Frequently the Lord has taken me back to the story of King David when he was betrayed by his son Absalom.
It was a coup attempt which was temporarily successful.
Although painful, it gave David important insight. Those who were truly with him and those who weren’t. It was invaluable information to which David took heed.
I believe it is what the Lord wants to reveal to us now—and it is important that we also take heed to what He is revealing. There are many who present as for us, but in reality, they are not.
How can we know?
Ezekiel 11 says, “Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the Lord that faces east. There at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men, and I saw among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people.”
The Lord revealed to Ezekiel who was behind the evil plot against the people of the city. Then as now, the Lord wants to reveal those we can trust and those we cannot.
Too often, we listen to the words that are said. But a truer indicator is actions.
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Many years ago, when I was in a season where a trusted friend betrayed me, I didn’t want to believe it. And for many months I didn’t. I believed the words they said to me, but I should have believed their actions.
Because actions are indicators.
Betrayers can hide their actions to a point, but ultimately, they will reveal who they really are.
When Vice-President Pence refused to delay the certification of the vote, although his words said one thing, his actions said quite another.
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The request was for a mere TEN DAYS, to further investigate before a decision was made. And while the Vice President made lots of excuses as to why he couldn’t take that action, they were empty words. He could have allowed for further investigation—but he didn’t.
Whether he was coerced, blackmailed, deceived or part of the plot to remove President Trump is unknown. What we do know is what he did and what he refused to do.
Actions are indicators. We need to pay attention to them.
During the days of Absalom’s coup, we see five types of people—as there are now.
1. Followers
These are always the majority. Those who went with the flow and followed whoever declared themselves king. They just wanted to go along to get along and live their own lives.
2. Out for themselves
Those who chose to follow whoever could help them the most. They did what was expedient for them and would change allegiance from one to another where it benefitted them. Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant was one of these. He saw an opportunity to undermine his master, and did so for his own gain. He was not to be trusted. (2 Sam 16)
3. Deceived
Those who were tricked and at least temporarily supported the coup because they didn’t realize what was really happening. However, after the deception was revealed and defeated, they were very afraid because they found themselves with the wrong group and ran (2 Sam 15:11).
4. Betrayers
Those who knew EXACTLY what they were doing and were intent on taking over the kingdom. They were willing to lie, steal, kill and destroy to do it. Their actions tell us all we need to know about who was behind it. Steal. Kill. Destroy.
Betrayal goes back to the original sin. Satan, full of pride, betrayed God Almighty by lying to stir offense to stage a coup and steal the kingdom. Then as now, It. Won’t. Work. (2 Sam 15:10).
5. The Loyal ones
Those who stood faithfully, knowing that in doing so, it could cost them dearly. The people who remained faithful to David, the rightful king, didn’t know if or when he might return to leadership.
It was a great cost and their own peril to remain faithful.
Our nation was forged upon the latter. Those who had insight and were willing to courageously stand, knowing it could cost them dearly, and yet willing to pay the price.
Which group do you fall in? Do you have insight to stand fast in these tumultuous days? Because the storm is not yet over and in fact will get worse before it gets better. This is about discernment and the ability to not allow ourselves to be tossed about by every wind and wave.
Immediately after Absalom was defeated, there was still great division in the land. Although David tried to bring the nation together, yet another worthless individual, Sheba, rose up. Because of the people’s offended hearts, Sheba succeeded in gaining a foothold and once again a vast majority of the people followed after an untrue leader.
May we not repeat their folly. Lord give us insight into who are true leaders, who God has established and what He is doing.
I loved this article, the prayer (which I wholeheartedly agreed with and I prayed as I read), also the beautiful hymn! Thank you! I pray for TRUTH to prevail and hearts become tender and hungry for Jesus! God, grant strength and protection for all those who remain faithful to You.
I read your words about having your inheritance stolen from you. My sister hated me and tricked my mother into leaving me out of her will. This is a long story but my sister neglected my mom and was leading her to death. My mother was living in our family beach house of which Pam (my sister) wanted to have and Pam also over time, took all of my mothers money. Pam died of bread cancer but before that gave all money she had taken to our only cousin, Bob Pangrac.
I spent 11 months in New Jersey after talking to my mother on the phone and realizing she was in bad shape even tho she had live in help. Pam fought me and the lawyer who my sister went out with fought me Kicking me out of the house saying I was intervening in my mother’s care. My mom was heavily sedated and could barely talk to me After months in New Jersey I found out about being removed from the will
After 11 months I was able to bring my mom to Denver to live with us. The attorney, Robert Novy, was sent to prison for 20 years. Pam was livid and tried everything to get moms house as it had to be sold for moms care. 2 years later Pam died. My mother had 3 million, quite a bit of stock and investments my Dad had left her when he passed away, and her house. All of that was gone and most likely was passed to our cousin beforePams death. Bob never had a lot of money and moved to Myrtle Beach SC and has property there also paid cash for his 2 sons homes, commercial buildings, stepchildren homes, and The Pangrac Family Trust was in place before Pam died. I have really been working on forgiveness and before Pam died I always got along with him. A friend called him on my behalf and was told never to call him again. I am a Christian and without the Lord I never would have lasted 11 months fighting for my moms life, really that’s what it was. I am also interested in talking to you about being a ghost writer for a book I need to write about this and there is much more story than what I have shared with your here. Thank you for being a vessel for our dear Lord and helping people. Even if you can’t help me. Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I’m sending you an email.