Absaloms

 *MODERN DAY ABSALOMS* 

 _(2 Samuel :15:1-7)_ 

 

1.AMBITIOUS

Young, charismatic and handsome Absalom wanted to be king. He was in a hurry. He was disgruntled with his father, David, and the way he had handled certain issues, especially regarding his sister, Tamar. And Absalom was convinced he was the right man for the job. A better choice.

2.CULTIVATES AN IMAGE

 Absalom got chariots, horses and footmen for himself to create for himself the grand image of the next better king. 

3.HARDWORKING

Absalom woke up early and went to meet people at the city gate. 

4. PEOPLE PERSON

Absalom tried to create an impression in people's minds that he was really interested in their personal affairs. But actually he was only aiming at carrying out his devious, cunning schemes.

5.DECEPTIVE 

The people got easily swayed by Absalom’s false narrative. A youthful dynamic leader would always be better for them in the long run. David was getting old. And Absalom said he would be a better man to judge their affairs, because the king  now had no one to hear them out. 

6.PEACE BREAKER

Absalom, in accusing the king indirectly of providing them no help, destroyed whatever peace they had. They became more troubled. 

7.INDIRECT

Absalom never said anything against his father directly. He tried to swerve people's opinions against David indirectly. He was cunning and very subtle in his ways. And so he stole the people's hearts.

There are so many ambitious, charismatic *modern day Absaloms* in our churches and homes, who are hurt and disgruntled sons or spiritual sons. They want prominence at any cost. So like Absalom, they create an imposing persona of themselves and try to woo church and family away from reigning boring ”oldies” and draw them after themselves. They happen to be divisive, work hard at achieving their nefarious schemes and win over people's hearts through flattery and deception. Satan uses them to bring in trouble wherever they go.

But their end will be as deadly as Absalom’s.

Credits :SJ, Pune, India