour, I had everything back and felt a huge sense of relief. My wife just smiled and said, “I told you so.”

It can be hard to have my wife’s attitude when the going gets tough. In Ruth and Naomi’s case, times were especially difficult: without husbands at a time of famine, how could they stay calm? However, Ruth had faith in God that it would work out. Sure enough, she meets Boaz, a distant relative, who helps her and allows her to work to gather food in this difficult time. Naomi is thrilled to see how much Ruth had gathered, probably feeling relief as I did when my things were returned.

Ruth and Naomi never lost their faith. They stayed calm, trusting that God would provide. At the end of these verses, I can almost hear God saying what my wife did: “I told you so.”

[FaithfulWalker]

September 13, 2024 Friday

Ruth 4:13-17 (KJV)
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.
And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Love at first and last sight

David Jacobs

Have you ever met someone and you could immediately tell that there was a special connection between the two of you? There have been some people in my life that continuously produce good results for me. No matter what happens in my life, being around these people seems to always make things better. They are the people that I hold the dearest: my parents, siblings, wife, children, teachers, and friends. “Love at first sight” is a phrase you may have heard before and feeling you may have experienced before. Although I think the feeling is often confused with lust, these special connections are some of the most intense that I have felt, and are impossible to ignore.

Although the book of Ruth is quite short, it is easy to get a strong sense of connection between the main characters, namely Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. When Boaz first meets Ruth, he can feel an immediate connection, aiding her in her time of need by letting her gather food on his land. (Ruth 2) Naomi, a widow without any living sons, has only Ruth to rely on, and they too seem to have an almost unexplainable connection. In these verses, Ruth bears a son, and you can feel the joy that Ruth, Boaz, and especially Naomi feel in this moment. Their faith in God and love of each other was rewarded: their ancestors would be kings of Israel and eventually, the Son of God.

Have you ever felt love at first sight? What was different from that person or persons? Has the relationship lasted to this day? Have faith in your friends and try to emphasize the positive in one another like Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz did in this short book.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 14, 2024 Saturday

1 Samuel 1:15-20 (KJV)
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

Pour out your soul before the Lord

David Jacobs

One of my best friends’ growing up had a series of tragedies occur to him: his father died in a plane crash, one year later his mother died of cancer, and a few months after that his mother-in-law committed suicide, unable to bear with the grief. My friend was plunged into the harsh waters of reality, and he coped with it by drinking and doing drugs. After a few years, he realized that his actions were only making him feel worse, and started going to church again. Within a few months, he turned back into one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. He told me that for years he felt that he was drowning, but he soon realized that it was his own actions that held him underwater. Once he went to God, he felt that he could swim again.

Hannah is unable to bear children, which is a hardship made her sad and perhaps feel inadequate. The inability to have children at that time also made your life far more difficult, because you did not have anyone to take care of you or your property as you grew older. Her sorrow was holding her back just like the example of my friend. She refused to eat, which probably made her less healthy and less able to get pregnant, and in turn, more sad.

After talking with Eli, some of the sadness is lifted. She leaves Eli feeling more positive, eating, and shedding her sad disposition. Not long after, she finally gets pregnant, with a son named Samuel.

Life can sometimes make you feel hopeless: death, disease, misfortune. No matter what happens in your life, there is hope. God is there, and if you do as Hannah did, pouring out your soul for the Lord, God will hear your prayers. He heard Hannah’s; He heard my friend’s.

Prayer
Patient Shepherd, loving Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer. Lord, I know that I have strayed from you when times have been difficult for me. I pray today hoping that you will remind me, O Lord, that it is in these times that I most need your loving embrace. Remind me also to hug those around me that are at their low points. I will go from this place to love you, love people, serve you, and serve people. Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 15, 2024 Sunday

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (KJV)
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Speak, O Lord, your servants hear you!

David Jacobs

If I told you that I can hear voices in my head, what would you think? You might think that I had a mental problem, as would be perfectly in your right. So what can we make of people claiming to hear the voice of God? How can they hear it and it is considered normal but if we heard it, we might be considered insane?

