Rebellion

Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’ (verse 10)

Read 2 Samuel 15:1-16

Underhanded – it is the first word that comes to mind when I read today’s passage. Absalom has schemed and worked the situation for four years and thus ‘stole[n) the hearts of the people’.  Then he starts a conspiracy, claiming he is King in Hebron, the same place where David was made king before he moved to Jerusalem.

The supposed justification for the rebellion was the false claim of the mismanagement in the administration of justice by King David. Absalom intercepted people at the city gate to spread his lies. By making himself’ ‘accessible ‘in this way, he dupes the people into supporting him.

This kind of manoeuvring is rife today, not just in individuals, but in corporations, governments and nations.

Describe a situation when you have been the victim of someone else’s underhanded manoeuvrings.

King of the universe, thank you that you are the true King. Help me when I am in the throws of someone else’s schemes and give me wisdom in those moments to act with integrity and grace. Amen.

by Rebecca Cronau in ‘Time Out to Tune in’ (LCA, Australian Christian Resources, 2018)

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