Read 2 Samuel 15
Highlights:
Absalom (2 Sam. 14:25) wins over national leaders, including David's most trusted counselor Ahithophel; Absalom's revolt; Attempts to overthrow and murder David.
For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord (2 Sam. 15:8).
Absalom may have seemed to have good intentions, but that was not the case in this situation. Absalom had killed his brother. It could be argued that Amnon deserved to be killed for the rape of their sister, Tamar. The murder, however, had set Absalom at odds with his Father, David, who was the king.
Absalom actually, had intentions to overthrow David, his father. He desired to be king. So, he had a plan to rebel and steal his father's throne.
Absalom even went as far as to call this a vow he had made to God. Perhaps unknowingly he was walking on dangerous ground. Evidently, he had no idea how serious God takes a vow made to Him. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth (Num. 30:2).
The very wording of what Absalom said to David raises a red flag. He said he told God; if You do this then I'll do this. God is not in the deal making business. He does not give us what we want for the promise of future service.
It is certain that many have prayed a very similar prayer to what Absalom prayed. Especially when lost, it is a common thing to pray "Lord, if you will just get me out of this one I'll go to church". It may seem at times God has even answered that prayer. However, it is just the providential grace and mercy of God at work.
God so often has worked in our lives when we never even knew it. There is no way to guess as to how many times God has saved us as some great danger was right upon us. God truly loves and takes care of His children. The scripture is clear that Christ knew us even in our sin and still chose to lay down His life for all mankind. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
The beauty of the love of God is that even though He has heard many empty promises it has not changed how much He loves us. God wants all unbelievers to turn from their own ways and follow after Him. Many may have prayed many prayers that are not sincere to God. God desires to hear that first heartfelt prayer of repentance from every human being. That prayer will start a life-changing event.
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).
Thought for Today:
The wicked make their plans, but never overcome the purposes of God.
Christ Portrayed:
By David as he rebuked his followers when they wanted to execute his enemies (2 Sam. 16:10-11; compare 1 Sam. 26:8-9). When Jesus' disciples wanted to do the same, He rebuked them, saying: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:54-56).
Word Studies:
15:27 seer, prophet of God who has discernment (1 Sam. 9:9); 15:28 certify, inform; 16:5 cursed still, shouted curses continuously.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you will obey the Word of God and not be just a deceived hearer (James 1:22).
Optional Reading: Acts 17
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:26