The Importance of Ruling Your House

568 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 16:5 Now when King David came to Bahurim, there was a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, coming from there. He came out, cursing continuously as he came. 6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David. And all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 Also Shimei said thus when he cursed: "Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue! 8 "The LORD has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. So now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!" All is not well between the house of Saul and the house of David. Shimei greets the fleeing king David with curses and stones. He is certain that this bloodthirsty king is getting what he had coming. Shimei is still hurting over the slaying of Abner and Ish-bosheth, who were both part of the household of Saul. Abner was slain by Joab in retaliation for his slaying of Joab's brother. This was made worse by the fact that it happened immediately after Abner and David had made peace with each other. Ishbosheth was slain while he lay on his bed by two of David's men. David had the killers of Ish-bosheth put to death for their crime. But Shimei's response here shows that he held David responsible for the actions of his underlings. Absalom's revolt in the eyes of Shimei was further proof that David could not rule those under his authority. (why, he couldn't rule his own son!) The ability to rule those under your authority is an important part of church leadership As spoken of in 1Ti 3:4. Here part of the qualifications for church leadership is to be “one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?) This entire saga of David, from Abner to Ishbosheth to Tamar, to Amnon are all examples of what NOT to do in leadership. May God raise up merciful and just leaders in His church.

Don't Preach For the Sake of the Offering

565 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 16:3,4, “Then the king said, "And where is your master's son?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, 'Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.'" 4 So the king said to Ziba, "Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours." And Ziba said, "I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!" (2 Sam 16:1-4) Ziba has given a generous gift to David as the kings readies to leave for the wilderness. Then Ziba tells a blatant lie about Mephibosheth and David doesn't take the time to get the real story. He immediately hands over all of Mephibosheth's property to Ziba. There is so much wrong here. Let's start with the necessity of establishing a matter with two witnesses. 2Co 13:1b says, "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." And in the matter of church discipline, Jesus says in Mt 18:16, “take one or two others along with you that every charge may be established.” Still another bothersome part of the story is the possibility that David was quick to look the other way because of the nice gift he had received from Ziba. This can be a temptation in the church even today. Pastors, elders, church leaders can find themselves looking the other way at the indiscretions of those who generously fill the offering basket. Paul's instructions to Timothy in 1 Tim 5:21, were, “do nothing from partiality,” and in James 2:3,4 “and if you pay attention to the one who wears fine clothing....have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” Then in James 2:9, “But if you show partiality you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Ex 23:8 And you shall take no bribe, for the bribe blinds the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. The offering basket must never wag the tail of the church. A church that preaches for the sake of the offering,....well, “verily, verily, you have your reward. Truth must never be watered down for the sake of cash flow. Father, help us to remain steadfast in Your Word.

Hope For the Liar

565 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 16:3,4, “Then the king said, "And where is your master's son?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, 'Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.'" 4 So the king said to Ziba, "Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours." And Ziba said, "I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!" (2 Sam 16:1-4) David asks Ziba and interseting question. “where is your master's son?” Note, he didn't ask, “Where is Mephibosheth?” He asks, “where is your master's son?” Mephibosheth was the son of David's beloved friend Jonathan. By invoking the name and memory of Jonathan, integrity enters the conversation. Honesty, truth, valor, loyalty and all the other character traits of Jonathan are brought to mind. And how does Ziba respond? With a lie. Do you realize that as a professing Christian, Jesus is your Master? Your actions and deeds ought to reflect His character. And just one aspect of His character is He does not lie! Nu 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that He should lie,” and Heb 6:18 states that “ it is impossible for God to lie,” and in Tit 1:2, we read, “ in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,” We represent our Master and therefore we seek to tell the truth. The Apostle Paul was not afraid to make the connection between his relationship with Jesus his Master and telling the truth. In Ro 9:1, he said, “ I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,” and in 2Co 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.” and in Ga 1:20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) There are many stern warnings about liars in Scripture. Ps 101:7 says, “ He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.” Is there any hope for the liar? Yes! Start believing this truth, “I am a lying sinner!” Then confess the sin and believe 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Money Talks, But It Often Doesn't tell theTruth

