Battles can literally take us out-the “Game of life.” It is said, “Some we will win and some we will lose.” There are times we choose our battles based on its importance to the one and/or those involved. It is often said, “That’s not my problem.” Life battles can range from small to great; then may escalate if no intervention or resolution is made.
This Blog’s Inspirational Message titled SURRENDER comes from the Second Book of Samuel, otherwise called The Second Book Of The Kings 15:1-19 Chapter. To SURRENDER is a term used in physical and spiritual battles. The primary characters are King David and Absalom, his rebellious son. He was seemingly angry with his father for not seeing him for two years after he killed his father’s son, Amnon for raping Absalom’s sister, Tamar. Amnon reportedly loved Tamar. Yet he did not treat her as such. He failed to obey Israel’s law, lacked compassion for Tamar’s feelings and failed to control his lawless indecent behavior. Read the story. More than unlikely these brothers had different mothers. Now the heading “David half-hearted forgiveness of Absalom KJV Reference Bible.” Continue reading14:21-24 where David agreed to see Absalom, but refused to see him when brough by Joab. Thus Absalom left and returned to his own house. I would suggest Absalom’s anger and bitterness increased against his father. Finally 14:33 Absalom saw his father and bowed down his face to the ground. “The King kissed him. No indication of reconciliation. Most can identify “Fake affection,” phony kiss. Thereafter we see Absalom’s Deception that continue to fester.
Absalom’s Deception: He stole the hearts of Israel’s men that lived in Hebron. Absalom rose early each morning riding to Hebron. He impressed Israel with chariots, horses and fifty men that would go before him. Then Absalom stood beside the way of the gate in Hebron. He told every man with a controversy “Come before me, I will do you justice. I am the judge" and they came. He resolved their disputes and kissed their hands. They counted on Absalom’s presence at the gate every morning. They loved him. Verse 25 says “Absalom was praised by the people for his beauty; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. There were no blemish in him. His long hair was a symbol of strength and nobility which met royal standards. Therefore his royal appearance, outward beauty and a self-proclaimed judge amazed the tribal men. Notably these seemingly positive attributes distracted the people from finding out more about Absalom. Furthermore the people appeared uniformed or forgot Samuel was the last judge since Israel wanted a king and chose Saul. Israel acted like many of us. Today many are tricked by con-artists. We fail to inquire, seek God, just trusting people and/or go along “With the flow.”
Now after 40 years of sitting by the gate Absalom ready to implement his devisive scheme to dethrone his father, King David of Israel. So Absalom lied to his dad about his reason for traveling to Hebron. Unknowingly of Absalom’s real intent, the king granted his request of travel to Hebron 15:7. So instead of “Making his vow to the LORD as acclaimed to his father, Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel saying, ”As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say Absalom reigns in Hebron. He had 200 men with him out of Jerusalem. He sent for Ahithophel, King David’s counselor. The conspiracy was great and the people increased continually with Absalom.
How many agree God will not keep those called by His name in the dark. He brings it to the “Light.” Especially those that love and trust Him. 15:13-24 A messenger went to David and told him, “The hearts of Israel’s men are with Absalom. Hence David’s immediate response was “Let us flee Jerusalem to escape from Absalom lest he overtake us suddenly.” David and most of the entire country that included his servants, priests, Levites, the Ark of the Covenant and David’s 600 men of valor left the country. The Bible says, “The whole country of Jerusalem that traveled wept loudly while traveling into the wilderness.
Now a Turn of Events 15:25-31 SURRENDER. David gave up his rights as the conqueror. He set aside his plan-complete vulnerability-trusting God. He sought the LORD’S plan while in the wilderness 15:25 King David told Zadok, the priest to “Carry the Ark of God back into the city of Jerusalem. If I shall find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me again back to Jerusalem and shew me both it and His habitation. Verse 26 “But if He say I have no delight in thee; below here am I. Let Him [God] do to me as seems good to Him. Verse 29 “Then the king asked Zadok art though not a Seer? A Seer is used to describe a prophet. A prophet receives divine revelations from God and communicates them to others. In other words “Seek the LORD.”
David told Zadok to return to the city with the other priest and their sons the Levites. And I will tarry (remain) in the wilderness until I hear a word from you to return to Jerusalem. Verse 30 David went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet weeping as he went up, he covered his head and was barefoot. The people imitated David while going up Mount Olivet. Verse 31 David was told “Ahithophel, his counselor is among those conspiring along with Absalom against him.” What did David do? He prayed “O LORD turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” Foolishness lacks power, wisdom and victory.
Verse 32 Now David has arrived at the top of Mount Olivet to worship and praise the LORD. Then Husbai, the Archite an official counselor to David came to meet him with his coat rent and earth upon his head seems to represent mourning for David due to his sorrows of Absalom plan to dethrone him. David persuaded Hushai to return to Jerusalem and attach himself to Absalom as a counselor. His mission was to contradict the advice of Ahithophel and communicate Absalom’s plans to David through the priest. Look at God’s favor and delight for King David.
18:9-14 Absalom was not dead but, his head was found hanging from an Oak Tree. Joab was reportedly David’s nephew, the Captain of his military and fiercely loyal to King David during his reign. He often acted impulsively against David’s wishes. So it was Joab that took three darts, left and thrusted the darts through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive. Note King David loved his son, Absalom and said for no harm be made against him. When David was told of his death, he wept and mourned for Absalom. Joab said to the King 19:5-8 “Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, the lives of thy sons, daughters, wives and concubines. Then the king arose, sat in the gate. And all the people came before the king; for Israel had fled every man to his tent (due to their wrongdoings and were afraid of what David may do to them for siding with Absalom. However David did no harm to those that betrayed him.) David returned to Jerusalem.
A Summary-David SURRENDERED his will and way to the LORD. God showed-up for David in the wilderness. He had spoken like a fearless king with authority to the priest. Then the LORD sent servants to leak Absalom plans and gave them strategies to win the battle for King David. There was no lack in the wilderness. Loads of nourishment were provided to prevent David and the people from becoming weak and weary. Finally the donkeys provided transportation upon their return to Jerusalem.
David was put in a position of SURRENDER. Qualities of David to mirror when our faith is challenged. David prayed, praise, worship, wept and cried out to God. He was a man after God’s own heart. David had a heart of humility, steadfastness and loyalty to God. He was courageous, full of faith, longed to be holy and took responsibility for his sin. David’s prayer was specific. One example: “O LORD turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” The power of prayer is the power of God. Faith moves God, and praising Him is an expression of our faith in Him. Praise releases God’s power to work on our behalf. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:6-7). He is giving to us, imparting His life, wisdom, and power into our lives, renewing our minds and physical bodies as well in His sweet presence (JosephPrince.com.) Thanksgiving has great power to bring joy and break the power of the enemy. Whenever thanks is given to God, despite the most difficult circumstances, the enemy loses a big battle in our life. When you give thanks in the midst of difficulty, you bring pleasure to God's heart. He is looking for Christians who live in a realm of praise and thanksgiving where the enemy no longer has an ability to hold or manipulate us. Satan is defeated when we have a thankful heart because thankfulness during difficulty is a sacrifice pleasing to God (Crosswalk.com).
We have the present helps of God to SURRENDER our will and way to God’s will and way. Our perfect help in times of battle in which nothing is too great or too small for God’s divine intervention. Just like the LORD delivered David—He has the same power to deliver us today. Therefore let’s use and continue to pray, cry-out, worship, praise and give thanksgiving to God. Continue love and blessings! Neatbooks4u
