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.