23 And it came to pass, after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is near Ephraim; so Absalom invited all the king’s sons.24 Then Absalom came to the king and said, “Kindly note, your servant has sheepshearers; please, let the king and his servants go with your servant.”
25 But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go now, lest we be a burden to you.” Then he urged him, but he would not go; and he blessed him.
26 Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.”
Two years, but the anger still burns in Absalom’s heart. Amnon’s wickedness toward Tamar, a sin apparently unchallenged by their father David, may have diminished from the whispers of the royal family, but nothing has really died down. Two years later, Absalom is plotting retribution, and it’s highly unlikely that David can’t perceive his son’s intent. Like the moment when Amnon asked for Tamar to be sent to him, David could have anticipated Absalom’s intent, but he seems to be trapped in a cycle of inaction.
When we don’t do the right thing, situations deteriorate. Our “looking the other way” seldom proves to be an effective way to avoid trouble. Situations may fade from current attention, but seeds are planted—seeds that will be determined to grow for some future harvest.
So, while your day may not present issues of violence between your children, be sure to step up to any-sized challenge to act for righteousness. Do what is right and guide those within your authority to right choices as well. Acting justly is a critical measure of humanity and demonstrates the Spirit of God within us. Don’t make the habit of looking the other way or you’ll be blind-sided by destinations even more tragic than you thought could occur.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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