OUR DAILY BREAD 25TH JULY 2026, SATURDAY ODB READING MESSAGE
Serving God, Not Self
Tom Felten
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
2 Samuel 18:12-18
KEY VERSE: During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it . . . as a monument to himself. 2 Samuel 18:18
INSIGHT FOR TODAY
In 2 Samuel 13, we learn that Absalom’s sister Tamar is assaulted by their half-brother Amnon. Their father, King David, is furious about the news but does nothing (v. 21). Two years later, Absalom takes matters into his own hands and has Amnon killed (vv. 23, 28-29). Again, David does nothing—for years (see ch. 14). So Absalom’s anger and insurrection against his father was largely due to David’s inaction, poor choices, and lack of guidance. Absalom’s “monument to himself” (18:18) is just one sign of his alienation from David and from God. Today, as believers in Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit inside us to guide us. Empowered by Him, we’re called to trust in God’s sense of justice. He helps us to humbly serve Him and to value others above ourselves.
Read Our Daily Bread 25 July 2026 – MESSAGE
The ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II thought so much of himself that he had numerous structures built in his honor, including many monuments that captured his physical features. One, the colossal statue of Ramesses II, stands thirty-six feet tall and weighs eighty-three tons in all its red-granite glory. Age wasn’t kind to the proud ruler, however. In fact, when he died, he was suffering from bad teeth, arthritis, and chronic heart problems. Some of his monuments might last for a while, but—like all mortals—he himself passed.
Absalom, one of King David’s sons, also built “a monument to himself” (2 Samuel 18:18). Fueled by rage from past tragedy (see ch. 13) and selfish ambition, this younger man worked to steal “the hearts of the people of Israel” from his father (15:6). When Absalom attempted to pilfer the throne, however, God didn’t allow him to overpower David, His anointed king (1 Samuel 16:12-13), and David’s fighting men (2 Samuel 18:6). In the end, Absalom was killed for his treachery. Although his monument still stood (v. 18), he died humbled and defeated.
Building monuments to ourselves and serving our own pride and desires won’t end well. But as we humbly serve God and love Him well (Philippians 2:3-8), we’ll find true meaning and fulfillment in His presence.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psalms 37-39; Acts 26
REFLECT: Why is living for and serving yourself an empty pursuit? What does it look like for you to humbly serve God?
PRAY: All-powerful God, please help me to serve You in love and humility. You’re the only one who’s worthy of my worship.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.