“David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning” (2 Samuel 15:30 NLT).
When David heard that his son Absalom sought to overthrow him as king, he fled from Jerusalem going East up the slope of the Mount of Olives. As he climbed the Mount, he wept and prayed that God would have mercy on him. God heard David’s prayer and ultimately restored him to the throne.
Centuries later, Jesus, Son of David, left Jerusalem to pray on that same Mount. Weeping he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). God prevented David’s betrayer from succeeding, but the one who betrayed Jesus found him there on the Mount of Olives and betrayed him with a kiss to the authorities who crucified him. God showed David mercy, but poured out the judgment that belonged to us all upon His Son, Jesus.
Jesus paid the wages of our sin, so that God might show not only David, but all who would believe in Him, His mercy.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Jesus. He took our sin, separation and death that we might receive His righteousness, Sonship and eternal life. He took our punishment that we might receive mercy. Help us to always live with His name on our lips and His love in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.