The Godfather Saga Continues

552 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 14:29-33, 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 Sam 14:29-33) Don't miss the “therefore” at the beginning of this passage. Remember, every time you see the word “therefore” in Scripture, you need to back up and see what the “therefore” is “there for.” In this case it appears that Absalom was getting itchy about the prospect of taking over the throne. We were told that 'In all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom.” He knew the people were on his side and after two years, he felt it was time to make his move. He sends a message to Joab hoping to set up a meeting with his dad in order to get clear the air once and for all over this matter of the killing of Amnon for what he did to Absalom's sister Tamar. Joab ignores the first message, and the second, so Absalom sends a mafioso type message, he torches Joab's barley field. Joab agrees to set up the meeting, and this just tells us how much Absalom's popularity caused even the mighty warrior Joab to do his bidding. The meeting is set up and David kisses his son. The symbolic kiss indicates all is well as far as David is concerned. But Absalom wants a lot more. I tell you, this whole scenario has been reading like the “Godfather.” Revenge, violence, and a power struggle are marking the internal struggles of this family rather than grace mercy, and forgiveness. Col 3:12 says, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; It seems Absalom was lacking in all 5. How's it going in your family, church and otherwise? Father help us to be merciful, kind, humble, meek, and patient in all our dealings in the family.