565 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 16:1-4, “ When David was a little past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth, who met him with a couple of saddled donkeys, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, "What do you mean to do with these?" So Ziba said, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink." 3 Then the king said, "And where is your master's son?" And Ziba said to the king, "Indeed he is staying in Jerusalem, for he said, 'Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.'" 4 So the king said to Ziba, "Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours." And Ziba said, "I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!" (2 Sam 16:1-4) By way of review, Mephibosheth was Jonathan's son who was crippled as a five year old while fleeing for safety from the ravages of war. In an act of kindness David gave Mephibosheth all the property of Saul, and charged Ziba to be the overseer of this property, and further, Mephibosheth was given lifelong privileges of eating at the king's table. Ziba, seizes this opportunity to score points with David by bringing him much needed supplies, and when David inquires about Mephibosheth, Ziba lies and tells him that Mephibosheth was staying behind, hoping that this rebellion might restore his family to the throne. Upon hearing this news, David immediately cuts Mephibosheth off, and gives all of Mephibosheth's property to Ziba. Due to this generous gift (dare we say bribe?) from Ziba, David forgets a very important biblical principle. De 19:15 says, "One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” Davis has fallen victim to the truth spoken of in De 16:19b "a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.” There is a warning for all of us here. We should not let money and goods lead us to quick and erroneous judgment.

No Need For Spies

564 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:32-37, “ Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God-there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, "If you go on with me, then you will become a burden to me. 34 "But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father's servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,' then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me. 35 "And do you not have Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? Therefore it will be that whatever you hear from the king's house, you shall tell to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 "Indeed they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son; and by them you shall send me everything you hear." 37 So Hushai, David's friend, went into the city. And Absalom came into Jerusalem. ( 2 Sam 15:32-37) David has spent some time worshiping before he leaves for the wilderness. Who knows, maybe he was praying for guidance on how to go about defeating Absalom. He looks up and there standing before him is Hushai the Archite with his robe torn and dust on his head. Dare we say, an answer to prayer? Looks like Hushai is the last one out of town and that speaks of some kind of feebleness on his part that might slow David down when he is on the lam. It occurs to David that Hushai could be a very useful tool in defeating the advice of Ahithophel, which would be an answer to his most recent prayer. So he asks him to stay behind and feign loyalty to Absalom and to look for opportunities to thwart the advice of Ahithophel. In addition, he was to act as a spy and send any useful information to David via Ahimaaz, and Jonathon. Remember, this is war! And gathering useful information to use against the enemy is part of the deal. Israel had used spies in the past as they spied out the land of Canaan, and then there were the two spies who scoped out Jericho. Have you not heard that as a Christian, you too are in a war! But you and I don't need to employ spies in this battle. Everything you need to know about your enemy is found in the Scriptures. Know his tactics of doubt and isolation and seek to cling to Christ because the Scriptures also tell us who wins in the end!

People Will Take Shots At You, Don't Give Them Any Bullets

563 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:31 Then someone told David, saying, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." And David said, "O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!" David is made aware of the fact that his trusted advisor Ahithophel has jumped ship and sided with Absalom. David's first response is to pray! We could learn from that. When some trusted friend turns against us, our first response ought to be the same. Note that David does not pray harm against his friend, but rather his request is that God would turn the advice of Ahithophel into silliness. When someone turns on you, typically they speak words against you to others. Pray, like David, that their words would be regarded as silly. God is able to answer such a prayer. Job 12:20 says, “He deprives the trusted ones of speech, And takes away the discernment of the elders.” and in Job 12:24 “He takes away the common sense of a country's leaders and makes them stumble about in a pathless wilderness.” God heard David's prayer and answered it. We read of it in 2Sa 17:14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel." For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, and in this matter of people turning against you with words, remember 1Pe 2:1,12 “ Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” How effective is this? Let's be honest, if David would have kept his fleshly lusts under control, none of this would've happened. People will speak against you, that is your lot as a Christian, but let's you and I strive with the help of the Holy Spirit to not give them any ammunition.

What A Day That Will Be

562 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:27-30, “The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 "See, I will wait in the plains of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me." 29 Therefore Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem. And they remained there. 30 So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up. Did you catch the pun? I don't know if it was intended or not, but David asks Zadok to go back to the city and serve as a spy. “Are you not a see-er.” Good one Holy Spirit. So David and company begin their trudge away from Jerusalem. It is a time of weeping and mourning. They move up the slope of the Mount of Olives, as they must in order to reach their destination of the wilderness. This is the first mention of the Mount of Olives in Scripture, but it was the scene of many important events in the life of Jesus. Probably the most noted is it was the place where He ascended into heaven. And according to Zec 14:4, it will be the place where His feet will touchdown upon His return. “ And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.” What a Day that will be! Zech 14:9 says, that will be the Day when there will be one King, one Lord over the earth forever! That rebel, Satan, and his demons will be cast into hell, never to trouble the earth again. David and the people were weeping on this day because they were experiencing the problems that arise from a rebel who would make himself king (Absalom) And as you and I are caught up in these struggles on a daily basis, I would encourage you to read Zech 14 and see how it will all turn out one day for those who are in Christ! Father, thank You for this blessed hope. Even so Come Lord Jesus!

