After his reconciliation with David, Absalom prepared to rebel. But first, he needed the hearts of the people. He organized chariots, horses, and 50 bodyguards for himself as if he were king. He stood by the city gate and met those who came to the king for trial. He stirred up discontent, inducing complaints against the king. Absalom was political. He skillfully acted as if he were a fair and humble leader who could reform the current situation and replace the king. After winning people’s hearts for four years, he carried out the next step of his plan to commit treason by making himself king in Hebron. Knowing that he needed people to endorse his kingship, he took 200 men from Jerusalem and invited David’s counselor Ahithophel. In this way, the conspiracy grew strong.

Absalom succeeded in his rebellion, but he forgot what was vital. Although he could fool people, he could not fool God. Even if he could deceive and steal people’s hearts, he couldn’t deceive the heart of God. Absalom also ignored the fact that a king of Israel was not made by his own strength, nor people’s support, but by God’s anointing. Are we putting our trust in the eyes of people and their judgment or in the eyes of God? At the center of our decisions must be God who is in control.
Application: Lord, my life can be built on your will. Help me to walk in your way and trust your leadership.
One Word: Submit to God’s will humbly