Today’s Tasting: 2 Samuel 16–18: David was once again running for his life, this time from his son Absalom, but he had left behind people who were loyal to him, to send him word of Absalom’s plans. The two men, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, were staying at En Rogel just outside Jerusalem. They knew they would be in danger if anyone saw them entering the city. A female servant would go and tell them what had happened then they would go and tell King David. But a young man saw Jonathan and Ahimaaz and told Absalom about it. So the two men left right away. They went to the house of a man in Bahurim, who had a well in his courtyard. They climbed down into it and the man’s wife got a covering and spread it over the opening of the well. Then she scattered grain on the covering, so no one knew that the men were hiding in the well (chapter 17:17–19).
Absalom’s men came to the house and asked the woman, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” She answered, “They went across the brook.” When the men looked around, they didn’t find anyone. So they returned to Jerusalem.
After they had gone, Jonathan and Ahimaaz climbed out of the well and went to tell King David what they had found out. They said to him, “Go across the river right away. Ahithophel has told Absalom how to come after you and strike you down.” So David and all the people with him started out. They went across the Jordan River. By sunrise, everyone had crossed over (verses 20–22).
Absalom led the men of Israel into battle against David’s armies. In the end, Absalom was killed by the captain of David’s army, Joab. When word reached the king, he wept for his son.
Today’s Nourishment: In Today’s Tasting we learn that King David is still dealing with the fallout from the chain of events that started with the plot to rape Tamar. David’s son Absalom has staged a coup and David is strategizing and moving to avoid being killed. He has spies in place to bring word of Absalom’s movements. As the spies go to report, they are discovered but God covers them.
Yes, in the midst of circumstances that could have cost their lives the two men on assignment found protection, because Absalom’s success was not part of God’s plan (see chapter 17, verse 14). Psalm 91 reminds us to “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” or, in other words, to stay under the protection of our Father.
Today, I want to encourage you that no matter what circumstances you’re facing, whether sickness or death, rape, molestation, family members turning against you, friends telling lies about you, or disappointments in your church family, remember this:
“…neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37–39). God makes this promise in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Jonathan and Ahimaaz were protected because they had a role in fulfilling God’s plan. My challenge to you today is to identify your assignment. Prayerfully consider your assignment and calling. Then, take inventory of every person and every resource that God has put in place to help you succeed.
What is your God-given assignment or calling? We would love to hear from you. Please share with us in the comment section below.
Tomorrows Delight: 2 Samuel 19–21, Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61–62, 64, 139
Sonyita S. Connor-Clemons
Website: www.totallifeprosperityllc.com
Email: sonyita@totallifeprosperityllc.com
Twitter: @sonyitais & @mastermoneymgmt
Facebook: Total Life Prosperity, LLC
Sonyita, I believe that my calling is to “Replenish God’s Word to God’s People” for “Recovering Lives to Christ-full Living.” The Bible Feast Blog is one way of fulfilling this calling! Thanks to all the bloggers for your contribution in connecting Jesus, by His Word, to Believers in their present circumstances. He is a present God and wants to live in our present circumstances!
Thank you for these words. Sometimes waiting and trying to figure out what the next chapter in life is can be the hardest thing. It is important to remember that God is there always and He has everything under his control. We may not always understand why things have to happen but God will use us if we allow Him to. He wants to help, we must trust in Him.
Tammy, You’re so right,trusting Him in everything because He loves us and wants to help us. Thanks for your comment.
Sonyita, I believe mine is to pray for and love & encourage people. God has given me a compassionate heart for hurting people. My desire is to open people’s eyes and hearts to a loving and forgiving Father who longs to be Lord of their circumstance and to bring abundant life. Yes like Carolyn said He is a present God and wants to live in their present circumstances!