II Samuel 14-15

You will hear ministers talk about the “Absalom spirit” in the church. As you read these passages, you will see why that spirit is so detrimental to God’s plans.

Absalom has nothing really to offer the people but a big ego. Yet he stands at the gate and tries to lure them into following him. “The king doesn’t really care for you like I do,” is the jist of what he would say. Seduction personified. “Your life will be better if you follow me.”

Many church splits have occurred with this spirit dominating the action. Someone gets lifted up in pride, thinking that they can do a better job than the current leader. Usually when someone is in such pride, they don’t make good leaders at all – and the outcome is devastating.

So as Absalom leads a rebellion against David, the king quickly leaves town, entrusting himself to God. Of course, he is hurt over his son’s attempted overthrow, but his attitude is one of complete trust.

He says, “If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, then He will bring me back again…But if He should say thus, ‘I have no delight in you,’ behold, here I am. Let Him do to me as seems good to Him.”(15:25-26)

There is a book entitled A Tale Of Three Kings, in which author, Gene Edwards contrasts the attitudes of Saul, David, and Absalom. Interestingly, the king who trusts himself to God’s hand when Saul is chasing him, also entrusts himself to God when his son is overthrowing him.

David’s humility when under attack is the key to his victory. In each situation, as others are exalting themselves, he is throwing himself on God’s mercy.

Such godly character! Such a role model for any in leadership today.

When God exalts you, you stay exalted. We’ll see the outcome tomorrow!

Luke 17:1-19

“If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea;’ and it would obey you.”(v.6)

The rewards of  great faith are promised us, but Jesus gives an unusual illustration concerning the slave just “performing his duty.” After the performance of duties, just say, “we have done only that which we ought to have done.”(v.10)

One time, as I had just received a tremendous answer to prayer, I was rejoicing greatly. In fact, I was sharing with many people the results of my victory.

As I was sharing, the Lord began to speak to me. He said, “It’s not your great faith; it’s your faith in a great God.”

Ouch! I began to see that I was being prideful, as if my faith had brought the results.

When we see our Father the right way, we don’t think of ourselves as high in any way. He is the One who is high. He is the One who answers our prayers. He is the One who can accomplish all things for us.

All you and I are doing is believing in the great God Who was and is and is to come. All glory goes to Him.