May 8: 2Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

Campaigning

Scripture: 2Samuel 15:1 As time went on, Absalom took to riding in a horse-drawn chariot, with fifty men running in front of him.
2 Early each morning he would take up his post beside the road at the city gate. When anyone showed up with a case to bring to the king for a decision, Absalom would call him over and say, "Where do you hail from?" And the answer would come, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."
3 Then Absalom would say, "Look, you’ve got a strong case; but the king isn’t going to listen to you."
4 Then he’d say, "Why doesn’t someone make me a judge for this country? Anybody with a case could bring it to me and I’d settle things fair and square."
5 Whenever someone would treat him with special honor, he’d shrug it off and treat him like an equal, making him feel important.
6 Absalom did this to everyone who came to do business with the king and stole the hearts of everyone in Israel.

Observation: As we approach our national elections we are seeing more and more political advertising. Candidates are looking for votes. It appears to me that some act just like Absalom. Although there was no election for king in Israel, the above verses above show Absalom undermining David’s position as King of Israel.

Application: I need to be careful not to draw attention to myself, but always point people to the real King, King Jesus!

Prayer: Lord, you are worthy of all honor. May all the glory go to you! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!