Introduction
- This is a sad text.
- It is sad in several ways.
- It has lessons for us all.
WHAT A LOT OF SORROW WAYWARD CHILDREN BRING TO THEIR GODLY PARENTS!
- I remind you of the character of David.
- And the depth here of his sorrow.
- Why these tears? The death of such a son.
- This is a sorrow which other parents have.
- APPLICATION: Parents - lay this to heart.
- Young People - does this not move you?
OBSERVE: How different this might have been if Absalom had obeyed God.
HOW SAD IS THE DEATH OF THOSE WHO LIVE WITHOUT THE FEAR OF GOD
- I remind you of the sinful life of Absalom.
- Some sins were very heinous.
- God paid him back - the manner of death.
- "The wages of sin is death". Here illustrated.
- Many others have died such sad deaths.
- APPLICATION: Who wants such a death? The only sure remedy is faith in Christ.
HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST AS THIS IS SHOWN IN THE LIVES OF SPIRITUAL PEOPLE
- This is surely not just natural love.
- David's sorrow is complex (i) Absalom's tragic life (ii) David's sin (iii) spiritual love.
- Christians love the souls of others.
- APPLICATION: Because the love of Christ is in them.
- Do you have this love of souls?
- OBSERVE: See it in (i) Christ (ii) Paul
HOW READY CHRIST IS TO SAVE EVEN THE VERY WORST OF MEN
- See Christ's tears over Jerusalem.
- See what sorts of people He saved.
- Christ loves to see penitent tears.
- Explain why (i) evidence of love to God (ii) self-hatred for sin
- APPLICATION: Have you ever wept for sin?
- Christ will receive every penitent sinner. Do you believe that?
CONCLUSION
What a sad death!
O make sure of your soul!