APRIL 14, 2 Samuel 15:1-14  

Instead of being grateful to his father for allowing him to return, Absalom plotted. He carried out a detailed plan to usurp the throne. Absalom first sought to build up his popularity. He equipped himself with magnificent horses and chariots. On top of that, he always had a contingent of fifty footmen to run before his chariot, announcing his arrival with pomp and ceremony. He also sat at the city gate to court the favour of all those who came to the capital, seeking justice for wrongs they suffered in the kingdom. Pretending to care for the people, he slowly gained the confidence of the people and eventually stole their hearts. Finally, he organised a revolt against the king, his father. This was to be one of David’s darkest moments as he fled for his life from his son!

What lessons are there for us today? Never be ungrateful to your parents and elders. Your parents have sacrificed a lot for you. On top of providing for your education and home, they may wake up early every school day to ensure you get ready for school. They keep awake when your fever spikes up, especially when you were a baby. The list goes on; they care for and love you in so many other ways.

Write T for True or F for False against the sentence.

1. There was nothing sinister in Absalom presenting himself with chariots and fifty men escorting him whenever he travels. __________

2. Absalom genuinely wanted to help the people when he stood at the city gate. __________

3. David did not want to fight his son Absalom and so he fled from Jerusalem. __________

Thought: Never be like the ungrateful Absalom.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be grateful to my parents and to pray for them. If they are Christians, that they will be stronger in the Lord. If they are not, that someday soon, they will join me in the family of the Most Holy God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.