“But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.”
2 Samuel 14:4b
This statement was voiced by a woman who was speaking to King David in regards to his banishment of his son Absalom. Absalom, in a state of bitterness, anger and revenge, made a calculated plot to kill his brother Amnon who had sinned against his sister Tamar. It was premeditated and brought intense grief to the family. As time went on, David longed to see Absalom and it was then that this woman came to him.
As I read this passage I thought about our sin and our banishment. Because of God’s holiness, He cannot be where sin is which leaves us as sinners in a state of banishment – separation from our Creator. God is not satisfied with the distance. In fact, He grieves over those who are estranged from Him. I love what this woman says in 2 Samuel that God “devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” My mind immediately goes to the cross. What a plan! It was His way of providing a bridge between the chasm that separates us. Jesus would surely rather die than live without us. I think of how different we each are and how He reveals Himself differently to us as individuals; but, it all goes back to the cross.
I am reminded of 2 Peter 3:9 which says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
He truly is a GREAT God!!!
