The Long Road back

2 Samuel 18:5-8 2 Samuel 19:14 The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. David’s army marched out of the city to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. There Israel’s troops were routed by David’s men, and the casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men. The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword. He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” After Absalom had died in battle, David could not just waltz back into Jerusalem. His running from his son had left doubts in many hearts and minds. He had to win back the hearts of his people. He took it by steps, meeting with different groups of leaders: generals, priests, and representatives of the different tribes of Israel, making sure that he had their trust and allegiance. He made stops on his return trip to make sure his relationships were right. There were not those without their doubts, or outright opposition, but step by step, relationship by relationship, he was restored to the throne in Jerusalem. When we experience failure or alienation, we cannot expect people to just "get over it" immediately. We need to restore, rebuild, reconnect.