Day 150

2 Samuel 15:23–16:23; John 18:25–19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11

IN 2 SAMUEL TODAY, we continued the story of Absalom overthrowing his father, David. Absalom took control of the military as David fled amid cunning trickery and savage insults. Absalom arrived in Jerusalem to assume power and begin establishing himself, but David planted certain loyal people who were to advise Absalom and pass intelligence back to the king.

Ahithophel, who was not loyal to David, advised Absalom to have sex with the ten concubines David left behind to care for the palace. The rationale was that if Absalom did this, all the people would know that he had insulted his father beyond hope of reconciliation, and the coup would be complete —the people would give Absalom their full support. And so, a tent was erected on the palace roof, and Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice.

In John’s Gospel, we read of Peter’s denials and Jesus’ trial, sentencing, and crucifixion. As we’ve mentioned before, this is the last time we will read about the brutality that Jesus endured for us. God Himself came to Earth as a human being and allowed those He loved to execute Him. Take time to reread John’s account of the events surrounding Jesus’ final hours. Give yourself space to slowly ponder the upheaval happening among Jesus’ followers. Consider the hatred and rage it took to kill the author of life. And consider how the power of God was counterintuitively raging back through the sacrifice of the Savior. Many stories in the Bible bring us counsel and guidance, but this story tells of our salvation —of how light overcomes darkness and death is swallowed up in victory.

MEDITATION:

Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.