APRIL 2, 2 Samuel 2:1

The tragic death of Saul and his sons meant the defeated Israel was left without a king. At this low point of his people, David sensed that the hour had come for him to return to his country after living as a fugitive among the Philistines. But first, he inquired of the Lord which city he should go to begin his leadership of the nation. Initially, he was not king over the whole of Israel, but only over the 2 southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin as the other tribes were loyal to a son of Saul – Ishbosheth.

Nonetheless, David sought God for he was wise enough to realize that only clear direction from the Lord would enable him to restore the nation to greatness. The Lord wanted David to go to Hebron. So David brought his two wives as well as his six hundred fighting men, and their families who had followed him into exile. The leaders and patriarchs of Judah also welcomed him and decided that David deserved to be their king. Then as king, the first noble action David undertook was to commend the men of Jabesh-gilead for giving Saul and his three sons an honourable burial.

Christianity is about forgiveness. If God did not forgive us, we would be doomed for hell. But because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are forgiven and saved. As we have been forgiven of the greatest sins, we ought to forgive others should they wrong us.

Dear child, is there someone who has wronged you? Do you feel it is tough to forgive and forget? On your own strength, it would be difficult or even impossible but with the help of God, you will be able to forgive.

Thought: If God could forgive me, so should I forgive others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember forgiveness is central to Christianity and if I am a real Christian who has experienced true forgiveness, I will be able to forgive others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.