FRIDAY 24 June, 2016
The Conspirator’s Counsel
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid… - 2 Samuel 17:1-2
Ahithophel was so embittered against David when he defected to Absalom’s side. He had some kind of grudge against him and offered more poisoned advice to Absalom. He wanted to take twelve thousand men and be done with him. Why not annihilate him while he was weak? A surprise attack would be best. It would catch David off guard and he would be filled with insurmountable fear.
How would Absalom, the king’s son respond to Ahithophel’s request? His own father’s death was being planned out but was there no feeling for his father? Can he really be that cold hearted towards him? He was completely distant from his father, as his son there was no relationship with him––it was as if he was dead to Absalom.
Yet, David still loved his son deeply and instead of hurting him, his mindset was, “let him hurt me.” Remember, David did not want to make any trouble and left the city in peace. David allowed God’s purposes to unfold even in his pain. He knew God had called him to be king and was capable of his defense. Many times David had experienced God’s help in a crisis. He wrote: The Lordis my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lordis the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).
Satan will come along when you are weary and weak. He attacks you when you least expect it to make you fearful. The devil tries to make you take your eyes off Jesus and place them on man. But Jesus is the one who lifts me, holds me, leads me, guides me and defeats my enemies every single day!
If God is for us, who can be against us?
~Romans 8:31~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!