“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.”
2 SAMUEL 17-18
JOURNAL
David’s love for his son Absalom is one of the most heart-wrenching demonstrations of parental devotion recorded in Scripture. Despite Absalom’s rebellion—his betrayal, his plots, and even his intent to kill his own father—David’s love remains steadfast. After Absalom’s death, David mourns with profound grief, crying out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you” (2 Samuel 18:33, NIV). This is not the reaction of a king toward a traitor; it is the brokenhearted cry of a father who loved unconditionally.
David’s mourning offers us a glimpse into the much greater love of Jesus Christ. While David could only wish he had given his life for Absalom, Jesus actually did give His life for us. As Paul writes, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). The self-sacrificial love David displays points forward to the perfect fulfillment of love at the cross.
Similarly, Jesus prepares His disciples for the suffering they will endure, yet He does not leave them hopeless. In Luke 21:19, He tells them, “Stand firm, and you will win life.” It is a simple yet profound encouragement: perseverance rooted in faith will lead to ultimate victory. So much of life is captured in that call—to keep showing up, standing firm in who we are in Christ, and remaining unwavering in what we believe (1 Corinthians 15:58).
These two images—David’s love for Absalom and Christ’s assurance to His disciples—embody the central hope of the gospel. No matter our failures, our successes, or our circumstances, God’s love for us remains unchanged. His love is not conditioned by performance, achievement, suffering, or triumph. As Paul reminds us, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39, NIV).
Embracing this truth frees us to live each day with courage and confidence. Knowing that in Christ we ultimately cannot lose reframes how we approach even the smallest moments. Every action, every word, every task becomes an opportunity to bring the love and power of God into the world (Colossians 3:23–24). Success is not measured by worldly standards, but by our faithfulness in making each moment a masterpiece for God’s glory. In doing so, we experience His joy, reflect His presence, and participate in His eternal story.
David’s love for his son Absalom is one of the most heart-wrenching demonstrations of parental devotion recorded in Scripture. Despite Absalom’s rebellion—his betrayal, his plots, and even his intent to kill his own father—David’s love remains steadfast. After Absalom’s death, David mourns with profound grief, crying out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you” (2 Samuel 18:33, NIV). This is not the reaction of a king toward a traitor; it is the brokenhearted cry of a father who loved unconditionally.
David’s mourning offers us a glimpse into the much greater love of Jesus Christ. While David could only wish he had given his life for Absalom, Jesus actually did give His life for us. As Paul writes, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). The self-sacrificial love David displays points forward to the perfect fulfillment of love at the cross.
Similarly, Jesus prepares His disciples for the suffering they will endure, yet He does not leave them hopeless. In Luke 21:19, He tells them, “Stand firm, and you will win life.” It is a simple yet profound encouragement: perseverance rooted in faith will lead to ultimate victory. So much of life is captured in that call—to keep showing up, standing firm in who we are in Christ, and remaining unwavering in what we believe (1 Corinthians 15:58).
These two images—David’s love for Absalom and Christ’s assurance to His disciples—embody the central hope of the gospel. No matter our failures, our successes, or our circumstances, God’s love for us remains unchanged. His love is not conditioned by performance, achievement, suffering, or triumph. As Paul reminds us, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39, NIV).
Embracing this truth frees us to live each day with courage and confidence. Knowing that in Christ we ultimately cannot lose reframes how we approach even the smallest moments. Every action, every word, every task becomes an opportunity to bring the love and power of God into the world (Colossians 3:23–24). Success is not measured by worldly standards, but by our faithfulness in making each moment a masterpiece for God’s glory. In doing so, we experience His joy, reflect His presence, and participate in His eternal story.
JOHN 10:10
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