2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 + John 20:1-31 + Psalm 119:153-176 + Proverbs 16:14-15
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Old Testament - Wow. Intense readings today. As could be expected from Absalom's pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him. One commentary had the interesting point that Absalom's "pretty head & long hair" (as you'll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree. This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it's own undoing. This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead...

Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego - like the Egyptian Pharaoh's of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: "During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day." Below is an image of Absalom's Monument (Pillar) -

While on one hand I do appreciate David's grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab's boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: "We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been." That is quite a speech by Joab to David! And I believe he was right. David's love for his son was admirable in one sense - but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense. David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this. It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives. Love for one person is a beautiful thing. But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too - and love them. And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good - a greater love - than the singular love we have been focusing on. This is not easy to discern of course... hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn't sound too harsh? Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "The Darkest Days of David's Life" is at this link.
New Testament - Today we read about Jesus' glorious resurrection! Verse 18 is awesome - "Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, "I have seen the Lord!""
Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion gives a great list today of the order of Jesus' 11 appearances after his resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene and the other women
2. the disciples on the road to Emmaus
3. Peter
4. the ten disciples in the upper room
5. the eleven in the upper room with Thomas present (Below is an oil painting by Carravaggio from the year 1601 titled "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas")
6. the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius
7. the eleven on a mountain in Galilee
8. five hundred of the brethren
9. James
10. all of the apostles
11. those present when he ascended into heaven

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Burial and Resurrection" is at this link and "On Seeing and Believing" is at this link.
Psalms - We finish Psalm 119 today... :( I am sad. I loved reading through this Psalm again! For some reason it meant so much to me these past few days. I pray this Psalm has been good for you as well this go round. I think the last 3 verses of this Psalm are worth us camping out on here for a moment. In verses 174, 175 & 176 the author of Psalm 119 closes out the Psalm with what I think is a prayer and a confession all in one - "O LORD, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands." Wow... not a bad prayer and confession, eh? Is God's Word your delight? Do you wish to live so you can praise God? Does His Word sustain you?
Proverbs - Proverbs 16:15 today is nice: "When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain." What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain? When a baby smiles at you? When you smile at someone else? When someone else smiles at you when you're having a rough day? Let us be like gentle rain for each other!
Worship Video: Today's readings in John about Thomas' doubts reminded me of the FFH song "Come Undone." Here's a great live version of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLLNcWO6fo
Have you come undone? Click here and become undone!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Holy Spirit. Pray that you will allow Jesus to send you. Pray that you know Jesus' peace that surpasses all understanding.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What is your reaction to David's grief over his son Absalom today? Why do you think he grieved so much? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our One Year Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our One Year Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this One Year Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10
I am an observer of human behavior and I am always looking at patterns that cross cultural, ethnicities and “tribes.” One hundred percent, of the time, we grieve differently but the emotions, feelings and intent that fuels the grief is the same. Usually or grief is not about the physical death of the person, but of missed opportunities. When someone dies because of their own bad choices usually the deceased loved ones: mother, father, possibly siblings, aunts, and uncles, usually grieve inconsolably over missed opportunities to provide direction and correction and guidance. David grief was rooted in regret and guilt. Think about it. Our decisions, my decisions
I’m going to look at Joab and David from a different perspective than Mike.. As per scripture, our righteousness is not based on our behavior it is based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And our acceptance of that righteousness, Jesus Christ, is based on the condition of our heart, whether we accept what Jesus has done for us or not. For the Old Testament saints and ain’ts, it would be their acceptance of the One Who is To Come in the fullness of time. According to God, David had a “right” heart; however, Joab did not which we shall see in the readings to come. As per the commentary on the BibleOnRadio.Com for today’s reading, David was operating out of Love with no Justice toward Absalom, and Joab operated out of Justice with no Love. In my opinion, both were out of Balance.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before Your face. (Psalms 89:14 AMP
Grace and Peace,
Ramona
Posted by: Ramona | May 31, 2022 at 08:37 PM
True I like that and your wisdom Ramona:
June 1,22 2 Sam 18:1-19:10
Wanted love without justice
Cross brought love and justice satisfied
Saul/Absolom monuments -Do we really remember them?
Before u run. Be sure right person to deliver the msg.
I agree w/ Joab- Yes - Absolom was David's son. But David forgot why he was fighting so hard. He was King, was he not? The Kingdom and the people were in jeopardy. You can't hate one's that love u and love the ones who hate. (And I will add a step in my notes..unless u have a Jesus conscience heart) only God can change a heart..only the Lord can love this evil corrupt world and His spirit change the minds and hearts of people) anyway ..it reminds me of a conversation of a former employer..there seems to be an imbalance of good and evil where good is perceived as evil and evil is perceived as good.
Peter and John on the run.
They needed a meeting w/ the Living Christ. Mary changed from a mourner to
A missionary. Faith- Lord deals w/ our doubts and unbelief.
June 1st.22
John 20:1-31
Both times, Jesus came-stated "Peace, be with you.
What does that mean to the believer?
What did it mean to the disciples?
They were scared-locked behind a closed door--meeting in secret. The Lord said, have peace and He sent a "comforter" to them-the Holy Spirit. I winder what it was like to be w/o the Spirit living freely in them? Hmm.
Psalms 119(completed today) wow!!
Vs: 153-176
When the enemy accuses you-let the Word of God affirm u. Have joy in your heart-love Lord more than $$. Put Him 1st.
Proverbs 16:14-15
To me this reflects what Joab was hoping for David--he (Joab) didn't want sorrow and remorse-vs 14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise try to appease it(Joab in this instance was acting or consoling as the wise) vs15 When the King smiles (or in this instance-greets others at the hill) there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
Posted by: Deedee | June 01, 2022 at 08:00 AM