The book of 2 Samuel (chapters 13-19) records the story of David and Absalom.  A story we are familiar with. A story of rebellion, deception, revenge, sorrow and regret.  Even with those sad descriptions there is that parent’s love for their child.   The bond between parent and child can be very strong.  In some families, the bond is a two-way street where both parent and child show that strong attachment, a love for each other that carries them thru the best of times and those situations that “try men’s souls”.  In some families the bond is a one-way street, love spurned by either the parent or the child.  Then there is the worst of families where it is a dead-end street, absolute zero love or concern for anyone.

Paul described the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5 as “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. It is these attributes that enhance and secure a family bond.  Parent and child should possess them. They are the embodiment of the life our Lord showed us while on this earth.  It is a road map of success, faith, hope and love.

When you place each of these attributes next to Absalom, you can see his failure.  By love, you see hate.  No joy only pride.  Peace is overshadowed with deceit and forbearance with revenge.  Meanness replaced kindness.  Goodness with deception, gentleness with harshness and a complete lack of self-control.

How different it might have been for Absalom if he had approached life with those God given traits for success.  I really sense the fear in David’s question to the Ethiopian (Cushite) messenger: “Is the young man Absalom safe?”.  We see the sorrow in those mournful words, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”.  After all that Absalom had done, David still had that father’s love for his son. 

Luke recorded the parable of the Prodigal Son.  As the son returned, it was the Father’s love that drove him to run to his son.   I look at my life and I see that same Father’s love that sent Jesus to live and die for his children.  A LOVE THAT ONLY THE FATHER CAN SHOW.  The Lord God Almighty will ask Jesus, his son: “Is that young man safe?”  How will Jesus answer?