SATURDAY 7 May, 2016

A Long Awaited Reunion

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 Samuel 14:33

When Joab told King David Absalom’s complaint, the king called for his son. In a show of false humility, Absalom bowed before his father. Outwardly he may have bowed but his pride had him standing up on the inside! As they reunited David unreservedly kissed his son. Imagine, five long years had passed; it was a long awaited reunion. They followed protocol, as if it was a mere formality, with no emotion.  

It was an entirely different scene when another family reunion happened in the Bible. Joseph, as a young man, was almost killed by his jealous brothers but instead they decided to sell him into slavery (Genesis 37). In time, the Pharaoh of Egypt had made Joseph very powerful.

In a long season of famine, his brothers came humbly to Egypt to buy food. Joseph was in charge and they bowed before him. Their hearts were tested as circumstances became difficult. They feared it was God’s retribution for their past sins. They were convicted over what they had done to Joseph and had become guilt ridden (Genesis 42:1-22).

Joseph made himself known to his brothers: And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it (Genesis 45:1-2). Instead of being revengeful, the Lord gave Joseph a heart of forgiveness for his brothers. As they reunited, Joseph calmed their fears; he was not angry. In wisdom, he understood that even though their intentions had been evil, God, in His sovereignty, had used it for good (Genesis 45:4-5).

If you are experiencing conflicts within your family, pray and trust the Lord. Allow Him to convict hearts and work out the providential details.

Other sins are against God's law, but pride is against God's sovereignty.
~Thomas Manton~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!