“And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come. 30 So he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom’s house, and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 32 And Absalom answered Joab, “Look, I sent to you, saying, ‘Come here, so that I may send you to the king, to say, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” ’ Now therefore, let me see the king’s face; but if there is iniquity in me, let him execute me.” 33 So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom.” 2 Samuel 14:28-33
Father God and Lord Almighty,
It is almost unbelievable that man thinks he can manipulate You and history, but many try with disastrous and deadly consequences. Both big and small.
Absolom manipulated Joab into helping him ( Joab was family, King David’s nephew, son of his sister, Zeruiah) (1 Chronicles 2:13–17). But perhaps he did not see what was in Absalom’s heart or plans for the future to undermine his father and take over.
Two sons, one seeking to take over, one seeking to serve and be at one with. David and Absalom, You Father God and Jesus. You show us how to be in relationship, intimate and in complete accord, peace and oneness. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And yet You allow us to be a part of Your family with all our resentments, weakness and sin. Joab eventually killed Absalom in battle (2 Samuel 18:14) even though David had said not to.
The death of Your Son was not because of His behaviour it was because of ours. He was not caught by his hair in a tree he was nailed to one. But it was not the end. Thank You God that our future is a choice, not to die, but find our family and our future in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 12th April 2026
It’s so good I almost can’t believe it
Far beyond what hearts could ever dream
The God who set the galaxies in motion
Would descend to give His life for me
For what could make perfection bleed for sinners
What leads a King to pay so great a cost
All my life, my heart will sing the answer
Only the love of God
Singing oh, how great is the love of God
He paid our debt on that rugged cross
For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise
How great is the love of God
It’s so kind, it leads us to repentance
And it’s so bright, the darkness has to flee
Hallelujah, it cleared my guilty sentence
For I was bound but now I stand redeemed
For what could break the chains of any prison?
What force could rob the power from the grave?
What would trade my rags for heaven’s riches?
Only the love of God
Singing oh, how great is the love of God
He paid our debt on that rugged cross
For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise
How great is the love of God
Though I try, my mind can’t comprehend it
It’s so high, too marvelous for words
I could sing a million songs about it
And barely scratch the surface of Your worth
This all my life, the banner I’ll be waving
My anthem cry no matter what may come
And when I rise to walk the streets of heaven
I’ll still be singing this song
For everything that You’ve done
How great the love of God (hey)
Singing Oh, how great is the love of God
He paid our debt on that rugged cross
For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise
How great is the love of God
Singing Oh, how great is the love of God
He paid our debt on that rugged cross
For all our days, we will sing our Savior’s praise
How great is the love of God
How great is the love of God
Thank you Jesus
Songwriters: Phil Wickham, Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Michael Brandon Lake