2 Samuel 14:25 - Caught Up

 2 Samuel 14:25:
"In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him."

Have you ever noticed how the Bible sometimes includes details that seem unimportant at first? Then, later in the story, you suddenly realize they were there for a reason.

Absalom, King David's son, is a perfect example.

The Bible tells us that no one in Israel was praised more for his good looks than Absalom. It even goes on to describe his remarkable hair, noting that when he cut it once a year, it weighed an astonishing amount. At first, that seems like an odd detail. Why would God want us to know how much a man's hair weighed?

The answer comes later.

Matthew 26:33-34 - Have You Heard the Rooster?

Matthew 26:33-34

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

Has anyone known you so well that they knew you better than you knew yourself?

We can often lie to ourselves and let our pride convince us that we are someone we really aren’t.

For instance, you might try and tell yourself that you can play your favorite sport better than most -- think you are smarter than the average person -- believe that you are of “star quality.”

But, then -- when you ask someone who knows you well, and he is honest with you -- you learn otherwise.

It hurts when that happens! 

We want so badly to be the people we think we are, but when we are faced with the undeniable truth -- we see we are not.

So? What was Peter thinking when he spoke to Jesus?

Luke 18:22 - What Is Holding You Back?

Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

The man had asked Jesus how he could have eternal life. Jesus had even agreed with him -- he had been living a pretty clean life . . .

Adultery?   -- Never!

Murder?   -- Hadn't crossed his mind.

Stealing?   -- Wouldn't dream of it.

False testimony?   -- No way!

Honor his parents?   -- Since his birth.

The other five of the Big Ten?   -- Not a blemish on his record.

So? What was the problem?