Today’s Reading:  2 Samuel 16 – 19

“And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.” 2 Samuel 18:9 (KJV)

Absalom a strong, prideful, vain son of David was set on having the kingdom of Israel.  Even if it meant killing his father, and whomever it took to do it; he was going to have it.

Absalom had a head of hair; so much that when he cut it once a year he would have it weighed (2 Samuel 14:26), and it weighed, by our measure, about 5 pounds of hair.

The mule was the ride of the royal family (13:29), and was a source of endurance, strength, and agility  in riding and battle.  In my opinion they are not a real pretty animal,  but they are strong.

Absalom was prideful, even vain about his hair.  If that be the case, and due to his rebellious acts, against God, and his father king David, then, he was literally caught up, and left  hanging by his own vanity, and pride.  The mule of strength and endurance went on his way.

A message for all of God’s people:  Pride and vanity is not the source of our strength, endurance or victory.  God through His Son Jesus Christ is.  He is the one who gives the mule strength and endurance, and He is the one who gives us the victory.

Reading for April 12:  2 Samuel 20 -21