ESOCS Devotional 12 April 2025 – You Shall Not Lose Out
MEMORY VERSE: “Everyone in Israel started arguing. They were saying to each other, King David rescued us from the Philistines and from our other enemies. But then we chose Absalom to be our new leader, and David had to leave the country to get away. Absalom died in battle, so why hasn’t something been done to bring David back.” 2 Samuel 19:9 GNV
TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 19:1-10
And Joab was told, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” 3 And the people stole back into the city that day, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”
5 Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines, 6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well. 7 Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night. And that will be worse for you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, “There is the king, sitting in the gate.” So all the people came before the king.
For everyone of Israel had fled to his tent.
9 Now all the people were in a dispute throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king saved us from the hand of our enemies, he delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, and now he has fled from the land because of Absalom. 10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now therefore, why do you say nothing about bringing back the king?”
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The Bible is replete with the truth that those who honour God through their lifestyle will never suffer shame or lose out but continue to experience the mercies and the goodness of God (Jer. 32:39). This is true of the life of David from youth. He lived and fought for the safety and peace of Israel. He allowed God to use and lead him, and the testimony of his achievements has up to date remained in the lips of the Israelites and all mankind.
In our text today, we see that God did not allow David lose out. David won the battle against Absalom. David’s soldiers were reconciled with him when his love for Absalom made him turn the occasion of the defeat of Absalom to mourning instead of celebration (2 Sam. 19:1-8). The entire people of Israel sought for David and brought him back to the throne (2 Sam. 19:9-10).
We must be intentional in ensuring that our deeds and lifestyle be such that will bring honour to God. God does not fail to do good to them who bring honour to Him. Every man who fears God always do remember to do good to those who are used by God. It is another source blessing.
CHALLENGES
- Can you affirm that your life and deeds are such that will bring a great deal of honour to God?
PRAYER POINT
- Father, teach me the best way to live and bring honour to your name, in Jesus name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 19:11-26; Romans 11:28-36; 12:1-4.
ESOCS Devotional 12 April 2025
