If Only

The man from Ethiopia arrived and said, “I have good news for my lord the king. Today the LORD has rescued you from all those who rebelled against you.” “What about young Absalom?” the king demanded. “Is he all right?” And the Ethiopian replied, “May all of your enemies, my lord the king, both now and in the future, share the fate of that young man!” The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.” 2 Samuel 18:31-33

EVERY FATHER AND MOTHER who has ever watched helplessly while a child destroyed his or her life knows the heartrending grief of David’s lament, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you!” Even though Absalom had been deceitful and betrayed his father’s trust, David wanted him back. Even though he should have been relieved that Absalom was no longer a threat to his safety, David was inconsolable.

A similar grief filled the heart of the prophet Jeremiah as he walked through Jerusalem after the Babylonian destruction. He cried out in anguish over Judah’s rebellious children: “For all these things I weep; tears flow down my cheeks. No one is here to comfort me; any who might encourage me are far away. My children have no future, for the enemy has conquered us” (Lamentations 1:16).

Jesus himself has been heartbroken over rebellious children. He lamented the ongoing rebellion of those who refused the reconciliation he offered when he said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me” (Luke 13:34).

Lord, it helps me to know that you understand the heartbreak of a resistant, disobedient child. Only your mercy can save sons and daughters from a rebel’s death. Only you can take upon yourself the death that ________ and I both deserve. So gather us under your wings and give to us the eternal life that you deserve as the obedient Son.