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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
There is a very sad story found in the Old Testament in 2 Samuel chapters 13-14. It's the story of King David's family...specifically dealing with his children Absalom, Amnon and Tamar. Amnon lusted after his sister Tamar. But she rejected his advances...so one day he overpowered her and raped her. Their brother Absalom was devastated over what happened and began to seek revenge. He waited two years for the perfect opportunity to kill his brother Amnon.
This act of violence drove a wedge between Absalam and his father, King David. So, out of fear & shame, Absalom fled to Geshur and lived there for three years and then returned to his home in Jerusalem. Then in 2 Samue 14:28 you'll read that "Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem and did not see the king's face."
Did you notice...five years have passed and after this lengthy separation, Absalom did not refer to David as 'father', but he called him 'the king'. You see, the shame and distance had destroyed their intimacy. The connection between father & son was lost.
Today, how is your relationship with your Heavenly Father? Have you found yourself calling Him "Lord" or "King" because the name "Father" feels too intimate? When you say "Father" - does that name resonate closeness?
Your love for God may be imperfect, however, His love for you never fails. Please...do not allow shame and distance to separate you. He has promised that He will never abandon you. Take comfort in knowing that no matter what you have done - He is eager to forgive you.
Call upon His name...make the connection...regain the intimacy you were meant to enjoy! He loves you and He wants you to come home!
Come home to your FATHER!!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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