0200. The Young Man Absalom

The Young Man Absalom

The story of Absalom is one full of lessons which are greatly needed by many a youth; lessons which stir and grip the soul.

David’s first query, when the runners had returned with news from the battle (see 2Sa_18:32), was, "Is the young man Absalom safe?"

1. A young man’s safety depends on his home surroundings, on his father, his mother, and also his sisters. The need of the family altar is paramount.

2. A young man’s safety depends on his environment. He needs not only a true home influence, but he needs to be shielded from pampered wealth and luxuriating ease.

3. A young man’s safety depends upon his associates. God teaches us to shun evil companions. When this is not done, the evil invariably corrupts the good. "Evil communications corrupt good manners;" not good manners correct evil communications.

4. A young man’s safety depends on his ideals. Absalom was inordinately ambitious; he was unchaste in thought and mind; he was deceitful and treacherous in his dealings. He sought the things that accrued to his own selfish desires, even at the sacrifice of every principle of honor and justice.

5. A young man is wholly unsafe when he turns his back upon his father and his father’s God. Absalom trod under foot every sacred tie; he counted a father’s affection unworthy of notice. He turned traitor to those of his own blood. He mocked sin, dragged sin with a cart rope; he mocked God, lifted himself above every call to righteousness and above the God Who called him to righteousness.

6. A young man who sows to the flesh must reap as he sowed. Absalom was dead in battle. In the boughs of the oak, hung the one who had dreamed of dominion and sought power. In the boughs of an oak hung the one beautiful in person, the most admired in all Israel. His pride was his downfall. He died as he lived, in rebellion against both his father and his God.

7. A young man’s broken-hearted father. David wept as he saw the son of his own flesh brought low. He mourned for him, because he loved him. Absalom had not only wrecked his own life, but he had broken his father’s heart.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR