2 Samuel 19:1-23
The
victory over Absalom eventually turns into a day of mourning as David
laments the loss of his son. When Joab hears about his, he decides to
have a heart to heart with the king. He tells David, "Dude, why are
you ignoring what your servants have done, as if they've done nothing?
They've saved you, your sons and daughters, and your concubines, but
you've sucked the heart right out of them. If you don't go out and meet
them, they will desert you and that will be bigger problem than
anything."
David listens to Joab and goes out to the city gates to welcome the army. The people know that the king is receiving them back, and there's a sense of relief among them.
Meanwhile, the people back in Jerusalem are complaining to their leaders, asking them, "Where is our king? Why haven't ya'll brought him back now that Absalom is dead? Come on now!"
David receives word that the people of Jerusalem are ready for him to come back, and he packs his things and gathers all his servants. He arrives to the edge of the Jordan River, where the Israelites are waiting to escort him across. They do whatever they can to make him feel comfortable. All of David's old compadres greet him in the river, ecstatic that he's back. They're ready to do business again, and ready for David's integrity to resume the throne.
After fleeing Jerusalem on account of Absalom's power grab, David is finally back home with his people. He considers his people his own flesh and blood - his brothers and sisters.
The Jordan River is the intersection where the people of Israel and King David reunite. I can imagine what it would be like to be standing on one side of the river, looking across and seeing the one who's rescued Israel from its enemies - the one who is trying to restore Israel to the way it was intended. The only thing that separates the people from the king is water, and they jump in.
We all have Jordan Rivers in our lives - those intersections in our lives where we encounter the presence of a power bigger than we can grasp. These intersections may happen all the time, or they may be specific to certain places or hobbies or people. One of my intersections is a waterfall out at Big Bend National Park. There is an overwhelming sense of God-ness there, and it blows me away. It brings me to my knees literally and causes me to worship in a raw and authentic way.
A more common intersection for me is writing. Every time I write, I'm blown away by the intuition that I get through simple prayer and courage. Before I start, it's always a fight against the fear of failure and rejection, but by the end of it I'm inspired and ready to face the day.
We all have Jordan Rivers. What are they? Is it a favorite musician? Is it a song? Is it a favorite hobby?
We all have the opportunity to step up to the river, the intersection between us and God, and dive in with all our clothes on. There's no time to get a bathing suit or change clothes. When we come to the river, we will do anything we can to experience more of the King. We can't get enough of it, because we don't know when the next time will come.
Today's Action: What are our Jordan Rivers? Will we be bold enough to jump in today? What about every day? Are we ready and willing to encounter the indescribable, overwhelming presence of the King, waiting to meet us in the middle of the stream of life? If so, go to our Jordan today to dive in and get blown away.
David listens to Joab and goes out to the city gates to welcome the army. The people know that the king is receiving them back, and there's a sense of relief among them.
Meanwhile, the people back in Jerusalem are complaining to their leaders, asking them, "Where is our king? Why haven't ya'll brought him back now that Absalom is dead? Come on now!"
David receives word that the people of Jerusalem are ready for him to come back, and he packs his things and gathers all his servants. He arrives to the edge of the Jordan River, where the Israelites are waiting to escort him across. They do whatever they can to make him feel comfortable. All of David's old compadres greet him in the river, ecstatic that he's back. They're ready to do business again, and ready for David's integrity to resume the throne.
After fleeing Jerusalem on account of Absalom's power grab, David is finally back home with his people. He considers his people his own flesh and blood - his brothers and sisters.
The Jordan River is the intersection where the people of Israel and King David reunite. I can imagine what it would be like to be standing on one side of the river, looking across and seeing the one who's rescued Israel from its enemies - the one who is trying to restore Israel to the way it was intended. The only thing that separates the people from the king is water, and they jump in.
We all have Jordan Rivers in our lives - those intersections in our lives where we encounter the presence of a power bigger than we can grasp. These intersections may happen all the time, or they may be specific to certain places or hobbies or people. One of my intersections is a waterfall out at Big Bend National Park. There is an overwhelming sense of God-ness there, and it blows me away. It brings me to my knees literally and causes me to worship in a raw and authentic way.
A more common intersection for me is writing. Every time I write, I'm blown away by the intuition that I get through simple prayer and courage. Before I start, it's always a fight against the fear of failure and rejection, but by the end of it I'm inspired and ready to face the day.
We all have Jordan Rivers. What are they? Is it a favorite musician? Is it a song? Is it a favorite hobby?
We all have the opportunity to step up to the river, the intersection between us and God, and dive in with all our clothes on. There's no time to get a bathing suit or change clothes. When we come to the river, we will do anything we can to experience more of the King. We can't get enough of it, because we don't know when the next time will come.
Today's Action: What are our Jordan Rivers? Will we be bold enough to jump in today? What about every day? Are we ready and willing to encounter the indescribable, overwhelming presence of the King, waiting to meet us in the middle of the stream of life? If so, go to our Jordan today to dive in and get blown away.
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