pramsay posted on October 17, 2006 09:07
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Jake: “I’m not worried in the least. I trust him 100% – I’m sure he’s got no agenda. He’s sincere. He just wants to be a blessing. I felt like scum until he came on the scene and now all of a sudden he’s talking to me and sympathizing with me. He said that if he had been the judge when my case came up, he would have ruled in my favor! Finally someone understands me.”
Jed: “But lately he’s been saying to everybody - ‘Well, if I was in charge around here, things would be a lot different!’ Jake, doesn’t that sound sort of fishy to you? And what’s with this kissing thing? He puts out his hand, pulls you near for a kiss. Initially, I felt flattered that the King’s son would show an interest in little old me, but now I’m suspicious about what he’s up to. Some of that stuff may be self-serving – because he’s gaining popularity fast.”
Not everyone in Jerusalem was aware of what was happening to them. Absalom was ‘
stealing’ the hearts of the men of Israel. (2Samuel 15:6) He had a lot going for him. His dad was prominent – in fact, the King. So he was blue chip stock. He wasn’t all that ugly either. (2 Samuel 14:25) No warts, moles, wrinkles or crooked teeth. A poster-boy! Plus, he was ambitious. He was up at the crack of dawn, out at the gates where he could be seen, nodding and waving and lending his ear to anyone who had a complaint. What a good listener he was! So understanding and so sympathetic.
And now he is inviting 200 men to a retreat with him – of course for spiritual reasons. He told his dad he had to go to Hebron to honor a vow to the Lord. How’s that for a good spiritual spin on the big ‘
Hebron Retreat.’ And the men’s group left for the retreat. This is how the King James Version puts it:
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem
That were called (invited);
And they went in their simplicity,
And they knew not anything.
2 Samuel 15:11
It always feels good to be included and invited! Those 200 men never suspected that Absalom was deliberately trying to win them over to his side. The phrase “
they went in their simplicity” means they went in all their integrity and innocence, naively, not suspecting a thing – confident that Absalom was honorable in all of this. But here’s what was really happening:
“And the conspiracy was strong;
For the people increased continually with Absalom.”
2 Samuel 15:12
Is the story relevant? Be
very cautious about someone who comes into the circle of your life and takes your heart by a storm. So impressive. So wowing. Such a sympathizer. So real. So down to earth. So caring. Such a good listener. So spiritual. Someone who agrees with your point of view and seems to understand why you’re upset and then can be so encouraging when he says: “Hang in there – together we might be able to change some things. I too wish the leaders around here saw things differently. If the Lord ever puts me into a position of leadership, I will make some big changes. In the meantime, I will try to influence things behind the scenes. And remember, I am always here for you and I’m praying for you.”
Absalom exhibited some excellent qualities. Many of the qualities just listed are excellent and much needed everywhere. But be very cautious. Ask the Lord for wisdom.
If someone is influencing you more and more but from time to time says little things that cause you to think twice about people or principles or practices you formerly respected – be very careful. Something may be happening to you.
Someone may be ‘stealing’ your heart.