Dethrone Wannbe "king" Absalom

How does the spirit of Absalom continue to live on, even though Absalom himself has been dead for thousands of years?

When we read through Second Samuel we are shown Absalom's "shifty" ways.

Absalom wanted to be in "the" position of authority and power, he wanted to be king.

Absalom conceived of a way to get this authority and power...a way of deceit and craftiness.

Absalom became the peoples friend...he became their listening ear, their shoulder to cry on.

Absalom also was careful to subtly promote himself while being that helping hand for the people.

You might hear him say "If I were a leader then I would be quick to help in your problems and I would make sure things would get dealt with properly".

I am sure Absalom had many other campaign promises that he fed to the people while he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel".

How can you tell if someone is 1. Just being helpful or 2. Is coming to you as an Absalom?

You need to be discerning and careful in your listening.

Has the person who is now so interested in your life always been so? If not, why the sudden change?
Has the person who is busy helping you in your struggles always been there to help you with your problems? If not, why the sudden change?

Has the help you received come without an additional message.

The message of 1. The existing leaders aren't doing it right, 2. If "I" were leading then these problems of yours wouldn't be happening.

It looked like Absalom's plan was going to succeed...except for one obstacle...a Holy God who hates flattery and rebellion.

It is a wonderful thing to help people in their need, to be a servant to God's people.

But our service and helping is to be without hidden agendas, without a price tag. We are never to help others...SO THAT...they will see how helpful we are and put us into a place of authority.

This is putting the cart before the horse [in a hidden and deceitful way].

A man should want to love and help God's people regardless of if he is ever called to a place of leadership.

The Apostle James warns us "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there".

Beware, the spirit of Absalom is always looking for followers.

May we all be discerning to hear his voice...

In Christ, dale



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