When praying, I sometimes feel that I am talking or feeling God. I can feel that something is guiding me, and the deeper and more regularly I pray, the stronger this feeling becomes. Eli and Samuel were devout men, faithful and studious to the word of God. Prayer was a large part of their lives. Eli had grown accustomed to feeling and hearing God’s guidance, but the younger Samuel had not. For the more stubborn of us, it might take years of practice praying before we grow to feel any connection with God, but it will come.

We need to practice hearing God’s voice before we can hear it. We need to test what it means to hear God’s voice with other Christians, as Samuel did with Eli. God does talk to us if we try to talk and listen to Him. It might not happen overnight, it might not be what you expect, but God will listen and talk if we do with Him.

Do you feel that you have ever talked with God? What did He say? More importantly, what did you say and what prompted this exchange?

[FaithfulWalker]

September 16, 2024 Monday

1 Samuel 15:20-29 (KJV)
And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.
And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Obey God’s Command

David Jacobs

One of my best friends asked me to do a favor for him for his girlfriend’s birthday. I needed to help him make the cake and bring it to the party. I tried to ask him some questions about what type of cake to get, but he never got back to me, so I asked his girlfriend directly what type of cake she would like. When my friend heard about this, he was very mad at me, because now she knew that he did not get the cake himself. I was trying to make the situation better, but by disobeying my friend and taking liberty with my interpretation of his request, I made the situation worse.

Saul is described earlier in 1 Samuel as a very good and devout man (1 Samuel 3). Samuel also has a great impression of Saul, and is happy that Saul will inherit the throne. God gives Saul a command via Samuel to utterly destroy the Amalekites. Saul does destroy the weak members of the Amalekites, but he spares some others and takes the livestock back, partially to make a sacrifice and partially to use. He made his own judgment thinking that it was the best decision to be made, but in doing so, like I did with the cake, he directly disobeyed orders. Similar to my situation, the person giving the order was furious.

The relationship between my friend and I as well as between Saul, Samuel, and God, was changed as a result of our decisions. My friend felt that he could no longer trust me, and God felt the same way about Saul. It hurt Samuel that Saul made this foolish decision, and he was punished, losing his claim to the throne.

Although our intentions may have been good, losing the trust of someone that we care about is worse much more than a tasty cake or some livestock. I regretted my decision, and we have only begun to understand how much Saul will grow to regret his.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 17, 2024 Tuesday

1 Samuel 16:14-23 (KJV)
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
And Jesse took an ■■■ laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.
And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Renaissance man

David Jacobs

Music touches me in a way that nothing else does. It has positively impacted my life in many ways, and one story in particular reminds me of these verses.

When I was in my 20s, a good friend of mine slipped and fell off a balcony and died. He was one of the best people I have ever known: kind, intelligent, and funny. Everyone that knew him was devastated. I heard the news as I was heading to the airport to go to Buenos Aires for vacation. I was crushed and didn’t want to go, but my entire family was going so we headed to the airport. The vacation was difficult for a couple days; all of us were saddened by this news and weren’t in the holiday spirit. One evening, we went to an opera house to hear a piano concert. The pianist was from Buenos Aires, and it was his first concert in his hometown in more than a decade. He played his heart out, giving everything he had for his country mates. My family, each of us, were all incredibly moved by this performance, and after leaving the concert hall, our spirits felt lifted.

Saul had sinned, disobeying God’s command and losing his claim to the throne. (1 Samuel 15) He was understandably upset, blaming God, blaming Samuel, and blaming himself. Little does he know that the person that lifts his spirit through music, David, will be the next king. In these verses, David, who the Lord has recently blessed, lifts the dark spirit from Saul by playing the harp for him. I know the feeling that Saul must have felt, being blessed by the power of music.

Is there a piece of music, artist, or performance that is especially significant for you? What was going on in your life when it became so important?

