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.