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2 Samuel 18:32-33, The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”

The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.”

 The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Even though Absalom had overthrown the throne and he sought to kill David, David still asked his commanders to spare his life.  Maybe you’ve noticed over these last few chapters - David was a better king than he was a father.  Yet, in the end, David loved his son.  When David hears that Absalom has been killed, he is heartbroken.  He grieves and cries out, “If only I had died instead of you.”

By this point, David’s had a lot of time to reflect on his parenting mistakes.  He’s had a number of children die.  His family is a total mess.  I’m guessing he is dealing with guilt, regret, and lots of grief.  But he finally steps up as a dad.  He would have gladly given his life to save Absalom.

If you are a parent, then you can probably relate.  No matter what our children do, we love them and we would gladly give our lives to save theirs. 

I’m guessing that’s how God felt as well.  That’s why he sent Jesus. 

Let’s pray…Thank you, God, for sending Jesus so that we could walk hand in hand with you.  Your love is amazing.  Help us show even but a small amount of that kind of self-sacrificing love toward our own children but also all of your children.  On our own, we can’t do this.  We need you, we need you, we need you.  In Your Name, Amen.