SCRIPTURE:
25 In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.
2 Samuel 14:25
OBSERVATION:
It was said that Absalom had no blemish from the top of his head to the sole of his foot; however, his blemish wasn’t external but internal. He harbored unforgiveness and a desire for revenge in his heart. This righteous anger turned into an evil, patient rage that waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. He became the bane of his own existence because he took things into his own hands.
It’s when we think we are right that we are most dangerous. I wonder if his rage spread to the leadership that was in power because of the lack of action taken for his sister. We see that this marks the beginning of his rebellion against the King. R. Zaccharias said, "Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay." The blemish of anger, pride, and control began to grow.
APPLICATION:
Absalom’s seemingly only recourse was to turn to revenge. He made no room for God’s justice to be seen. Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” We are called to make room for God. However, I want to take up all the room.
When I take things into my hands, there is an invisible blemish that begins to grow. From this, Absalom began listening to the cheer of men rather than the approval of God. Since God's vengeance didn’t come in Absalom’s timing, he took it into his own hands, and the blemish grew into a cancer that took over the rest of his life. However, I am called to trust God and leave room for what God wants to do and trust his hand.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, would You guide me not to give into offense, pride, and control. I surrender to you and your timing and justice. Amen.
