#theheart,#guard it,#

King David's son Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel away from David with sweet, swelling words.  Absalom began to judge the people in the gate and excusing them of their wrong if they professed to be of the tribe of Israel.  Absalom would tell the men that there was no one to judge and then he would act as a judge, especially when they would do him obeisance.

Flattering words are not a good thing.

The Bible tells us to guard out heart for out of it are the issues of life.  The Bible tells us it is not what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out.  Mark 7:15,18

Abaslom rose up early in the morning and stood beside the way of the gate: and any man that had controversy that came to the king for judgment,  Absalom would called unto him and said, O what city art thou?  And the man would  say, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.  And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but here is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.  II Samuel 15:1-5

The bible goes on to say, "And in this manner did Absalom to all Israel that come to the king for judgment: so Absalom STOLE THE HEARTS OF THE MEN OF ISRAEL".  II Samuel 15:6  How did he steal their hearts?  Flattery, taking an authority he did not have and the people fell for it.  Then he lied about wanting to go to Hebron to pay his vows unto the Lord (II Samuel 15:7).  When what he went to do was send spies throughout all the tribes of Israel!!

Absalom had the heart of the men.  The men had turned from King David.  The Bible goes on to say that Absalom sent for King David's counsellor while he offered sacrifices!  The Bible says 'the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

When King David was told the the hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom, King David made this statement: "Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword".  II Samuel 15:14.

King David was a mighty man of war.  Why did he tell those that remained with him to flee with speed?  Because the hearts of Israel had changed from following David to following Absalom!  David knew that the heart is the guiding force of a person.  He knew he would not have been able to fight against the heart of a man.

What is there to learn from this scripture?  For Pastor's, Preachers and those called to handle the word of God, if the heart of those you place in authority is not after the Lord, one will set himself/or herself for much hurt and pain.  For the Believer, if those in your circle do not have the heart of the Lord, you too will suffer much hurt and pain.  You have to know those that labor among you.  You have to know  where their heart is.  When the Lord showed me this it brought clarity to a lot of things that I have suffered in ministry as a Pastor.

If the Lord does not have the heart of a person, the servant of God will not either.  This in one way tares come in among the wheat.  Those with a heart after their own good persuade the weak and those that do not have a heart for the Lord to follow after their ungodly ways.  This causing division and contention among the people.

I admonish you to take time to read and study this scripture.  It will help you.  Obeying the Word of God is a must if one plans on going to Heaven.

Pastor Webb

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

#Call Jesus,#Cry out,#Jesus, Deliverer

#A Lot of Singing,#Shouting,#Tongue Talking,#Playing

#Not Wise,#What if,Church Attendance,#Unwise