“For we
shall surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be
gathered up again.” (v.14)
Here the
wise woman from Tekoa was reminding David of the finality the potential death
of Absalom would bring. She was warning him that if the bitterness and lack of
communication continued between them and either of them died, then David would
never be able to rectify the problem. Like water spilled on the ground, one
can’t gather it up again.
This
reminds us to settle our own family issues quickly and not allow lost
opportunities to slip past us. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 18, we are to go to
that person and make things right. And as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4, “Let
all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from us
with all speed. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God in Christ has forgiven us” (vv.31-32).
God wants
his children to reconcile, not carry bitterness in our hearts to the grave.
Therefore, make the most of your opportunities while you can and choose to live
in love and forgiveness, not just with family, but with all men as much as
possible.
The Truth
“Therefore,
as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness,
humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another,
and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as
Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
