2 Samuel 18:33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
I read this passage in my devotions a few days ago, and been thinking of it a lot. David here is mourning the loss of his son Absalom, who had tried to take kingdom away from him, and had been killed in battle.
the interesting thing about this passage is David had many chances to be restored to Absalom when he was alive, but never did it. He wanted to be restored to his son after Absalom had murdered his brother Amnon (13:39) but refused to even him when Absalom returned to Jerusalem (14:24). It wasn’t till two years later that David was reconciled to his son (14:33).
As the day of battle approaches, it seems David feels sorry for this poor relationship with his estranged son. Before the battle he asks Joab the general to leave Absalom alive (18:25), and after he was killed, mourned as if the life of his son was more important than his army (19:6).
What is the Moral of the story?
Communicate with loved ones while you can
For a missionary this takes a bit more concentration and focus, but thankfully not much effort. The thing is, I haven’t seen my family face to face over two-years 1, but am able to keep a strong relationship using social media, and texting tools.
Honestly making communication a priority is tough for me because I am a task-based individual who focuses on accomplishing goals each day. Because my family and friends back home aren’t with me, texting or communication with them can be pushed to the background.
The truth of the matter is that sin, pure and simple.
God has given me not only relationships, but countless numbers of technological tools that allow for continual communication with family and friends. If I get so wrapped up in my own agenda or “to-do list” that loved ones are neglected, I’ll find myself like David missing them after they are gone.
The application for all of us is set aside time for communication
- Send a text message
- Have that FaceTime chat
- Write a letter (even if you have to email it)
- Call just to see how they are doing
- Make communication a part of your life
I am grateful for the strong relationship with family and friends as a result of technology. But at the same time am recommitting myself this year to communicating more, so that I won’t try to reconnect too late.
- Interestingly I am accustomed to being away from home, though there are days when homesickness still hits me ↩
Johnhwilburn.org 