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- Oct 26, 2007
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Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:6 NLT
In many ways, Absalom was the perfect politician. But Absalom pursued what he wanted in all the wrong ways—for all the wrong reasons. He kept going his way, not God’s way, to right the wrongs in his life and to gain the justice and power he thought he deserved.
When Amnon angered Absalom, God’s way called for Absalom to seek justice and show mercy. Instead, Absalom pursued violent revenge. Then when his father David verbally pardoned Absalom for murdering his brother, God’s way said to seek full reconciliation. Instead, Absalom schemed and manipulated to win the public’s favor and overthrow his still grieving father.
Absalom had what it took to be a national leader—good political sense, excellent counsel, fine leadership. But he grabbed power for himself instead of seeking God’s best. And the hand that grabbed for more and more came up empty. Only when your hands are outstretched and open before God, and seeking His glory, can He fill them up with privilege and power and blessing.
Prayer: Lord, You want me to seek Your glory, not my own. What do You want me to stop doing?
In many ways, Absalom was the perfect politician. But Absalom pursued what he wanted in all the wrong ways—for all the wrong reasons. He kept going his way, not God’s way, to right the wrongs in his life and to gain the justice and power he thought he deserved.
When Amnon angered Absalom, God’s way called for Absalom to seek justice and show mercy. Instead, Absalom pursued violent revenge. Then when his father David verbally pardoned Absalom for murdering his brother, God’s way said to seek full reconciliation. Instead, Absalom schemed and manipulated to win the public’s favor and overthrow his still grieving father.
Absalom had what it took to be a national leader—good political sense, excellent counsel, fine leadership. But he grabbed power for himself instead of seeking God’s best. And the hand that grabbed for more and more came up empty. Only when your hands are outstretched and open before God, and seeking His glory, can He fill them up with privilege and power and blessing.
Prayer: Lord, You want me to seek Your glory, not my own. What do You want me to stop doing?
