A Hard Message To Hear

Friday, November 13

2 Samuel 18:30-33 (NKJV)

“And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still. Just then the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “There is good news, my lord the king! For the LORD has avenged you this day of all those who rose against you.” And the king said to the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” So the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!” Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!”

Devotion

The first messenger to arrive with news for King David was Ahimaaz. But since he did not provide a complete message, he was told to step aside. However, when the Cushite showed up with the whole story (including the hard parts), King David was deeply moved and brought to tears.

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Franklin reminded us that as Christians, we are all called to share the good news of Jesus. But we must be faithful messengers and deliver the complete story. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and was crucified for our sins on a cross. He was buried, but then rose again and ascended into heaven. Jesus defeated sin, death, hell, and the grave. Hallelujah!

Jesus expects us to share the truth of His gospel message, even the hard parts. Some of His own disciples admitted, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60). Just as King David was not moved by the first messenger, neither will people be moved who don’t hear the entire salvation message.

David heard part of the story and felt no emotion. But when he got the full story, he was shaken. When we share the full story of Jesus with others, conviction will come from the Holy Spirit. There will be a response, and change will follow.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me represent You well. Fill me with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and give me boldness to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Help me be faithful to share even the hard parts of salvation. Every person who hears the gospel is faced with truth and a decision to make. Lord, help each person choose You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Make praying for the unsaved a priority on your daily prayer list.  Allow the Lord to shape your heart with the right message and be sensitive to His timing and leading when He brings someone to you who needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Resources

• What if the very places you've been wounded become the places where God's light shines brightest? Watch “Wounds That Glow in the Dark” and be encouraged by the power of God to bring light, healing, and purpose through every season.

• Join us this Sunday for a message from Pastor Jentezen Franklin as we kick off our annual Vision Series! Celebrate our impact, hear exciting updates, and discover what’s ahead for the Ministry. Join us for the next three Sundays and see how you can get involved!