[FaithfulWalker]

September 18, 2024 Wednesday

1 Samuel 18:1-9 (KJV) And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house.
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.
And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

When jealousy rears its ugly head

David Jacobs

I have been a musician for most of my life, playing the piano and violin and even composing some of my own music. I always enjoyed playing in front of people and sharing what I had learned. Playing with other people can get competitive, and I remember playing for an orchestra in my youth. I was the concertmaster, meaning I was one of if not the best violinist in the orchestra, when a young girl, maybe 11 years old, joined the orchestra. “She can’t possibly play with us,” I thought, but then I heard her play. She was incredible, probably better than me, and instead of being happy to have such a young and talented musician in the orchestra, I became jealous and insecure. Eventually I grew to really love that young girl, because she was sweet, innocent, and talented, but I vividly remember the embarrassment I felt when I first heard her playing better than me.

Saul and David’s story occurs in the reverse order of my orchestra story. Saul’s eldest son, Jonathan, becomes close friends with David. Saul initially loves David like a son, and every task that Saul gives to David he achieves with amazing results. He felt like I should have felt when the young girl joined my orchestra: lucky to have such a valuable member on our side.

Things change when Saul hears women singing the praises of David, saying that Saul has killed thousands and David his tens of thousands. This flips Saul’s opinion. He thought they were allies, but hearing others compare him with David leads him to make the same comparison. He feels insecure and cautious, wary of every move that David makes thereafter.

God has blessed us all with so much, including Saul and David. Don’t make the mistakes that Saul and I made: view other people positively. Everyone can leave a positive impression on you, especially if you try to make a positive impression on them. God would want it no other way.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 19, 2024 Wednesday

1 Samuel 17:32-37 (KJV)
And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Lions, bears, and Goliath are no match

David Jacobs

No story in the Bible is more important to me than the story of David and Goliath. As a child, I would go to church with my parents and be forced to sit and listen to adults read the scriptures and give sermons that I could hardly focus on. I would take the Bible from the pew and read my favorite Old Testament passages: Moses calling down plagues on Egypt, Jonah and the whale, and most of all the story of a young King David. I would put myself in his shoes (or sandals) and think that I, too, could do anything if I believed it. If he, a young boy with the same name as me, can kill lions, bears, and Goliath, surely, I can do great things.

More important than the result of this battle to me is that David volunteered. He had no doubt what the outcome would be. His faith was so strong that he seemed to view the battle that nobody else wanted to fight was almost a foregone conclusion. It was not always easy for me to empathize with other characters in the Bible, but David was so human to me in many ways, but his confidence and faith in God never seemed to waver. His faith leads him to glory in his lifetime and his family to more glory than he could ever imagine. If he can do it, so can we!

Prayer
Almighty Father, your Heavenly Kingdom awaits all that have faith in you. Strengthen my faith, O Lord, for I, like David, hope to be a shining example to all that know me, an example of how strong faith is rewarded during this life and the next. You are my alpha and omega, you have delivered me from my trials, and you will deliver me through the next. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 20, 2024 Friday

1 Samuel 30:16-24 (KJV)
And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.
And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.
And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.
And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.
And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David’s spoil.
And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.
Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.
For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.

To the victor shares the spoils

David Jacobs

I used to follow sports fairly closely and always wondered what it would be like to win a championship on the highest stage. It would be such an honor to have all of your hard work rewarded. Some people would say that not every athlete deserves to say that they are champions, even if they are on a championship team. For example: if a player is injured for the majority of the games and the team goes on to win the championship, is he or she a champion? That player certainly would have wanted to play, but was unable due to injury. Some would perhaps put an asterisk next to their name, claiming that they are not a “true” champion.

King David approaches the town of Ziklag and quickly realizes the bad news: the town has been destroyed, ransacked, and people have been taken prisoners, including two of his wives (1 Samuel 30:1-3). The men weep until they can weep no more, but David remains confident. Similar to the story of Goliath, David remains steadfastly faithful, trusting God even when things look so bleak. 200 of his 600 men are unable to search for the Amalekites due to exhaustion, but David ventures out to search for the Amalekites, as well as return their belongings and especially, his wives.

