June 1- The Loss Of A Child

June 1, 2011

Scripture Readings:
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31;
Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15

For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and loses his own soul? ~Mark 8:36

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10

Today, David gains back his kingdom, but loses his son.  As his men go out to bravely fight and restore  the throne of Israel to him, David sits at the gate and asks the soldiers not to kill his son, Absalom.  Many men die that day in battle.  Absalom's head gets caught in the branches of a tree while he is escaping on his donkey, and Joab, the commander of David's army stabs him with three swords.  Absalom's armor bearers actually kills Absalom, ending the rebellion.

When told the news, David mourns deeply.  It is a mixed blessing to have won back his kingdom at the expense of the boy who had been so troubled.  David took the death of his infant child with Bathsheba in a better way than he took the death of Absalom.  His deep mourning was probably tied to regrets about his parenting, his inability to forgive Absalom for the death of Amnon, and most importantly, he probably feared for Absalom's salvation.  With his infant child's death, David expresses confidence in seeing the child again in eternity.  None of that confidence is evidenced at the death of Absalom.  David is a great man of God, but he is fully acquainted with sorrow.

Do you realize that you can live a godly life, but it may be filled with tragedy and sorrow? The two are not mutually exclusive.


John 20:1-31

Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus' tomb early on Sunday morning only to find that the stone has been rolled away and his body is gone.  After the disciples have come and seen the situation, they go home. Mary is standing there crying.  As she stoops in to look at the empty tomb one more time, two angels are at the foot and head of the stone slab where Jesus had been lying. They ask why she is crying and she states that someone has taken her Lord.  As she turns around, she sees a man who she thinks is a gardener. As she begins to speak, the man says her name. It is then that she realizes that it is Jesus and lunges at him in joy. 

Jesus tells her not to cling to him because he has not ascended to the Father in heaven, yet.  Jesus then appears to the disciples who are locked away in a room.  They are overcome with joy at seeing the risen Lord.  He says "Peace be with you," and reminds them that he is sending them out to spread the good news. Thomas was not there to see all of this, so Jesus returns eight days later and reveals himself to Thomas.  Jesus tells Thomas that those who have not seen his resurrected body in person and yet still believe in him are blessed. 

That is the position that you and I are in, my friends.  We believe because of his Word and the Holy Spirit who prompts us in Truth.  Here, we see that the Lord is the first fruit of the harvest of those who will be resurrected to live forever with God.  Amen and amen!

Are you going to be part of the good Harvest of God?

Psalm 119:153-176

Think of David and his sorrows as you read this portion of the psalm today.  God wants us to cry out to him in our sin and sorrow.  He is there for us.

Proverbs 16:14-15

You want to keep a king happy.  He is very powerful.  Does your life make King Jesus happy?

What did you notice today?  Please share.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011