I Wish I Had Died Instead Of You

Then the man from Cush arrived. He said, "You are my king and master. I'm bringing you some good news. The Lord has saved you today from all those who were trying to kill you."

The king asked the man from Cush, "Is the young man Absalom safe?"

The man replied, "King David, may your enemies be like that young man. May all those who rise up to harm you be like him."

The king was very upset. He went up to the room over the entrance of the gate and sobbed. As he went, he said, "My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died instead of you. Absalom! My son, my son!"

2 Samuel 18:31-19:4

Someone told Joab, "The king is sobbing over Absalom. He's filled with sadness because his son has died."

The army had won a great battle that day. But their joy turned into sadness. That's because someone had told the troops, "The king is filled with sorrow because his son is dead." The men came quietly into the city that day. They were like fighting men who are ashamed because they've run away from a battle.

The king covered his face. He sobbed out loud, "My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!"

2 Samuel 19:1-4

When someone dies do you regret it because there was so much more you could have done to fix a broken relationship?

We can learn from David’s regret when dealing with broken relationships. The pain of trying to make things right can be hard.

A broken relationship can be repaired, but only if you are willing to try.

Our Daily Bread – November 23, 2009