They find and defeat the Amalekites, are reunited with their people and take back their belongings. The 400 men with David do not want to share the spoils of war with the 200 that were too tired to continue, but David chooses to be generous, because he knows that it was not he or them that provided, it was God. It is a great attitude to have in life and makes being generous so much easier: do not think that things are yours to be shared. God shares it with you. Remember the statute that David creates after this situation and share your spoils with your fellow man.

When was the last time you gave back to society? When was the last time you were truly generous? If you are unable to quickly think of a time, make an effort when you can. Your actions will be repaid.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 21, 2024 Saturday

1 Samuel 31:1-10 (KJV)
Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul’s sons.
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa.
And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.
And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.

Be humble in victory

David Jacobs

World War I ended in 1918, and it took six months of negotiations for the warring countries to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty forced Germany to take responsibility for the war in some ways, such as admitting “war guilt,” paying substantial reparations and ceding large amounts of territories. It may have seemed like a great victory for the victorious powers, but the harsh terms of the treaty against Germany left them seething and feeling alienated from the rest of Europe. As we all may know, a few decades later, this burning resentment led to a second World War, and millions of lives lost.

Saul had lost his claim to the kingdom of Israel (1 Samuel 15) and grown jealous of David’s success (1 Samuel 18). Saul and David had grown apart, and the kingdom of Israel had been split as Samuel predicted. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul uses a medium to speak to the deceased Samuel, who reiterates that Saul disobeyed God and will lose the kingdom, adding that his sons will soon join Samuel in the afterlife. Sure enough, the Philistines find him and his sons, killing his sons and forcing Saul to take his own life.

The Philistines desecrate Saul’s body, cutting off his head, removing his armor, and fastened his body to a wall for people to see it. I think you can see the similarity between this grisly scene and the Treaty of Versailles: honoring a defeated opponent can help to bring peace, where mocking them will often lead to revenge. Be humble, even in victory.

Prayer
Precious Lord, your light shines in the darkness. Help me shine brightly, so that I, too, may help drive out darkness. Together, believers of Christ can drive out the darkness, violence, and arrogance that plague this life, and the darkness will not overcome it. I am humbled by your mercy, O God, and will follow the path laid before me to Heaven. Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 22, 2024 Sunday

2 Samuel 1:8-16 (KJV)
And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.
And David said unto the young man that told him, Whence art thou? And he answered, I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite.
And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed?
And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.
And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD’S anointed.

How the mighty have fallen… and sinned

David Jacobs

All living things must deal with death. Is killing another human ever justified? There are currently wars ongoing in several countries, many of them fight under the guise of religion. As violence and death spread, the grief of those that have survived leads to more violence and death. The vicious cycle is difficult to break and has been viewed countless times in history.

In these verses, we have two examples of a human killing another human. The first is from the messenger, who claims that he happened upon Saul who was about to die. He asks Saul what he should do, and Saul begs that he kill him to put him out of his misery. He does this, and when he relays this message to David and the Israelites, they are stricken with grief. The Amalekite did as Saul requested and ended Saul’s pain. His action is with good intentions, but costs him his life.

David, filling with grief and emotion, asks the Amalekite why he would dare to kill the Lord’s anointed, although Saul has disobeyed God and lost God’s blessing (1 Samuel 15). Although David is one of the most beloved characters in the Bible, it is his emotional and human nature that makes him easy to empathize with. In his emotional state, David orders the Amalekite to be executed for killing Saul.

Although these verses are not of much significant later, they struck a nerve with me. The Amalekite did what the Lord’s anointed, Saul, commanded of him by killing him. In my opinion, David sins, certainly not the first or last time that he will do so, murdering the Amalekite. His actions, which are certainly deplorable, are justified by his grief. His emotional state leads him to sin, forgetting the faithful service that has led him to the throne.

Do you think either of these killings is justified? Which one do you think is more justified than the other? If you were the Amalekite, what would you have done? If you were David, how would you have acted?

[FaithfulWalker]

September 23,2024 Monday

2 Samuel 5:17-25 (KJV)
But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.
The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

When the going gets tough… pray?