He Delights In You

561 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:24-27, “There was Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished crossing over from the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. 26 "But if He says thus: 'I have no delight in you,' here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him." 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. The priests and Levites demonstrate their loyalty to David as they carry the ark of the covenant out of the city. But David tells them to go back with the ark. This is the God of all of Israel, not just a God for David alone. David is going into the wilderness, where he will rely totally on the grace and mercy of God. If God delights in David, he is confident that God will bring him back, and if God does not delight in him....well David is prepared to accept that verdict as well. David is putting all his marbles into one jar. It is the jar of faith in the character of God and the veracity of His promises. If God says, “I delight in you David!” David knows he is safe. How about you? Can you put all your faith in the character of God and the promises in His Word? Can you know for sure that God delights in you? You can, and it's fairly simple. When Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration, God spoke from heaven and said, “ "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" Do you want the Lord to delight in you? Then, by faith, put on Jesus. Be found in Him and you will be pleasing to God! Ga 3:27 “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” When you put on Christ, by faith, God looks at you and sees Jesus and makes the same pronouncement, “This is My beloved Son (or daughter) in whom I am well pleased. No need to hedge your bet with self-righteousness, that won't fly anyway....just trust in Jesus! God delights in Him, He will delight in you. Father, thank You for the gift of faith.

Where the True Church Is Always Found

560 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness. How many times can the Holy Spirit use the phrase “crossed over” in one verse? Three times we read of a “crossing over.” There must be an important lesson for us here. The Hebrew word carries with it the idea of transition. David and the people were in transition. They were leaving the security of the man made walled city of Jerusalem and heading out into the wilderness. This Brook Kidron was the same brook that Jesus and His disciples crossed over on their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. It was in the Garden that Jesus asked the Father to take the cup of suffering away from Him. Jesus was about to transition to the cross. This was the ultimate wilderness because at one point on the cross, even God would forsake Him. It was here, that Jesus would demonstrate His ultimate reliance upon God. And it is in the wilderness that church is always found. In the Book of Revelation we read of a woman (the church) and the serpent (the devil) Re 12:13 Now when the dragon (Satan) saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. Where was the woman (the church) taken? Into the wilderness. In the wilderness, she is forced to rely on God and His promises, (it's called grace) and is in that trust that she is given the strength to withstand the face of the serpent. Have you crossed the Brook Kidron yet? Have you come to that place of utter reliance on the promises of God for your salvation and deliverance? Ps 62:2 says, He only is my rock and my salvation;” Enough of your puny good works and self-righteousness. Come to the Rock! Cross the Brook at Kidron and be saved! Father, ever lead us to the wilderness of utter reliance on you for deliverance and salvation.

Which King Will You Follow?

558 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:17 And the king went out with all the people after him, and stopped at the outskirts. 18 Then all his servants passed before him; and all the Cherethites, all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who had followed him from Gath, passed before the king. 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why are you also going with us? Return and remain with the king. For you are a foreigner and also an exile from your own place. 20 "In fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down with us today, since I go I know not where? Return, and take your brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you." 21 And Ittai answered the king and said, "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be." 22 So David said to Ittai, "Go, and cross over." Then Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all the little ones who were with him crossed over. ( 2 Sam 15:17-22) David exits the city and pauses at the outskirts to see who is leaving with him. All his servants are leaving with him as well as the Cherethites, all the Pelethites, (these men had become David's body guards or Secret Service men if you will) another 600 men who had been with him since the days when he fled to Gath, there were also some Gittites, who along with their leader Ittai, had just arrived yesterday fleeing their own country. David, gives Ittai and the Gittites an out. They don't have to follow him into the wilderness, they can stay in Jerusalem and serve Absalom. But Ittai responds in the same way Ruth responded to Naomi when faced with a similar choice. Ru 1:16 But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me." My friend, what will it be for you? Will you stay where you are and follow the self-appointed king (the devil) or will you be willing to enter into the harsh realities of following Jesus into the wilderness. The wilderness is a place where the true church of God is always found, totally reliant upon Him for everything! It may seem scary at first, but in the long run, it is the safest place to be. Father, grant that Ruth and Ittai like faith to those who need it today!

