Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – September 14, 2017

Today’s readings: 2 Samuel 19:1-23; Acts 24:1-23; Mark 12:28-34

Grief is a strong emotion. It can cause us to do the unthinkable. David grieved after the loss of his son Absalom. Absalom tried to oust David from the throne but died in his attempt. Though his son had conspired against him, David’s heart broke for Absalom.

David’s grief took him to a place where he lost sight of his duties as king, jeopardizing the safety and welfare of his people. Joab could see that David had given himself totally to his grief and was derelict in his duties as king. Joab saw that David needed to gain his composure, and he stepped in.

Even in the midst of overwhelming grief or obstacles, we often have duties that must still be accomplished, not only for our own sake but perhaps, for others. It is at these times that we all could use a Joab to stir us back to reality. The grief will continue and the obstacles may remain but we all need someone as loyal as Joab to be brave enough to step in at their own peril to help do the work that God has ordained for us.

Prayer: Father, stir us from our selves for your sake. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Carlin Ours, Pastor of Organ Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC.

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  • Thank you Pastor for these words. Too often a house is divided because of a word or deed, even when the word spoken is the truth. Absalon did evil against his Father, yet David wept over his death. How many today would weep over the son who was intent to do great harm against their father? God’s love is boundless, he forgives us even when we turn our backs on Him.