Lessons from King David: Prodigal Returns Home

Absalom has been gone for several years now after killing his half-brother, Amnon.

Joab sends a widow to confront David about his son being gone for so long.

Absalom, was the son of Maacah

She says, “In his verdict, the king convicts himself by not bringing home his exiled son. We all die sometime. Water spilled on the ground can’t be gathered up again. But God does not take away life. He works out ways to get the exile back.” {2 Samuel 14:14}

The woman reminds David that should have brought his son home. She also reminded him that although we all die, our life is still away. Our soul still lives on and even when we step away from the faith, God will bring the prodigal home.

David agreed to allow Absalom to return home, but with conditions. “He may return to his house, but he is not to see me face-to-face.” {2 Samuel 14:23}

Absalom schemed to return home

Absalom returned and lived in Jerusalem for two years, but he was not allowed to see the king, his father.

So, he took matters in his own hand and set a field on fire. After much negotiation he is finally allowed to appear before the king.

“Absalom was then summoned—he came and bowed deeply in reverence before him. And the king kissed Absalom.” {2 Samuel 14:33}

Absalom appeared before his father, bowed in reverence and the king kissed him. The prodigal son had returned home.

Often we know or have a prodigal in our own lives. I was that prodigal for three years, in which I was in an abusive situation. I was afraid to return home because I was embarrassed and humiliated by my circumstances.

Absalom finally returned home

When I finally returned home it was not to “I told you so’s” but to open arms and loving hearts and to forgiveness.

Just as David welcomed his son home and forgave, so God wants us to welcome the prodigal home and forgive. {Remember the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15}.

Are you willing to welcome a prodigal home? Do you show forgiveness?

 

King David showed #forgiveness when he welcomes his #prodigal son home Click To Tweet

 

**Pictures from FreeBiblesImages.org

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