Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
David and Absalom, by Rembrandt
Yesterday, we read David's magnificent Psalm of Repentance which melts our hearts even nearly 3000 years later! David is forgiven, because God tells us that a truly contrite heart, He will not despise.
However, when we sin, it sets in motion a stream of consequences that can continue even after our hearts are cleansed with forgiveness and restoration.
In the intervening chapters we read of David's adult children behaving abominably. The pitfalls of polygamy become evident, as the sons and daughters of different mothers become involved in rape, revenge, cover-up, and murder. David's ineffectual parenting causes him to be powerless in the face of this debacle, and his beloved son Absalom rebels and declares war upon the kingdom. This is a direct fulfillment of the punishment that Nathan pronounced upon David when he committed Adultery, Lying, and Murder with Bathsheba.
Some magnificent Psalms come from this very dark period in David's life.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS