Listen to this devotion
Betrayal
In the Word
So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6b).
Of the Word
The Bible story of King David and his son, Absalom, is a story of family betrayal. Absalom was plotting to overthrow his father and seize his kingship. His conspiracy left a trail of deceit, betrayal, lies, and even plans to murder his father. In the end, it was Absalom who would die, and only his father’s pain remained. “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you …” (2 Samuel 18:33b).
Betrayal in a family exchanges doing for one another with “How could you do this to me?” Trust is destroyed when trust should abound. Forgiveness is withheld when grace is required. Betrayal is devastating but can be overcome when God’s love abounds and hearts are softened.
David never stopped loving his son, as Scripture teaches us all, … keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8b). Forgiveness and reconciliation are found in Christ.
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, help me in this time of betrayal. Help me to forgive. Help me to reach out. Help me to love. I need Your grace to permeate my life and for healing to begin. In Your holy name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 17/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
