2 Samuel 15 & 16: Thou Art A Stranger
Verse of the Day: (15:19) Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. 

1. Steal (15:1-18)
And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (15:6)

This was the most trying and tragic time of King David as his beloved son, Absalom, was plotting to usurp his throne while he was waiting for God to show him as to who would be his successor. Though Absalom was the best candidate yet he was too impatient and ambitious, and could not wait for God’s appointment. Absalom went to the people and stole their hearts including Ahithophel, David’s counsellor, by promising them that he would help them in all matters of their lives. As David refused to fight with his son he chose to leave Jerusalem, and wait for God’s counsel. When the priests took the ark of God to follow David, he told them to return to Jerusalem, as God might have desired that Absalom be the king, and the ark of God shall be with him. David loved God, his family and people, and he desired that everything he did must be His will. Indeed, God’s richest blessings are upon us when we wait upon Him, and do His perfect will. (Isaiah 40:28-31) 
  
2. Stranger (15:19-37)
And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. (15:21)

While Absalom, David’s son, chose to fight and rebel against him, Ittai, David’s warrior, who was a stranger and foreigner not only loved David, but he was willing to lay his life for him. In fact, David had many faithful followers, including Hushai, the Archite, whom he commanded him to return to Absalom so that he could defeat Ahithophel’s counsel in favour of him. Indeed, God loves His children even when we are yet sinners, as He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Whoever believes in Christ shall never perish in fiery hell, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven. (Romans 5:6-8)

3. Seek (16:1-23)
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. (16:11)

David came to the humbling point, where he accepted Shimei’s curses and hurling of stones at him, and the fact that his son sought his throne and life, because he loved God, and knew that if it was His will, he would gladly accept it. Life is tough, but let us keep trusting God, as one day, we shall be with Him in His heavenly mansions. (John 14:1-6)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for saving the soul of a stranger and sinner like me.