The Problem With “right Now” - Absalom - The One Year Men of the Bible

When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

2 Samuel 15:5-6

Children can be living pictures of impatience. They want what they want right now. Sometimes a simple promise of going to the movies, going out to eat at their favorite hamburger joint, or going on a family vacation brings out this insistence. They want to go, and they want to go now!

The Bible speaks often of God’s blessing on those who are willing to wait. We may want it right now, but that is frequently not in heaven’s game plan.

As King David’s eldest surviving son, Absalom was in a likely position to ascend the throne of Israel one day. He had to flee Jerusalem when he murdered his brother Amnon for assaulting his sister. A few years later, David forgave him and reinstated him.

Absalom could have received a huge blessing in this new place, but in his desire to have what he wanted right now, he lost everything.

Almost immediately after David welcomed Absalom back to the family, the handsome young man began plotting to kill his father so he could take the throne of Israel. He began his treason by first winning the people’s hearts and minds.

Though Absalom temporarily succeeded in taking David’s rightful place, in the end, David’s troops defeated him, and he died a painful, humiliating death.

Despite Absalom’s talents, good looks, leadership skills, and potential, his impatience scuttled his chance at greatness. He left behind no son and no legacy of godly leadership, just a stone memorial that he had built for himself (see 2 Samuel 18:18).

God gives you all the talents, abilities, and gifts you need to succeed in whatever he has called you to do. When you remain patient and allow him to exalt you in his way and time, you will receive the very best he has to offer.