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Go back and stay with King Absalom


The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom." (2 Sam.15:19)

David's son, Absalom had engineered a coup d'état against his own father. As the old king abandoned his palace he must have been all too aware that what was playing out before him was part fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy against his household after he committed adultery and murdered the poor woman's husband.

It was a bitter moment for David as he fled from his son. However, even as the drama proceeded, David tells one of the loyal men following him, “Go back to king Absalom...”
For David it was a no-brainer. Absalom, his son had taken over the throne. Whether it was of God or not was not for him to consider at this moment. The very fact that the palace coup had been allowed by God was enough for him. He pointedly referred to his adversary as 'King Absalom!' 
However, how does one so readily concede his palace, privileges and even his constitutionally bestowed title to an adversary?

In Kenya we have in the past been treated to high drama as politicians fought for power, position and title. Of course we wouldn't expect men who do not esteem God to know better. After all, when they battle for position and power they are merely staying true to form. A few examples will suffice.

After the contentious 2008 elections one politician refused to acknowledge the declared winner in the presidential contest.
 Later the Prime Minister-designate tussled endlessly with the Vice-president over who was higher in rank. And more recently lawyer and columnist Makau Mutua was in the spotlight for having declared that he would not recognize the legitimacy of the current president.

Men who do not know God jostle for power and position because without God, it’s all they have. In great contrast men who know God also acknowledge that their power and position derive from God. Like David they are able to relinquish it quickly. Over time they have learnt to be fully submitted to the King of kings.
They do not engage in uncouth wrestling for power. They do their bit but remain fully trusting that God can chart a way for them.

Friends, look at all the notable examples in the bible. Consider these people that God raised to high position;

Joseph,

Esther,

David,

Daniel.
Did any of them harangue anyone to get or maintain their powerful positions? No, God did it for them.
For it is written;
No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psa.75:6, 7)
David having been elbowed out of power didn't do what is so common in our political and corporate circles. He would have gone hammer and tongs against his adversary. Instead he listens and prays to his God. A time eventually came for him to fight back but it was fully guided by his God. In the meantime David shows just how much he was submitted to his Lord. He says:
25 Then the king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. 26 But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." (2 Sam.15:25-26)
Is it possible that we can be like David when our positions are threatened? I hope you do not mistake this to be a call to be lazy or unwise.
In leadership one must be strategic and nimble enough to roll with the blows. However is it possible that while we rule we can learn to fully understand what God meant when He said to one ruler;
"Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chron.20:15)
David had learnt to fully trust God in his battles. As a young man he stood before Goliath the giant and declared;
"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."" (1 Sam.17:47)
This statement clearly shows where he drew his strength and courage.

How about you?

Comments

  1. David Muchai23 October 2016 at 06:00

    The position, the authority, the power... all come from God and He is free to give them to whomever He wills. He can take it away so that you can rely on Him....

    ReplyDelete

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