Absalom’s story has a lot to do with what’s going on nowadays.

Absalom, who was moved by hatred, plotted and carried out the death of his brother Amnon. Afterwards, he fled from the presence of his father, King David. (2 Samuel 13:29, 38)

Then David, who had a heart after God’s own heart, forgave him and brought him back to Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 14:21, 33)

What he didn’t know was that the feeling of hatred had turned into REBELLION, and Absalom now planned to usurp the throne.

“After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, “What city are you from?” And he would say, “Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel.” Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.”

Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.” And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Please, let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the Lord. For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If the Lord indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.’ ”

And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron.

Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ ” And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything. Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city—from Giloh—while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number.” (2 Samuel 15:1-12)

That is exactly how REBELS act.

They win over the hearts of some who are “innocent” and even of some “saints” like Ahithophel.

Maybe you are jumping on the bandwagon of a rebel without realising it. May the Holy Spirit open your eyes before it’s too late.

God bless you all!