RINGARINGHOROSES – The Church Of Christ, 15 Grey Street, Warri

THEME: SEEKING COUNSEL FROM THE RIGHT SOURCE (DEALING WITH BETRAYAL)

Text: 2 SAMUEL 15:30-37

By: ADEOYE, EMMANUEL (EVANG)

So, David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and HE HAD HIS HEAD COVERED AND WENT BAREFOOT. And all the people who were with him COVERED THEIR HEADS AND WENT UP, WEEPING AS THEY WENT UP.VS 31

Then someone told David, saying, “AHITHOPHEL is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I PRAY, TURN THE COUNSEL OF AHITHOPHEL INTO FOOLISHNESS!”

IN 2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 15, WE FIND KING DAVID FLEEING FROM JERUSALEM AS HIS SON Absalom stages a rebellion against him. The scene is set on the Mount of Olives, a mountain ridge east of Jerusalem, with a panoramic view of the city below. The atmosphere is tense as David, accompanied by his loyal followers and household, makes his way up the mountain, weeping and barefoot, with his head covered in shame.

Among those with David are his trusted advisors and warriors, including Ittai the Gittite, a foreigner who had pledged his allegiance to David. As they ascend the Mount of Olives, the group is met by Zadok the priest, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, and Abiathar, another priest, who had remained faithful to David.

The sight of the Ark being taken back to Jerusalem brings a sense of sorrow and uncertainty to the group, as they wonder about the future of the kingdom and the fate of David’s reign.

The betrayal of Absalom and the loyalty of those who stand by David in his time of need create a poignant and dramatic scene on the Mount of Olives. The setting sun casts long shadows over the group as they continue their journey, unsure of what lies ahead but holding on to their faith in God and their devotion to their king.

David faced powerful challenges as he had to flee from Jerusalem due to his son, Absalom, trying to overthrow him in this verse. Despite this betrayal and threat to his reign, David receives support and encouragement from his loyal friends. The verse highlights the importance of having a strong support system during difficult times and how true friends can provide comfort and strength in the face of adversity.
Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt betrayed or overwhelmed, like David fleeing from Jerusalem? How did the support of loyal friends or loved ones impact your ability to navigate through that challenging time?

Reflecting on this verse can remind us of the significance of surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely care for our well-being and are willing to stand by us through thick and thin. Loyal and supportive friends can make a significant difference in how we face and overcome adversity as we encounter our own struggles and trials. We should cultivate and cherish relationships built on loyalty, trust, and mutual support, just as David found solace and strength in the companionship of his trusted allies.

In 2 Samuel 15:30-37, we witness a poignant moment in King David’s life as he flees Jerusalem, overwhelmed by sorrow and betrayal at the hands of his son Absalom.
The imagery of David ascending the Mount of Olives, tears streaming down his face, head covered, and barefoot, speaks volumes about his deep emotional turmoil and humility in the face of adversity.
These actions symbolize mourning and repentance, reflecting David’s inner anguish and his willingness to humble himself before God.
Amidst his anguish, David encounters Hushai the Arkite, a loyal friend who offers to stand by him in his time of need.

David’s decision to send Hushai back to Jerusalem as a spy showcases his strategic wisdom and trust in God’s guidance even in the midst of betrayal. The loyalty and support of Hushai serve as a beacon of hope in David’s darkest hour, highlighting the importance of faithful friendships in times of crisis.

This passage resonates with us today as we navigate our own experiences of betrayal and sorrow. Just as David turned to God and relied on the support of a loyal friend, we too can find solace in our faith and the companionship of those who stand by us in our moments of need. The story of Hushai reminds us of the value of genuine friendships that offer unwavering support and counsel, guiding us through life’s trials with wisdom and care.

In a world where relationships can often be fleeting and superficial, the example of David and Hushai encourages us to cultivate and cherish loyal friendships that endure through adversity. The trust David placed in Hushai’s loyalty and the wisdom of his counsel underscore the profound impact of true companionship in times of trouble.

AS PROVERBS 27:6 APTLY PUTS IT, “FAITHFUL ARE THE WOUNDS OF A FRIEND; PROFUSE ARE THE KISSES OF AN ENEMY.” Ultimately, the narrative of David’s flight from Jerusalem serves as a reminder to trust in God’s plan even when faced with uncertainty and betrayal.

Despite the pain and turmoil that David experienced, his story offers a beacon of hope for us today, urging us to lean on our faith and the support of trusted friends as we navigate life’s challenges. Just as David found solace in the midst of his sorrow, we too can find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone, for God’s plan unfolds even in our darkest moments.

HOW CAN WE TRUST GOD’S PLAN DURING BETRAYAL?
David learns that his counsellor Ahithophel has sided with his son Absalom in an attempt to overthrow him in the passage from 2 Samuel 15:30-37, revealing a moment of intense betrayal. Despite this great betrayal, David maintains his trust in God’s plan. He understands that even in the face of betrayal, God is still in control and working all things together for good for those who love Him. David turns to God in prayer and seeks His guidance and protection in this passage.

This is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of betrayal, we can place our trust in God’s ultimate plan. God is faithful to deliver His people and bring about justice in His perfect timing, as we see in the life of David. When we are faced with betrayal, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees all and will ultimately bring about His perfect will.

So, when we encounter betrayal in our own lives, we can find solace and strength in the example of David. We can find peace by turning to God in prayer, trusting in His plan, and remaining faithful even in the midst of betrayal, knowing that God is in control and will ultimately bring about justice and restoration.

APPLICATION
In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, when facing betrayals and struggles, let’s take a moment to pause and remember King David’s unwavering faith in the face of deception. Like David sought solace in God during his darkest hour, let us also turn to Him for guidance.

Just as David trusted in the Lord’s wisdom and strength, let us anchor our faith in His unfailing love. Will you, too, find strength in seeking God’s guidance when uncertainty clouds your path?

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