Day 4

LOVE WITHOUT LIMIT

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

At least the king had the foresight to place a spy in the traitor's camp (2 Sam. 15:32-37). Hushai returned to the city and charmed his way into Absalom's confidence (2 Sam. 16:16-19). He was there at the appropriate time for God's prediction (2 Sam. 12:11) was about to come true through the ungodly and scheming counsel of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 16:20-23) Ahithophel also advised Absalom to press his advantage and send in pursuit of David immediately before he had time to organise his troops (2 Sam. 17:1-4).

Hushai rose to the occasion and by cleverly feeding Absalom's vanity (2 Sam. 17:7-13) brought about the answer to David's plea to God (2 Sam. 15:31; 17:14). Faithfully he reported to Zadok and Abiathar and they sent word back to David. The messengers came close to capture. Only the quick thinking of a woman who hid them prevented their discovery (2 Sam. 17:15-22). Hushai had gained David valuable time and Ahithophel realising the import of the rejection of his counsel committed suicide (2 Sam. 17:23).

David knew he had to defeat Absalom now but even as Joab led his army to the battle the king commanded, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom." 2 Sam. 18:5 But Joab was an experienced warrior and knew that if Absalom lived Israel would not find peace. When Absalom was helpless, Joab did what no one else dared and killed him (2 Sam. 18:9-17). David's heart was broken, "Absalom! Would God I had died for thee." 2 Sam. 18:33

If a human king loved his traitor son so much, how much does our Heavenly Father love us? Romans 5:1-8, John 15:13. Christ did not cry 'would that I had died for you' he did die for us!