What does Ahithopel and the Corona Virus have in common? The both attack the weak and the weary!…. 2Samuel 17:1-4

🏹We should take time to compare and contrast between 1 Samuel 17 and 2 Samuel 17. In 1Samuel 17 we see the bold faith of a Shepherd boy David facing Goliath and by the time we come to 2 Samuel 17, King David badly in shape fleeing from his own son! Even the best can be found in the worst situation. It can happen to any of us, especially in this lockdown when our faith is tested to the core. Chased by his son Absalom and betrayed by his friend Ahithopel, David in his deepest darkest moments is unware of the conspiracy plot being cooked up by Ahithopel who is giving bad counsel to to Absalom to kill his father for the crown.

L👀k at the advice of given to Absalom. Doesn’t Ahithopel sound like the Corona Virus in 2 Samuel 17:1-4?

🏹Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. 2 I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king. 3 and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” 4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

🏹Ahithopel was a deadly virus on the inside, just as the corona virus is on the inside. Just as the outcome of the virus is death by attacking the physically vulnerable, Satan was using Ahithopel to attack David when he was spiritually low and emotionally vulnerable and tired from running.

🏹Ahithopel who once gave godly counsel, started developing deep seated bitterness towards David and Absalom took advantage of it. In 2Samuel 16:23 it tells us that the counsel of Ahithophel which he counseled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the of God when he counseled both David and Absalom. It is thought by many scholars that Psalm 55 was composed by David when he heard of the defection and counsel that Ahithophel has given to Absalom.

🏹Dear Child of God, Remember this, In Hebrews 12:15, we are told to watch carefully that we do not miss the grace of God by allowing a root of bitterness to spring up. It will trouble us and pollute our hear and spirit and many can become defiled as a result of our bitterness.

🏹In this Pandemic situation, when more restrictions are imposed upon us we have to do what Proverbs 4:23 telusu us to do, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it flows the issues of life. Bitterness can affect our immune system and make us more vulnerable to sickness and disease. We got to learn from the Psalms David wrote in his lowest point to encourage ourselves in the Lord.

🏹We know that David who had the Bold Faith in 1Samuel 17 to face Goliath, went on to rule as the King and died as the King, but Ahithopel went and hanged himself, 2Samuel 17:23. Ahithopel had every opportunity to become like David’s Mighty men who had nothing but desperation and depression to begin with, but they hooked up with David’s vision to become the elite army, 1Samuel 22:2, 23;13

🏹We who are trying to make sense of the present bruised world should not become weak, weary or terrified and become angry with those in authority. Bitterness is more contagious and deadly than the corona virus. We need to be motivated primarily by our faith, and not be hindered to be godly counselors, by our fears, bitterness and anger in this present scenario.

🏹For David, God’s glory was more important than his own victory. David is concerned for God’s reputation, not his own. He always knew that the battle is the Lord’s. So often we think we are alone in what we are facing. But, when we are living for God, He is present no matter what is going on in our lives. And if what we are going through affects His Kingdom agenda, plans and purposes and His Glory, then it is His battle, not ours at all….Amen🙏

anniekoshy@God’s Thirstydeer🦌
Breaking the Chain with You