Thursday, September 25, 2008

MOAN FOR ABSALOM, CRY FOR ABSALOM

2 Samuel 19 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)


2 Samuel 19

1 Joab was told, "The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom." 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, "The king is grieving for his son." 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, "O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!"

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 6 You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now."

8 So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, "The king is sitting in the gateway," they all came before him.


Absalom? Lord what does this have to do with me? Why are you speaking this to my mind and heart? Lord what have you delivered me from that I am mourning? What am I grieving over that I should be rejoicing over? Lord I do not want to grieve the death of my flesh but rather I want to rejoice in the resurrected life you have given me.
When Moses led the people out of Egypt...there were some who wanted to return to slavery...
David mourned a son who wanted to kill him... his men won the victory against his enemy but there was no rejoicing because David their king moaned the loss of his son.(a son who wanted David dead)..
I believe the Lord is speaking to me through David and Absalom...I hear Him say stop mourning the death of self and rejoice in the new life-the resurrected life I have given you...you are making those who have battled for you, those who stood in the gap...lose heart...at a time when they should be rejoicing at your deliverance that they have labored with you...they are saddened by your grief...you're holding on to the old life instead of embracing the new...
Have you or anyone you know ever held on to something that was harmful to them/you...something the Lord has set you free from...addictions, wrong relationships, false doctrine, wrong emotions and thoughts etc.? Have you ever gone to battle with/for someone and see them delivered and they miss the old life? Have you (or someone you know) ever grieved the loss of the very thing/person who was set on destroying you (or them)?
I confess that I don't understand this as well as I should...but I will begin with asking for the Lord's forgiveness and repent of grieving over the death of self...and say thank you all who have prayed for and with me....I will praise God for the victory....

4 comments:

Nicole said...

Such honesty is beautiful! I pray that you do continue to rejoice in your resurrected life! Satan likes to deceive us and make us think, just like he did Eve, that God is keeping something from us etc. He is not!!! Love you Debrah!

Nicole

Nicole said...

By the way, love the song "Father's Eyes." I used to sing that in church when I was a wee little girl.:) Probably about13-15 years ago. Brings back memories...

Lynn said...

Thank you for such thought provoking words. I am praying to appreciate my life at THIS moment.
Stay strong. Stay focused. You are a blessing in my life. Lynn

From the Heart said...

A good post.
AliceE.