David Jacobs

David is a dynamic figure in the Bible, performing incredibly good deeds as well as heinous sins. He is anointed by God, the King of Israel, the slayer of Goliath (1 Samuel 17), but also murders an Amalekite for putting a dying Saul out of his misery (2 Samuel 1), and forces Uriah the Hittite, the husband of a woman that David committed adultery with, to the front lines because David wants Uriah’s wife to be his own (2 Samuel 11). Why does God care so deeply about David when he is so emotional and sinful? The answer lies in these verses.

David is consistently faithful and obedient to God. With the Philistines closing in on him, David turns to God in prayer as he often does. God cares so deeply about David because David cares so deeply about God! It is as simple as that. Does David sin? Absolutely. Does he stray from God at times? Certainly. Does he always come back to God and trust the Lord with all of his heart and soul? He does. God rewards his loyalty and obedience once again, smiting the Philistines and avenging the death of his former friend Saul. He stays calm, keeps his faith, and is strengthened by God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, purveyor of truth, I humbly come to you seeking to be more faithful to you, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. May the blessings of my mind and meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Lord, I am yours. Like David before me, I will come to you in times of trouble. You know that I have sinned and will sin again, but I vow to come back to you, this day and everyday. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 24, 2024 Tuesday

2 Samuel 9:6-11 (KJV)
Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.
Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

All are equal in the eyes of God

David Jacobs

Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s[a] table like one of the king’s sons.

A good friend of mine has Tourette syndrome, a psychological disorder that causes him to have some motor and verbal tics. I often introduced or talked about him as my friend with Tourette’s. Although he had gotten used to it, he pulled me aside one day and asked if having Tourette’s was the only attribute of his character that I considered. “Why not introduce me as your generous friend or helpful friend?” I remember his asking. I couldn’t help but wonder why I judged my friend on this sole attribute.

Jonathan, the oldest son of Saul, was one of David’s closest friends when he was alive. David wants to honor his friendship with Jonathan by honoring any surviving relative of his. Luckily, he is introduced to Mephibosheth, one of Jonathan’s sons. Before David meets him, he is told that Mephibosheth is lame in both feet, unable to walk. You can imagine how difficult survival would be for a person with a physical disability during that time. Similar to how I introduced my friend, David is immediately told of Mephibosheth’s disability. Mephibosheth is surprised that he is summoned at all, maybe even afraid. David comforts him, explaining that he wants to honor the friendship that he has with Jonathan. Mephibosheth has such low self-worth that he wonders what David, the king of Israel, could want with a “dead dog” like him. David treats him as he would treat any surviving family member of Jonathan, allowing Mephibosheth to sit at the king’s table and eat for all of this life.

Nothing strikes me more in these verses than Mephibosheth’s opinion of himself: he views himself as a dead dog. People have thought of only one thing about him for his entire life: he is unable to walk. It made me think about how I have treated other people that have disabilities. God does not view them for only their disabilities, just like he does not view me only on my best or worst day. Follow God’s lead, as David did and treat all people, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities, as equals.

Try to notice what is similar about other people and who they really are rather than what makes them different.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 25, 2024 Wednesday

2 Samuel 11:2-5, 15-17 (KJV)
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.
And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.
And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.
And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.
And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

Two wrongs don’t make a right

David Jacobs

It is quite common for men and women in positions of power to commit adultery. The sanctity of marriage does not seem as important today as it once did, and many people view divorce as almost an inevitability. The collapse of the family structure and lack of good relationship examples can help explain the modern issues with marriage and divorce. How can we make sense of David’s actions in these verses?

The Ten Commandments specifically prohibit coveting, committing adultery, and committing murder (Exodus 20). The King of Israel manages to commit all of these sins in these verses. Seeing the beautiful Bathsheba, King David abuses his power and sleeps with her. She gets pregnant, and David tries to get her husband, Uriah, to sleep with her so that he will not think about the pregnancy, but Uriah does not do it. In an attempt to correct two sins with an even bigger sin, David orders Uriah, a loyal and competent soldier, to be placed in the area where fighting will be heaviest in the next battle. Uriah dies and David takes Bathsheba, now widowed, to be his wife.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right.” David has more than two wrongs, but the more wrongs you add, the less right the result. In an attempt to correct his mistakes, David sins, making his wife less happy, himself less happy, and giving Uriah no option at all. We can learn from David’s mistakes, realizing that all of the sins are prohibited in the Ten Commandments for a reason: committing these sins will hurt us and hurt others.

