Many times David had to choose ‘Flight not Fight’ because of stronger enemies, but he knew God would restore him if He was pleased with him. 2 Samuel 15
In the world today many have a ‘gung-ho attitude’, we’ll sort it or them out, no matter how big the problem. This attitude is present in the Church as well, but we often see David asking God SHOULD HE GO UP AND FIGHT? He always wanted to be sure God was with him (15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. Exodus 33:15)
Absalom began to actively promote himself among the people;
And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.’
… and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.
Absalom mounted a huge charm offensive and the people began to turn to him, but it was all for himself, he wanted the throne. In listening to many speakers today, including some in the Church, we will often hear the words ‘I and me’. It’s their ego speaking, demanding praise and honour for themselves. My wife Anne (it’s her birthday today!) had an elderly spiritual mentor, Ruby, who spent many years ministering to the poor in Dundee, Scotland. She had a close with walk with the Lord and gave ‘straight talk’ when needed. She once said after listening to someone on a phone, ‘Me, me, bloody me’, she knew their real interest was themselves. BEWARE OF THOSE WHO TALK TOO MUCH ABOUT THEMSELVES, EVEN UNDER THE GUISE OF RELIGION!
7 At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, ‘Let me go to Hebron and fulfil a vow I made to the Lord.
Absalom made a religious pretence of worship but was about to make His move to seize power.
10 Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, “Absalom is king in Hebron”.
He also tricked 200 men into accompanying him to Hebron and sent for Ahithophel, David’s counsellor to join him. Absalom had planned his move carefully and after a four wait he moved to take his father’s throne.
David seemed to have been caught unawares and had to flee with his family and those remaining loyal to him.
13 A messenger came and told David, ‘The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.’
14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, ‘Come! WE MUST FLEE, or none of us will escape from Absalom. WE MUST LEAVE IMMEDIATELY, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.’
David told everyone with him to get up and leave at once, no time to pray or debate. The enemy was too powerful and David was still looking to the Lord and later said;
29 If I find favour in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling-place again.
Believers in many countries today have had to work in secrecy and flee when pursed by anti-Christian forces. David lived to fight another day and regain his throne because he followed the Lord. It’s very dangerous to follow anyone obsessed with increasing personal power, in place of the Lord’s Kingdom.
God bless and keep you today.