Who's the Prisoner?

551 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 14:25-28, “Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he cut the hair of his head-at the end of every year he cut it because it was heavy on him-when he cut it, he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels according to the king's standard. 27 To Absalom were born three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a woman of beautiful appearance. 28 And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king's face. (2 Sam 14:25-28) Absalom, though forbidden to have an audience with the king (his father) apparently had the run of the town. Obviously he was a hunk. He was the Jewish Adonis! Eyes turned when he walked by. His head of hair was legendary, an afro that just wouldn't quit! Apparently this was a large part of his attractiveness. Such hair is praised in the Song of Solomon: Song 5:11 His head is like the finest gold; His locks are wavy, And black as a raven.” His family is even mentioned, which means that he was very much a part of the Jerusalem scene. He had three sons and a beautiful daughter.... a model citizen, with a beautiful family, and he was heir to the throne. Meanwhile, David, his father is in the presidential palace, avoiding all contact with his son, still harboring unforgiveness. Better send out for the pizza David, you wouldn't want to accidentally run into your son. Kind of makes you wonder....who's the prisoner? Who's enjoying life here and who isn't? And that's the way it is with unforgiveness. It doesn't have to be. God is in the forgiving business and HE wants you and I to be in it as well. Col 3:13 reminds us, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Having trouble forgiving someone. Remember that it is God's will to forgive, and since it is His will, you can confidently ask Him to help you over the unforgivenss hurdle. He is able to release you from your self-imposed prison.