Good morning! It’s Tuesday, May 8, 2024. In his lust for control and prominence, Absalom overthrows his father’s throne and crowns himself king. He is counseled to violate each of his father’s concubines to establish himself even more. This poor advice came from the former counselor to the king, Ahithophel. His advice, once wise, now goes south until both he and his counselee are dead. Poor counsel can come not only from your enemies but also from your closest allies! Read on…
Today's Reading:
2 Samuel 15,16; Psalms 32; Matthew 25
Scripture
"Absalom said to Ahithophel: “Give us your advice. What should we do?” Ahithophel answered: ‘Sleep with your father’s concubines…’” (2 Samuel 16:20-21)
Observation
Athilophel was once a counselor to King David, but here he switches sides. Once wise, now foolish. Once revered, now dishonored.
Ahithophel figured that Absalom would be the new king. Therefore, he decided to trade his loyalty to David to keep his position and prominence. When his personal motives overrode his calling, deceit entered his heart. In the next chapter, Ahithophel will take his own life and leave behind a legacy of regret.
Application
This can happen to anyone. When the need for importance becomes greater than maintaining a pure heart, deceit enters. Psalm 32:2 tells us that God honors those “in whose heart there is no deceit.” When we allow “what we know” to overshadow “what we want,” God’s will and our personal desires become one and the same.
I must protect my heart at all costs because if I don’t, an invisible deceit will sour my decisions. I must also be aware of errant advice, even when it comes from close allies. Although it may sound good at the time, not all “affirming” counsel is necessarily wise counsel. I must seek God’s face for myself, and then I will be able to recognize good advice from bad.
Prayer
Father, today I saw a heart that began innocently turn inward at the end. This happened with King Saul, Solomon, Samson, Judas Iscariot, and more. Help me to stay true and to finish well. I will fix my gaze and my heart on You!
“My heart is fixed, Oh God. My heart is fixed!” -Ps. 17:7
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