QT 3/21/2023 2 Sam 13:23-29, We have a better hope

2 Samuel 13:23–29 (ESV) —

23 After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. 28 Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

 

NOTE: Why does evil happen? Because evil men do evil things. Amnon committed an evil act. Absalom commits an evil act. And there is no justice, David does nothing. Why does God allow evil? That was our choice when we rejected him as God in the garden and chose the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, so that we could be like God. We wanted to be our own gods and run our own lives. And God gave us what we asked for. He warned us that life would be frustrating, painful, and relationally difficult.

 

God can and does intervene against evil. That protection was removed from David's life when he chose to commit adultery and murder. This is what life looks like when God is "despised" (David's words to describe his actions).

 

In the OT, there was clear linkage between cause and effect in the law. This is not so in the new covenant. Our rewards are not promised here on earth. There will be pain, evil, and injustice. But we have the hope that the world needs. It does not matter who is the President. It does not matter how many lies are spread. It does not matter that our government is corrupt. Because only a relationship with Jesus can cure the disease of our heart, and give us the joy we desperately seek.

 

PONDER:

1. Where am I placing my hope? Is it my 401? Is it a new election? Is it on earth?
2. Or do I focus on the hope (and assurance) I have in Jesus, and my future home, and the eternal life I now own?

 

PRAYER: Father, I already have hope in my heart because of what Jesus did on the cross for my sin, and in his rising from the dead. His fulfillment of prophecies and his miracles only cement the fact that he is the son of God, and everything he said is the word of God. I have a wonderful future that does not depend on government or freedom or money or corruption. That is where I place my hope.