Respect our warriors

Rom 13:7  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

2 Sam 19:1  And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
2 Sam 19:2  And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
2 Sam 19:3  And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
2 Sam 19:4  But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
2 Sam 19:5  And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
2 Sam 19:6  In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
2 Sam 19:7  Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.
2 Sam 19:8  Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

David was the leader that his warriors fought and died for, but his heart was grieving over the loss of Absalom his son. Joab had to set him straight. His tears for the enemy were inappropriate.  A leader must show support for his warriors. Those who put their lives in danger for their country should be honored and respected. Often those who fight are betrayed by the leader who seems to care more for the enemy. If we support a friendly nation, then we should not send arms to their enemy. There are so many things that are not right. To be a leader you must do what is right. Many leaders of our nation have no truth anymore, it is all some alien idealogy in control. The truth is, there are spirits controlling the leaders, a good Holy Spirit, or a destructive demonic spirit. Oh, how we need leaders after God's own heart. David was after God's own heart and he could be corrected when he was wrong.

Two monuments

2 Sam18:5 And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: "For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom." And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders.

6 So the battle began in the forest of Ephraim,

7 and the Israelite troops were beaten back by David's men. There was a great slaughter, and twenty thousand men laid down their lives that day.

8 The battle raged all across the countryside, and more men died because of the forest than were killed by the sword.

9 During the battle, Absalom came unexpectedly upon some of David's men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great oak, his head got caught. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air.

10 One of David's men saw what had happened and told Joab, "I saw Absalom dangling in a tree."

11 "What?" Joab demanded. "You saw him there and didn't kill him? I would have rewarded you with ten pieces of silver and a hero's belt!"

12 "I wouldn't do it for a thousand pieces of silver, " the man replied. "We all heard the king say to you and Abishai and Ittai, 'For my sake, please don't harm young Absalom.'

13 And if I had betrayed the king by killing his son -- and the king would certainly find out who did it -- you yourself would be the first to abandon me."

14 "Enough of this nonsense," Joab said. Then he took three daggers and plunged them into Absalom's heart as he dangled from the oak still alive.

15 Ten of Joab's young armor bearers then surrounded Absalom and killed him.

16 Then Joab blew the trumpet, and his men returned from chasing the army of Israel.

17 They threw Absalom's body into a deep pit in the forest and piled a great heap of stones over it. And the army of Israel fled to their homes.

18 During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day. (NLT)

 

Two monuments; one to prideful self and a pile of stones marking his destruction.

 

Prov 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:19  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

 

John 5:44  How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

 

David may have been a poor father but he loved his prideful son. He did not want any harm to come to him, but the rules of war are different. Joab killed Absalom as Absalom's prideful head was caught in an oak tree limb where he was dangling. An amazing story. All the forest was in the battle, just as God may use the creation to bless us, he can use it to chastize us as well. " ...and more men died because of the forest than were killed by the sword. "

 

Twenty thousand of Israel were killed because of David's prideful rebellious son. David cried when he heard of his son's death.

 

2 Sam 18:33  And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

This reminds me of Jesus crying over Jerusalem, a rebellious people. 

Mat 23:37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

As David would have died to save his rebellious son, God's own son Jesus came to die for God's rebellious sons. We humans were created in the image of God, but sin had separated us. The law said we deserved death. God's love sent his Son Jesus to die for us. A son of David died for all Israel and all who would believe in him. Through faith we receive God's grace instead of the law of death. We are saved by the blood of Jesus and by believing that he did this we are forgiven and given eternal life with Jesus and God the Father. An amazing story and it is the truth. Leave the monuments of pride and the grave and look unto Jesus and the cross.

A deceiver

  

2 Sam 15:1  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 Sam 15:2  And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
2 Sam 15:3  And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
2 Sam 15:4  Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
2 Sam 15:5  And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
2 Sam 15:6  And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

 

Absalom was out to steal the kingdom away from his father David. He was young and handsome with a full head of hair, He was friendly and he hugged the people. Believe me when I say we must watch out for those who seek to win over people, seeming to care for them. We may be embracing the devil in disguise. Remember how Jesus was betrayed with a kiss.

 

People are so ignorant. A nation will elect a devil if he looks like he will give them something for nothing. People are moved by emotions, "I don't care what you say, I want to know that you care." Well, you had better listen to what is said and look beyond the pretending of a wolf who appears to love the sheep. We must  discern the spirits. Many choose leaders by appearance,  as when the nation of Israel chose Saul as their king.

 

1 Sam 9:2  ... Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

 

Saul failed to obey the LORD and was rejected by him. I cannot understand how so many people will keep following a man who is a liar and who will say anything to appear to please the people, but will not follow God. This is a  false shepherd who comes to be one of us, but whose heart has an evil plan.

 

John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

We must be careful, many sheep will cuddle up to an affectionate wolf in sheep's clothing. Examine the fruit, not just what seems to look good. A politician will win hearts by kissing babies, but his true plan is to kill them. King Herod wanted to know where the new king of the Jews was.

