The most amazing story in the eons of storytelling is found in 2 Samuel 19. David’s son, Absalom, died in an attempt upon his father’s life. When David hears of Absalom death he breaks down in sorrow. His offending son never understood his father’s forgiving love.
Revelation 21, the final chapter of Scripture, tells us there will be a time when all tears will be wiped away. When I tell my students there will be many tears shed in heaven some want to argue with me. They are young. They have never had children of their own. Revelation 20 prophesizes the unspeakable horror of the destruction of billions who refused the gift of eternal life. Until it is over there will be incredible sorrow. The wiping away of tears does not come until chapter 21.
We must not miss the great theme of Scripture is God’s undying love for us no matter how often we turn away from Him. Surely David was not more loving and merciful than the one who sent us His only son to die for us. If we ever wonder why it is that God waits for the second coming of Jesus and the end of the present age, one only has to read the parable of the prodigal son. Every day the father went out to look down the road waiting, watching for his son to come home.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 11, 2008
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