May 10th, 25:Betrayal, Sorrow, and Hope: Lessons from David, Absalom, and the Cross

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One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you.

TODAY'S EPISODE:

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today’s episode, host Hunter invites us on day 130 of our journey through the scriptures. Together, we’ll reflect on key moments in 2 Samuel 18, where King David faces the heartbreaking aftermath of battle and the loss of his son Absalom. Next, we turn to Psalm 56, discovering David’s honest prayers in times of fear and opposition. Our readings conclude in Matthew 27, leading us through the powerful and sobering account of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and burial.

Alongside these readings, Hunter offers thoughtful commentary on Jesus’ cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”—reminding us of God’s constant presence, even in our most difficult moments. As always, we close with prayers for wisdom, peace, and the deep assurance that God’s love never leaves us.

Settle in for a time of scripture, reflection, and heartfelt prayer. Let’s continue this daily journey together—let the Bible do what only it can: direct our hearts to the living Word.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” These are the words Jesus cries from the cross, known as the great cry of dereliction. For many, this verse has carried a heavy weight, as if it marks a moment where God the Father has turned away from his Son—where abandonment is real and final. Some have even suggested this is the moment when God is punishing or killing his Son. But things are not always as they seem.

In truth, Jesus is quoting the opening line of Psalm 22, a psalm of David that does indeed begin with an anguished cry of abandonment, but does not end there. The psalms often show David—and with him, all of God’s people—beginning with their pain and dismay, pouring out their hearts in honest lament. But by the end, David is testifying to the faithfulness of God, declaring that God does not turn his back on his beloved. In Psalm 22, near the end, David proclaims, “For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted. He did not turn his face from me, but heard when I cried out to him.” The psalm makes it clear: God is present in our moments of deepest agony and loss. He does not abandon; he hears; he is near.

When Jesus takes up these words on the cross, he is entering into our experience of betrayal, grief, and separation. He tastes the depth of human pain. But the testimony of scripture and of the early church is certain—God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. There is no division in the heart of God—not at the cross, not ever. God does not abandon his Son, and he will not abandon or forsake you.

This profound truth is our hope: in our moments of suffering, when we feel most alone, God is closer than our next breath. His love is relentless, his presence unbroken, his commitment to us sure. Jesus’ experience and trust teaches us that God is the one who never fails, who always hears, and who always comes near to comfort and to save. We are invited to know, to trust, and to encounter this never-abandoning love for ourselves.

That is the prayer I have for my own soul—that I would know this love deeply and walk in the joy and assurance that comes from it. That is the prayer I have for my family—my wife, my daughters, my son. And that is the prayer I have for you. May it be so.

TODAY'S PRAYERS:

Almighty and ever loving God, you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your holy spirit, that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation.

Shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.

Oh Christ, light of the nations, shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division, and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen.

And now, lord, make my hands ready for mercy. Make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift to bring good news.

Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen.

And now as our lord has taught us, we are bold to pray.

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray...

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen. 

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