Absalom Spirit II

‘For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and punishes each one he accepts as his child’ Heb.12:6

Watch out for the spirit of Absalom. The spirit of Absalom would say, “that is their ruling but if I were the head of that department, my ruling would favour you”. That is an Absalom spirit right there. “If only Pastor will be spiritual enough and make me the department head, you will see how this department will make progress”. For four years, Absalom was patient and consistent. The Bible says he bought a chariot, he hired fifty bodyguards and he consistently implemented his plot. At the end of four years, he led a revolution and drove David from the palace. David had to run for his life, practically on bare feet. Absalom took over and slept with David’s wives on the same rooftop where David saw Bathsheba. Who reinstated Absalom? Be wise not to graft back the branches the Lord has pruned. Why did David almost lose the battle against Absalom? Why was this battle the toughest battle David fought?

The first reason was because this was part of God’s punishment for David. God had said this would happen when David slept with Bathsheba. “The sword will not depart from your house and someone close to you will sleep with your wives at the rooftop in front of the whole of Israel”. This is God forgiving David on one hand and punishing him on the other hand. Some people cannot wrap their minds around this. God has forgiven David, yes but to whom much is given much is expected. Do not only reference David as an example for sin, reference him also as an example for discipline. God forgives but God also disciplines! In fact, the Bible says ‘the Lord disciplines those he loves, and punishes each one he accepts’. In other words, chastisement is a sign of acceptance. So if you’re doing something and God is not chastising you, check and be very afraid. From a very young age, even my grandmother pointed it out to me, every other person may get away doing the same thing but as soon as I do it, I get punished. The same thing continued into my walk with God and it used to bother me at first. “Lord, why can’t I come and repent later?” Until I realized that I am the beloved of the Lord. I am God’s favourite. Honestly to be a favourite of God comes with huge responsibilities.

Prayer [song]: Our God of faithfulness, without injustice, good and upright is He. Our God of faithfulness without injustice, good and upright is He. Amen!