 

Mat 2:8  ...Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

His true intent was to destroy the child.  A politician will embrace illegal aliens to get more votes, but he will become a tyrant once his power is securred. The more we trust false words and false appearances, the more likely we will allow evil to take root. The false leaders will not keep the laws.

 

Prov 29:18  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
 

If we follow people who will not follow God we all will fall.

 

Mat 15:10  And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
Mat 15:11  Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Mat 15:12  Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Mat 15:13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Follow Jesus and be careful who you trust, there are many deceivers.

Spirit of lust

2 Sam 13:1  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
2 Sam 13:2  And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

2 Sam 13:10  And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
2 Sam 13:11  And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.
2 Sam 13:12  And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.
2 Sam 13:13  And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.
2 Sam 13:14  Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.
2 Sam 13:15  Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.
2 Sam 13:16  And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.
2 Sam 13:17  Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.

There are many testimonies of children who were abused by some family member. Along with the abuse came a curse "you are evil, you are going to hell."  A child may accept that shame as fact. Amnon said he loved his half sister Tamar, almost with an obsession. This is the spirit of lust. It takes hold of the person, driving them to do an evil act. Then the object of the lust is hated or there is intense self hatred.  The desire for intimacy is God given. One man and one woman married.

Our nation is plagued with demon lust and fornication. So many "shack up" without getting married. Children are born out of wedlock and not given proper love and care. Children are abused and God is aware of these things and I think he will give special grace to those abused and accused children.

Mat 18:10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus breaks curses; come to him who loves you and rid your heart from the accusing spirit of the devil. To those who think that you must fornicate, this is not God in you. Even though the nation turns away from God allowing most every evil of lust; it will destroy your soul and the soul of the nation. Come to Jesus and be cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb. You can be free to love others as God loves us.

1 Cor 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

A missed opportunity

 

 

Luke 19:41 But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry.

42 "I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you.

43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you.

44 They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you."

45 Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants from their stalls.

46 He told them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a place of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves."

47 After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him.

48 But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said. (NLT)

 

Jerusalem, the capitol city where the Temple stood. The place where God chose to be found for his people. Their Messiah was with them but they missed their opportunity to find their peace. Our own capitol city has many references to our founding fathers faith in God, but it too has turned away from their source of peace. Destruction is coming as the leaders plot to remove Jesus by mocking and killing him. The temple in Jerusalem became a place of commerce instead of a house of prayer. The focus was wrong, on outward things and not on the presence of God in their hearts. The people hung on every word that he said. Soon he was to be hung on a cross for them. They didn't want a Jesus who suffered and died. They wanted a Jesus of prosperity and power; they missed Jesus. A remnant believed in him and faith grew, his message has spred to every nation, many have come to him by faith. Do not miss your opportunity to receive Jesus as your way to God and eternal life. Destruction comes to a nation who turns from God. Turn back to Jesus and pray for your nation while there is an opportunity.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Zacchaeus

  

Luke 19:1  And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
Luke 19:2  And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Luke 19:3  And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Luke 19:4  And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Luke 19:5  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Luke 19:6  And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
Luke 19:7  And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
Luke 19:8  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Luke 19:9  And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Zacchaeus was greatly honored and moved by Jesus Choosing to come to him. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." He received him joyfully. He also repented and was willing to give restitution to any that he had cheated. When Jesus asks to come into our house, our heart, then we must clean house as he convicts us by his presence. He comes to abide in us and we must by his presence repent of sin. He heals us and forgives us. He came first to the house of Israel. "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham." Jesus came first to his own people, the Jews. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

God the Father had sent Jesus to Zacchaeus on this day of his salvation. "for to day I must abide at thy house." There is the Jewish house of Abraham and their became another spiritual people of Abraham: the Gentiles who by faith come to Jesus. Jesus also was sent by the Father to the Gentiles.

 

John 4:4  And he must needs go through Samaria.

John 4:7  There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

He revealed to the woman at the well, a Gentile outcast who he was.

 

John 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:25  The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
John 4:26  Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

God had sent him to the Gentile woman and she too received Jesus. God sent Jesus to me and I received him joyfully. Out of all the people he chose the least likely people; Zacchaeus and the woman at the well. 

 

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Are you one who Jesus was sent to come into your house?

Persistent prayer

Luke 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke 18:2  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Luke 18:3  And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luke 18:4  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Luke 18:5  Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luke 18:6  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luke 18:7  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

He is coming for the people of faith. Faith and prayer, belief and communion. The walk of faith cannot be done in the natural, we need God's help. Prayer is connection and power from God to do his will. Faith comes by hearing and hearing God's word. How many meetings have we attended about learning the things of God? I used to go to business seminars, but after a while I thought, why do this if I don't apply what I learn? Faith requires prayer to be  effective. If God has laid something on our hearts, continue to pray to him until you get a breakthrough. He answers and we obey giving him thanksgiving and praise.We are always to pray, to share our thoughts and life with God the Father.