Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Samuel 15:6, ” In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. ” 

Background

I have two sons, and to know them is to know polar opposites. Where one loves social interaction, stimulating debate and the search for knowledge, the other loves being outdoors, working with his hands, and country music. But their differences, more vast than this space allows to expound upon, have put them both in a similar situation. Though one is not quite sixteen years old and the other is yet fourteen, they both need a job. The younger one has found his bankroll shrinking as he builds another zipline in our back yard, this while continuing to work on his tree fort project. The older one is about to enter the world of car insurance and gas purchases. To address these financial dilemmas, they each have their own ways of going about it. The older has been working tirelessly at creating his own business whereby he can teach guitar lessons. His study of guitar technique and music theory has been eclipsed only by his time spent researching business start-ups and web page designs. His hope rests on the success of his upcoming business endeavor. The younger one is also intent on earning his way, but his plan is not quite as formalized. He wants to work, loves to work, but has yet to acquire any opportunities. His work ethic is beyond reproach, but his strategy is less tangible. He wants to find people for whom he can do projects and provide labor, but he hopes I or someone else will open those doors for him. He’s equally as industrious as his older brother, if not more so, he just needs to put some legs under his hope for employment. 

Application

Absalom wanted his father’s kingdom. But he didn’t just hope for it. He was shrewd and persistent, and his four-year plan to steal it away worked to perfection. You most certainly have some hopes for this year. You might call them goals, plans or resolutions. As lofty and well-intended as they are, make your strategy to see them through just as brilliant and alluring.

Charge

As we seek Him today, go beyond the hope of something to experience the reality of it. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words