The Chips Are In His Hand

557 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:13-16, “Now a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." 14 So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee; or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword." 15 And the king's servants said to the king, "We are your servants, ready to do whatever my lord the king commands." 16 Then the king went out with all his household after him. But the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house. (2 Sam 15:13-16,) This just seems so out of character for David. What happened to the little boy who ran at Goliath and took him down? Now, he hears a rumor about Absalom's revolt and the first thing he says is “let's get out of here!” Then we are told that he leaves ten women behind to “keep the house?” Well, David, why don't we just pack up everything and head to “mamby pamby land!” What's going on here? Well, there's no need to over-analyze the situation. This is just how it happened. This was how David responded, and his response would set up the fulfillment of the judgment spoken against him by Nathan after the incident with Bathsheba. Remember what the Lord said back in 2Sa 12:11 "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.” Do you think that David's actions were governed by his free will? Do you think that he was thinking, “I need to flee Jerusalem and leave some wives behind so God's judgment against me will come to pass? I've got news for you...God doesn't need our help in deciding when He will carry out judgment. And this incident should serve as a reminder to us that God's will advances when and where He pleases. He can step in whenever He feels like it. Pr 21:1 says, “ The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” If He can do it to the king's heart, He can do it to mine and yours.” Therefore, let us seek to follow Him, trusting that the chips are in His hand and He will cause them to fall where He may.

Seeds of Disdain

556 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:12, "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 Sam 15:12) Getting an insider like Ahithophel on his team was quite a coup for Absalom, just as getting the insider Judas on his side was quite a coup for the devil. Neither insider worked out as we know and both lives ended tragically. There is no doubt that Ahithophel is portrayed in the Scriptures as a “type” of Judas. He is the one David refers to in Ps 41:9, “ Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.” and again in Ps 55:12-14, “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. 13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.” The seeds of Ahithophel's disdain for David likely began when David committed adultery with Ahithophel's granddaughter Bathsheba. It was further fueled by David's lack of discipline against Amnon for his sexual assault of Absalom's sister Tamar. This reign of David was not turning out the way Ahithophel had envisioned it, and with Absalom in power things would be more in line with Ahithophel's way of thinking. We can only speculate about the seeds of disdain that were growing in Judas that led to his betrayal of Jesus, but let us learn from their experiences whenever seeds of disdain begin to show up in our own relationships, especially in our marriages. There will come a time in every marriage when the honeymoon is over. Little seeds of disdain begin to get planted when the marriage isn't going according to the way you envisioned it. Know this reality going into the marriage, and commit from the very beginning to not allow them to lead you into betrayal. Work through them with prayer, patience, humility, love, and understanding. Father, help us to work through our disappointments in our relationships.

Don't Give Place To Hatred

555 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:8-12, "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.'" 9 And the king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron. 10 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!'" 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything. 12 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 Sam 15:8-12) Well, at least we have a name for what Absalom is engaged in....it's a conspiracy, and it's getting stronger and stronger. He has already won many hearts over with his handling of the complaints of the common people in the gate. He has surrounded himself with an entourage with king-like trappings. And now he shows everyone how religious he is as he makes a big show of going to Hebron to make good on a vow. It was during this big show of sacrifices that he sends for a co-conspirator named Ahithophel. Ahithophel had become one of David's most trusted advisers as we read in 1Ch 27:33 “ Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion. 34 After Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, then Abiathar. And the general of the king's army was Joab.” That's a pretty impressive list of men who were named AFTER Ahithophel. He was an important man in David's chain of command. Although not specifically stated here, I think it is safe to assume that Absalom had been having conversations with Ahithophel about replacing his father as king. This invitation to join the conspiracy didn't just come out of the blue. We shall see that although Ahithophel was in David's close circle of power, he had a disdain for him, that even caused him to want to put David to death. Stay tuned for more of this Godfather like story and remember again in your own life. Don't give place to hatred! Ro 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