Prayer
Abba Father, grant me the wisdom to discern what is good and what is not. Lead me away from temptation, for I know that like Adam and Eve, doing what you have prohibited will hurt me and hurt you. I pray that you grant a sense of peace to relationships that may need mending, hoping that more love can be shared instead of sin. Amen.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 26, 2024 Thursday

2 Samuel 13:1-5, 11-16 (KJV)
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.
And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.

No means no!

David Jacobs

The world is starting to shed a bit more light on the dark plague that is sexual abuse and rape. Abusive behavior of men that has been tolerated for most of human existence is finally beginning to be considered inappropriate and immoral. Unfortunately it is a problem that has existed for as long as there has been recorded history, and it seems it is only now getting the attention it deserves. Women are often blamed for being the victims of rape. “She shouldn’t have been there”, “she should have known better”, “she knew what kind of man he is”, “she should not be wearing that”, and “boys will be boys”, are all excuses that I have heard in response to the sexual abuse scandals in Hollywood. The problem will persist until we change the attitudes of people thinking these things.

These verses tell a disgusting story, once again involving a son of David. Another of David’s sons, Absalom, will soon conspire to overthrow and kill his father, but in these verses, Absalom’s sister Tamar is raped by her half-brother, Amnon. There is more than one guilty party here, for Amnon’s friend, Jonadab, initially hatches the plan. Amnon forces his half-sister, a virgin, to sleep with him, and is then disgusted by her, ignoring her pleas not to send him away, knowing the shame that it will bring the two of them. This is only the beginning of this story, because later in this chapter, Absalom plots his revenge and eventually kills his brother, Amnon.

I once again think about David’s role in this story: considering the story of Bathsheba, he did not set the best male role model for his sons. This story sounds like it could be in a tabloid newspaper in modern times, so the problems have remained the same for literally thousands of years. The way that the wrongdoers behave in these verses, namely, the men, is not so different from the shaming culture that persists today.

We can make a difference. We can learn from the sinful ways of those before us and create a new and safer society. It starts with us acknowledging that the way things were and the way things currently are is wrong. Remember the Ten Commandments; remember the teachings of Christ; remember the horror stories in these verses and in modern society. Then, and only then, will people like Amnon listen to Tamar when she implores him not to do this wicked thing. No means no.

[FaithfulWalker]

September 27, 2024 Friday

2 Samuel 15:7-14 (KJV)
And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.
And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

Like father, like son

David Jacobs

When my older brother had children, I was amazed at how quickly they learned and copied the things that adults did. My nephews would mimic one another and their parents, often not understanding whether or not their actions were right or wrong. I specifically remember one instance when my older nephew lied to his parents. Any adult would be able to decipher that he was lying because it was probably one of the first lies that he ever attempted, and we told him not to lie. His younger brother, mere minutes later, copied what his brother had done, lying about something trivial, copying the example that had been set.

Absalom had many of the great qualities that his father did; he was charismatic and the most praised man in Israel regarding his looks (2 Samuel 14:25). He was also cunning and had an eye for the throne. Although it must have broken King David’s heart to have his own son conspire against him, I think he must have really gazed in the mirror and thought about his own actions. Who would have had a greater impact on his son’s behavior? David was not shy of conspiring against others himself, scheming to kill the honorably Uriah the Hittite after committing adultery with his wife, Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Like father, like son, and now King David must learn to live with his regrets as a father. Unfortunately, both David and Absalom made choices that displeased God, instead of obeying the word of their true Father.

What is the impact that your parents made on you? Do you see similar character traits in your parents and yourself? If you have children, what kind of impact have you made on them? It is never too late to change. As with my nephews, habits can be learned quickly, so do your best to make positive habits for yourself.