MEMORISE
In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6).
READ:
2 Samuel 15:1-12
[1]. 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.
[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.
[8]. 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.
EXPOSITION
The Hebrew "Ganab" means "to thieve, steal, deceive, or carry away by deceit." It also means "to obtain or achieve something by stealth." According to our text today, this is the crooked political propaganda employed by Prince Absalom to rebelliously win his father's subjects hearts to himself.
Politics is defined as the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government even as today marks International Day of Democracy. It is also social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power. Intrigue, here, means "a crafty plot to achieve usually a sinister end." Going by the modern-day quest for power and authority in all climes, nothing seems to have changed from this unfortunate phenomenon. Should this continue?
Stealing, deceit, stealth, secrecy, character assassination, shedding of innocent blood, employing dangerous weapons and political thugs, terrible covenants with the devil, and godfatherism, among others, are some terrible things people do in the name of politics-do or die. Absalom played this type of politics against his father.
There is the need for all and sundry, especially those interested and actively engaged in politics, to accept and recognise the fact that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whomever He wills (Psa. 24:1ff; 75:6,7; cf. Col. 1:12-19). All attempts to gain it at all cost, whether by hook or crook, just like Absalom did, is totally wrong, and would surely end in disaster! God can never be happy with the crafty. Ask Absalom; he didn't live to see the end of his rebellion.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 724
1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the Cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet-call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this His glorious day!
Ye that are men, now serve Him
Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone:
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Christian's armour,
And watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.
4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor's song
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank God for making you His ambassador here on earth.
2. Pray for God's direction and favour on how to play the politics in your home, church and society, in the way that pleases Him.
3. Pray to God for politicians, especially Christians, that God should give them the grace to be true and righteous, in Jesus' name.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Ezekiel 25:1-28:10
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Friday, September 15, 2023 (International Day of Democracy) TOPIC: THE WRONG POLITICS){kind=link}