How's That Working Out For You

554 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:7 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. After forty years? Forty years of what? This cannot mean that Absalom waited a full forty years before he made his move. He was ready now! We need to go back further in time. Before we do, let's look at the significance of the number 40. The number forty in Scripture is associated with a time of probation, trial, or discipline. These periods are included in Scripture to cause us to pause and ask ourselves, “How's that working out for you?” After reading of the 40 days and nights of flooding in the days of Noah, we ought to ask, “How did the utter disregard for God working out for the world? When the Israelites were forced to wander in the wilderness for forty years, we ought to ask, “How did that lack of trust in God work out for them?” In Jg 13:1 we read, “Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.” Did you catch the word AGAIN? AGAIN, and AGAIN and AGAIN, we don't seem to learn! But it's not always bad! In the Days of Gideon when the people followed the Lord, we read, in Jg 8:28 Thus Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted their heads no more. And the country was quiet for forty years in the days of Gideon.” How did following the Lord work out for you? This 40 year period spoken of concerning Absalom was likely 40 years after the people demanded that Samuel give them a king. And the question begs to be asked, “How's that “king thing” working out for you people? It's been a mess! It's a mess because we are sinners, and we are going to mess things up. Our only hope then is to turn to the One King who never messes up. Jesus. This same Jesus who spent 40 days in the wilderness facing every temptation known to man, and He withstood them all. How did that work out for us? It worked out extremely well for those who see that giving into a life of sin and not trusting Jesus is a recipe for disaster. Always has been and always will. So whenever you see that number 40 in Scripture, you might ask yourself, “How did that work out for the people? Then pay attention to the one that worked out best. Father, help us to trust You and Your Word. Father truly knows best.

More Godfather Similarities

553 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 15:1-6, “After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 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." 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you." 4 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." 5 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. 6 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. I am amazed at the similarities between this story and the Godfather. Even the opening scene in the movie is similar. In the movie a man comes to Don Vito Corlione asking for punishment to be meted out for his daughter's rapist because he was not getting justice from the proper authorities. (Isn't that how this whole mess got started?) Here we see Absalom surrounding himself with henchmen and fancy cars so he can look the part of the king. Imagine a motorcade of cars with henchmen obvious everywhere driving around Jerusalem. What do you think the people were thinking? They were thinking “this is a powerful man!” Having won the citizens of Jerusalem to his side. Absalom now seeks to find favor with the other tribes. He does it the same way the Godfather does. Unlike the king who delays his justice, Absalom grants favors and justice swiftly. Even sealing his promise of justice with a kiss to all who come before him. This is just so mafioso! It makes me want to see the movie and read the book! The problem with this style of justice is it always turns into one big unending violent mess. As followers of Jesus, as God's children we ought to be just people, but when it comes to meting out punishment for injustice. We ought to leave that in the hands of God. For He says, Ro 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

The Godfather Saga Continues

552 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 14:29-33, Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come. 30 So he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is near mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire." And Absalom's servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom's house, and said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?" 32 And Absalom answered Joab, "Look, I sent to you, saying, 'Come here, so that I may send you to the king, to say, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still."' Now therefore, let me see the king's face; but if there is iniquity in me, let him execute me." 33 So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom. (2 Sam 14:29-33) Don't miss the “therefore” at the beginning of this passage. Remember, every time you see the word “therefore” in Scripture, you need to back up and see what the “therefore” is “there for.” In this case it appears that Absalom was getting itchy about the prospect of taking over the throne. We were told that 'In all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom.” He knew the people were on his side and after two years, he felt it was time to make his move. He sends a message to Joab hoping to set up a meeting with his dad in order to get clear the air once and for all over this matter of the killing of Amnon for what he did to Absalom's sister Tamar. Joab ignores the first message, and the second, so Absalom sends a mafioso type message, he torches Joab's barley field. Joab agrees to set up the meeting, and this just tells us how much Absalom's popularity caused even the mighty warrior Joab to do his bidding. The meeting is set up and David kisses his son. The symbolic kiss indicates all is well as far as David is concerned. But Absalom wants a lot more. I tell you, this whole scenario has been reading like the “Godfather.” Revenge, violence, and a power struggle are marking the internal struggles of this family rather than grace mercy, and forgiveness. Col 3:12 says, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; It seems Absalom was lacking in all 5. How's it going in your family, church and otherwise? Father help us to be merciful, kind, humble, meek, and patient in all our dealings in the family.

Who's the Prisoner?

