Today’s Reading

II Samuel 17-18; Luke 21:1-19

Selected Verses

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom. II Samuel 17:14

By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke 21:19

Reflections

As we saw yesterday, Absalom put together a foolproof plan to overthrow his father’s throne and make himself king. Well, it was not really foolproof, was it? God gave David wisdom to send the loyal Hushai back as a mole in Absalom’s cabinet. The Lord gave Hushai an amazing ability to paint a picture of the consequences of following the advice of Ahithophel and to make a compelling argument for delaying the pursuit of David. God turned the heart of Absalom toward Hushai’s advice so that the Lord could carry out His will to bring harm to David’s mutinous son (Proverbs 21:1).

The outcome? Absalom was defeated and killed, and David’s throne was saved.

Jesus foretells things yet to come in the lives of the apostles. He describes the destruction of the temple, the false “christs” that would appear, wars, tumults, national uprisings, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, terrors, and great signs from heaven. These things would occur after the disciples had suffered arrest, persecution, imprisonment, and inquisitions by religious and political authorities. They would be turned in by close relatives. Some would be killed. All would be hated.

Could this be God’s will? Yes, and it had a purpose. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness,” Jesus told them. Furthermore, God would be with them through all their trials. He told them not to concern themselves about what to say. He would give them the wisdom and words when the time came. No one would refute their statements. He promised that not a hair of their heads would perish. He would save their lives.

Think about it

Do you know that God by His providence preserves you? Do you know that you are safe to do His will and nothing can harm you? Can you trust Him no matter what forces mount up against you? Will you stand up and bear witness with the wisdom and words He gives you in that day? Stand firm in Him. He rules the universe. He will keep you down to the last hair on your head. Fear nothing. Fear no one. Trust God alone.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission