Bible Study & Devotional Day 152
Read Today’s Passages (June 1, 2022)
Guiding Scripture: : 2 Samuel 18:29, ‘The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.”
🔴The Truth In Layers?
Written by: Torrie Slaughter
2 Samuel 18 tells the story of Absalom’s death. In many ways, we are reading the consequences of things left undone. (Joshua 11:15)
It is challenging not to compare ourselves in these narratives as it feels so modern. We may ask: what has changed? Well, the truth is God created humans in His image. He gave us a choice in the garden of Eden, to trust entirely in Him or seize autonomy. The battle with the truth began, as did blame, excuses, and death. Some theologians have argued that perhaps men would have been better off alone and often attempt to silence women. Is that an excuse?
Each of us can influence change in our ecosystem. We choose the layers to fortify and equip the people God has entrusted to us. In reading 2 Samuel 13, David continues to live under the rebuke of the prophet Nathan (to offer more grace to others); he did not punish his son Amnon.
Fast-forward to 2 Samuel 18, and we wonder if earlier discipline would have rendered a different result.
The ecosystem of King David’s kingdom is strained because of his emotional state and consequences of sinful behaviors. Although the Lord will work everything together for the good of those who love Him, King David is in a downward spiral.
Take 2 Samuel 18:11-15, for example. Joab, the commander, and nephew of King David, willfully disobeyed a direct order. He even chastised his soldier.
And then we read in 2 Samuel 18:19-23 that Ahimaaz begs to deliver the news of Absolam’s death and Joab’s reluctance.
Perhaps Ahimaaz thought he was softening the blow of truth that he knew the Egyptian(Cushite) would bring. No matter the reasoning, we still practice these same actions. Death and destruction have a way of complicating the most straightforward of circumstances. However, our God teaches that being spiritually sound and of a good mind helps us understand the truth (Proverbs 3:5). It is also beneficial to others in our midst.
As you read today’s passages, think about your layers.
Are your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors able to tell you the truth without fear? Are you able to handle the truth with wisdom and take action as the Lord directs?
Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team. She is the Blueprint Specialist uncovering root problems to construct solutions. Want to hear more? Tune in and listen to A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional a podcast by Our Given Purpose and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
This devotional is submitted by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10, John 20:1-31, Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 16:14-15
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
