Fake News and the Real Story

 2 Samuel 18: 23-33

Today, we will see that the battle was won, the victory has taken place, but King David is in great anguish over the price paid.  I met more than one man who still grieves over the price they paid to reach the top in their occupation.  Many times it was the loss of a wife and children, and I will always remember what one man shared with me, “ I lost one family getting to the top, and now I’m a dad at 54 years of age, two young children, and I’m not going to mess this up.  He shared how often he would go home tired and beat up after a bad day, but I get out in the yard and play with my children, they are my priority.

“King David also had messed up as a dad, and one son that should have been his pride and joys had distain for his dad and wanted him dead.  But David is alive, and Absalom the son is dead, this is how David got the news.  Picking up the account in 2 Samuel 18:24-30, Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and when he lifted up his eyes and looked, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he drew nearer and nearer. The watchman saw another man running. And the watchman called to the gate and said, “See, another man running alone!” The king said, “He also brings news.” The watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.”

Then Ahimaaz cried out to the king, “All is well.” And he bowed before the king with his face to the earth and said, “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” And the king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king's servant, your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I do not know what it was.” And the king said, “Turn aside and stand here.” So he turned aside and stood still.”`

It is incredible how often fear keeps one from being truthful, however Joab told Ahimaaz about the death of Absalom.  It was the second runner that came with the real news, the first messenger only shared what he hoped would be pleasing to the king.  This is the rest of the story; “And behold, the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, “Good news for my lord the king! For the Lord has delivered you this day from the hand of all who rose up against you.” The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” And the Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you for evil be like that young man.” And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice