2 Samuel 13 - 15 (15th May) - Joshua

2 samuel 13-15 shows an intriguing contrast of David and Absaloms' life decisions.

ABSALOM'S HEART - EVIL & SELF-SEEKING
Absalom killed Amnon out of revenge. Guilt & fear caused him to flee. His unrepentant heart grew more malicious in 2 Sam 15:5-6

"Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him...also, when anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel." - 2 Sam 15: 5-6

Rather than protecting his father's honor, he was maliciously under-cutting him and methodically plotted a conspiracy to oust his father from the throne. (15:10-12)
What began as an understandable feat of vengence, left unchecked, grew to become a pandora box of evil. Its an irony. Absalom who stood up against rape & incest, committed the same sin he once was zealous against (2 Sam 16:21-22).

Absalom reminds me, painfully, that (despite good intentions) the heart is truly deceitful above all things. How do we guard our hearts?

DAVID'S HEART - COMPASSION & HUMILITY
"Then the King said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." - 2 Samuel 15:25-26

David was laterally telling God, "God, please leave me. Don't wonder in the desert with me. I'm not worthy of your company."
That was how David regarded himself before God. He cared for God more than his welfare and safety.

Now, David is King of Israel, an experienced fighter brazened with years of conquest (17:8), he had the special forces with him. Wouldn't it be easy to launch a counter offensive to reclaim His kingdom? Precisely because david chose to love. He loved his son more than riches or stature. Why mercy above might? Perhaps he hanged on a hope that his son may repent?
One thing's for sure. David gave all his heart to his son/to God.

CONCLUSION
I do not fully agree to the way david took in not disciplining his son Absalom early. Yet we can learn from he who chose not to use his might but chose mercy in a hope that his son may repent. And we can learn from he who regarded God's presence more than his dwelling/welfare/safety.
As Jackie pullinger said "When you give all your heart till you have no heart left, you'll get God's heart." The best way to guard our hearts is to give it all up. As you press on to bless the 100,000, Let's give all your heart for a Father's heart.