Beware Of The Error Of Absalom

Absalom was the third child of David. The meaning of Absalom is “father of peace,” but this man lived a life opposite his name, he became a father of sorrow by choice. Absalom killed his elder brother Amnon, rebelled against the king his father, planned his father’s overthrow from the throne and exposed his father’s nakedness. He became a byword.

There are lessons to learn from Absalom to avoid these pitfalls of destiny.

The Spirit of Deception

Absalom was deceptive and liked a deceptive life. A pastor must avoid living a deceptive life, the spirit of pretense and hypocrisy. Do not pretend to be what you are not. Absalom acted like a good man at the gate and deceived the whole Israel; he stole their hearts and David did not know. This is evil and dangerous (2 Samuel 15:2-6). Don’t steal the heart of members of another minister to achieve your selfish ambition. Show them God and build the kingdom not your kingdom. If you live a deceptive life, you may succeed for a while but you will not end well.

The Spirit of Division

Absalom was divisive, operated with that spirit and caused much damage to the land. He succeeded in dividing the nation into two camps. Some followed him, others followed David. He won over King David’s right – hand man, Ahithophel. Don’t instigate division in church, you may not survive it or you may suffer terribly.

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 2 Samuel 15:10

God hates division of His body. Do not be an instrument of division neither partake in or with those who cause division.

Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17.

Don’t poison people’s heart against your pastor or the church; it is the spirit of Absalom.

Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10.

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:3

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 1 Corinthians 11:18.

The Spirit of Pride

Absalom was a proud man. Absalom has what any person could look for in a man, it made him proud. He probably was a good orator, skillful and good looking with some disposable cash and was able to win Ahithophel to his side (2 Samuel 14:25). Pride does nobody any good, avoid it no matter who you are or think you are. Humility pays good reward (Proverbs 13:10). Let us avoid pride and serve God in humility. You may be good or the best in your assignment, please maintain a humble heart and a cool head because the journey is still far, do not cut it short.

The Spirit of Rebellion

 No better name could be given to Absalom than a rebel. He was rebellious even to his father. He was defiant to authority and forcefully removed his father from the throne, taking over the government (2 Samuel 15:10). There are people in church who constantly fight against the pastor and rules of the church and that is the spirit of rebellion. The leadership to them is always wrong.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou has rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1 Samuel 15:23.

Rebellion is witchcraft; avoid it. Some are rebels but religious about it. It is done religiously in pride. They find fault and give an impression they meant well but coat it in what looks like humility. They ask the pastor embarrassing questions; questions that cause division. Watch your heart against the spirit of rebellion.

The Spirit of Un-forgiveness

Absalom was unforgiving, even to his brother, Amnon (2 Samuel 13:22-23). Amnon was wrong by raping his young sister, Tamar. Absalom kept it for two years; everyone thought the case was over and he struck.

Avoid bitterness and un-forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8). Let us make peace and move-on, we are to build the kingdom in peace (Matthew 6:14-15). As humans, somebody will cause you an offence (Luke 18:1); but let’s guard our hearts, forgive for the kingdom and your life’s sake.

The Spirit of Power, Position and Title

 Absalom was title and power drunk, he wanted to be King by all means, even if it is by disgracing or killing his father. He loved recognition and power. Anyone seeking power, position and title does not want to serve but to be served. Absalom sought to be promoted above everyone else. Every leader and worker should be careful of unholy ambition and unholy desires to become anything or occupy position in the church without God or chosen by divine order for it. You may get the position or the office without divine protection – you will end in shame.

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. 2 Samuel 15:10.

Don’t be position-crazy or desire early ordination. Some pastors, leaders or workers, if not ordained could cause division and start speaking evil of their pastors and those who are more qualified than them.

David served his father Jesse and served King Saul, even though King Saul did not treat him with kindness but he still served him. Absalom will not serve anybody. You don’t need a title to kill Goliath, the lion and the bear but killing them will eventually give you a title. Don’t love the wrong thing (Matthew 23:6). If you are a church worker and have never won a soul, then check your life again.

The Spirit of Immorality

 (2 Samuel 16:21-22) This was manifested in Absalom he desecrated his father’s bed openly. This is a very bad spirit to avoid (1 Corinthians 5:1). Let us avoid this evil.

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 1 Corinthian 10:8.

Guard and watch your desires and watch your hearts. Watch the thought that proceeds out of your heart and align them with the Word and your love for God. Do not destroy your father’s house and yourself with ambition but build your father’s house.