551 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 14:25-28, “Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 26 And when he cut the hair of his head-at the end of every year he cut it because it was heavy on him-when he cut it, he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels according to the king's standard. 27 To Absalom were born three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a woman of beautiful appearance. 28 And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king's face. (2 Sam 14:25-28) Absalom, though forbidden to have an audience with the king (his father) apparently had the run of the town. Obviously he was a hunk. He was the Jewish Adonis! Eyes turned when he walked by. His head of hair was legendary, an afro that just wouldn't quit! Apparently this was a large part of his attractiveness. Such hair is praised in the Song of Solomon: Song 5:11 His head is like the finest gold; His locks are wavy, And black as a raven.” His family is even mentioned, which means that he was very much a part of the Jerusalem scene. He had three sons and a beautiful daughter.... a model citizen, with a beautiful family, and he was heir to the throne. Meanwhile, David, his father is in the presidential palace, avoiding all contact with his son, still harboring unforgiveness. Better send out for the pizza David, you wouldn't want to accidentally run into your son. Kind of makes you wonder....who's the prisoner? Who's enjoying life here and who isn't? And that's the way it is with unforgiveness. It doesn't have to be. God is in the forgiving business and HE wants you and I to be in it as well. Col 3:13 reminds us, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Having trouble forgiving someone. Remember that it is God's will to forgive, and since it is His will, you can confidently ask Him to help you over the unforgivenss hurdle. He is able to release you from your self-imposed prison.

Stop Manipulating

550 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 14:23,24, “So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, "Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, but did not see the king's face. (2 Sam 14:23,24) This decision by David doesn't make sense to me. Absalom had fled to Geshur and stayed there for three years. To leave Geshur and return to Israel would be a death warrant according to the Law of the Avenger for he had killed his brother Amnon with pre-meditation. So on one hand David longed for his son and his safe return to his homeland, for he had already lost the first successor to his throne (Amnon) and now the next successor was holed up in Geshur facing execution should he ever set foot on the soil of his homeland. Nonetheless, Joab comes up with a plan to bring Absalom home, so that one day he will be able to succeed David. Apparently the idea of succession was David's primary concern, because even though Absalom was brought back under the king's pledge of safety. The king, forbade any contact between the two. You know, none of this happens if David deals with the crime of Amnon in the first place. Royal family or not, Amnon should have been punished according to the law of the land. Stop worrying about your precious succession David and let the Lord handle it. Or have you forgotten what God did shortly after the birth of Solomon? Nathan came to David and said, “his name shall be Jedidiah which means “beloved of the Lord.” (God had this whole succession thing already in His hand.) Meanwhile, David's job was to simply seek to live and govern according to God's Word. But he didn't and he continued to make mess upon mess, only to see God eventually work it out according to His plan anyway. Oh that we would learn to stop manipulating our circumstances and start trusting God. Let's seek to spend less energy on playing god, and more energy on drawing nearer to Him, trusting Him for the rest. God, give me the grace to trust You more.

You Won't Know Until You Ask

549- Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 14:18-22, “Then the king answered and said to the woman, "Please do not hide from me anything that I ask you." And the woman said, "Please, let my lord the king speak." 19 So the king said, "Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?" And the woman answered and said, "As you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken. For your servant Joab commanded me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your maidservant. 20 "To bring about this change of affairs your servant Joab has done this thing; but my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that is in the earth." 21 And the king said to Joab, "All right, I have granted this thing. Go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom." 22 Then Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself, and thanked the king. And Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant." (2 Sam 14:18-22) Here we have a picture of prayer. You don't have to pray alone, you can ask others to pray for you! In essence, this is what Joab has done through the widow. Picture this whole scene as the throne room of God, with David representing Jesus. If I would ask you to “pray for me,” I would be like Joab here and you would be the widow. When you pray for me, you bring me into the throne room with you! For whatever reason Joab was reluctant to bring his case to the king alone. Or maybe God was using this whole scenario to show us some biblical truths about prayer. The first truth we can learn from this is pray! Ask God! You never know, He may grant your petition! Jas 4:2b says, “you do not have because you do not ask.” Be persistent! Jesus speaking in Mt 7:7 encourages us to, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” And in Mt 18:19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” This last one is especially pertinent in this case because in context it deals with the restoration of a brother, and this is what the widow and Joab desired in the case of Absalom. So pray my brothers! Pray my sisters! You won't know until you ask!