2nd Samuel 18:18. “Now Absalom in his lifetime has taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, ‘I have no son to keep my name in remembrance:’ and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, ‘Absalom’s place.’” TWO MEMORIALS. Perhaps the one was orderly, well-built with stones made to fit The other we know was a very great pile heaped over a deep pit. One was raised as a symbol to exalt the king’s son in his pride; The other for generations to remember how this proud man died.
Self-exaltation sets one out in blatant opposition to God. He lifts up the humble, and is determined to bring down the proud. It is a principle you can count on, the high will be brought low. The story of Absalom is told, so this principle I will know.
Just because we are privileged does not make us immune – There is a high price to pay, when the truth of God we impugn. Payday always comes to us whether for or for bad In one day, Absalom lost all, including what he once had.
There are consequences to follow every action that I take It is not wise to glorify self or some “ego-pillar” to make. Honoring one’s self leads, to ultimate defeat and despair. Sooner or later you will wish you never had thought to go there.
When a humble person dies, there is much good people will say About their kind spirit, their humility and their spiritual ways Of promoting what was needed to bring to, and give, God all the glory For everything that was accomplished through each day of their life’s story.
Let others raise a pillar of remembrance if they want A self-raised memorial will forever, continually your reputation haunt. The great pile of stones of scorn, of rejection and denial – Are there as reminder of the body of a lost soul lying under that pile.
“O God of Righteousness and Holiness: I do not want people to exalt me in any way. But if there is some way people can honor Thee through anything I have participated in – then Thy will be done. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
2Samuel.19:10. “And Absalom, whom we anointed over us is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bring the king back?” BRINGING THE KING BACK. The war is over, and Absalom is dead! The handsome son with heart so willful and self-centered, has met the end all such usually find is their portion after all is said and done. The grief is real because his death was so unnecessary and untimely and humiliating. But for all of that, it is time to look ahead and see where do we go from here? How can the damage done be repaired enough that life can go on, and kingdom business needs to start again? There are breaches to repair, hearts and homes to mend, lawlessness lurks in every tribe and unless the king comes back, this cycle will continue.
The priests are so slow, they don’t really seem to care that the worship they are to oversee is interrupted. Maybe they like the rest from daily, holy duty. Maybe they are glad to be in the limelight rather than in the shadow of their kinsman-king. Come now, we can’t do what we want but what the anointed of the Lord would have us do. Bring the king back!
Amasa, come now man; time is wasting! There’s work to do! There are still those whose minds are disaffected. They want another king, another leader who perhaps will give them a place they long have coveted. Unless order is restored completely and maintained, there is trouble yet to come. Bring the king back!
Shimei, you rascal! What you said and did was totally wrong. You now should die. Get up on your feet! Get off the ground and stand and die as enemies of the king should die. The executioner is there to do his work. But listen now! The king speaks loud and clear. “The war is over. I know I am king. I don’t need fallen enemies to remind me of my work and the need to start anew a day of new beginnings. Thou shalt not die. I give you my word.” The king comes back!
Mephibosheth, the lame man who could not walk but called for a donkey to ride on from Ziba his unfaithful servant, now comes to meet the king on his return. Where were you when the king was gone? Why did you not join him at whose table you daily sat? Did you not know you owe him your very life? Limitations not self- imposed had stopped this grateful, humble man from joining him who had grace and kindness shown to him, when he was far away. “Now what can I say.” I don’t deserve any rights at all. These crippled legs and subtle, deceiving servant had stopped my course. I have no more to say- except, “I’m glad the king is back!”
Barzillai, the aged, who brought the great provision to feed and care for the king and all his people in the king’s rejection; comes to conduct with honor, his regent across the river to where he belongs. How shall the king honor such a man? “Come with me and I will feed thee at my house, my home from my provisions.” The older man with years now past, will dwell at home, in places more familiar, and die in peace among his own. He is glad the king is back!
And so, it is with me, there’s strife in the land, the King is gone. There are skirmishes around but the war is over. The King won a mighty victory and the good of it is mine now and forever. But he’s not here, not now, not yet, but He is coming, His throne to ascend and fill with righteous justice and reign in peace. I look to see Him any day; I want to do what’s needed to bring the king back!
“God of the ages, and Father of those who are Thine own by Thy own choosing: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, hear my anxious, anticipating prayer to bring the king back. May all who are His own in His rejection, be ready and waiting for His return as He crosses over to where we are and calls us to come and reign with Him. Amen.”