Tag Archives: Absalom

Being a David

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A Tale of Three Kings has truly helped David to become my favorite Bible characters (other than Jesus, of course!).

From King Saul’s trying to kill the already anointed David … to David’s finally becoming king … to his son Absalom’s trying to overthrow his own father, David held loosely to the throne and tightly to the Lord.

King David from The Brick TestamentThat mindset looks like this:

Someone trying to convince David:  “But you know that Absalom should not be king!”

David:  “Do I?  No man knows.  Only God knows, and he has not spoken.”

David could have tried to stop Absalom.  But could he do it in a way in which he could have remained true to himself, loyal to his integrity, consistent with whom the Lord called Him to be, and faithful to God?  David didn’t think so.  To hold tightly to his throne, he would have had to become someone else. And he’d been down that road before.  He’d seen what happens when he pursues his desires instead of the Lord’s.  He’d seen the mess it creates and the person he becomes.

Now, faced with the threat of Absalom’s overthrow, he didn’t want to go down that road again of his selfish pursuit.  He didn’t want his way to be his personal plans of regal gain. After all, isn’t that what Saul and Absalom were all about?

If I stop him, will I still be a David?  If I stop him, will I not be a Saul?  To stop him, I must become either a Saul or an Absalom.

It is better that I be defeated, even killed, than to learn the ways of… a Saul or the ways of an Absalom.

Through these challenges to his reign, he remained committed to being a ‘David.’

In my old age I intend to be David still.  Even if it costs me a throne, a kingdom, and perhaps my head.

He wanted his way to be the true King’s way.

But the Sauls and Absaloms of the world seem so powerful!  Do we really let our adversaries simply run their course?  Do we really let them potentially prevail?

That is an important question.  And I just love David’s perspective:

“You underestimate your adversary,” retorted Abishai.
“You underestimate my God,” replied David serenely.

A Tale of Three Kings reminds me that no matter the circumstances, we must be Davids.  We must stay true to the way of the Lord in seeking and doing the will of the Lord.  To become a Saul or an Absalom in attempts to preserve the Lord’s will is the way of defeat.  To honor the Lord is the Lord’s will.

So the outcome is the Lord’s.  But the process is ours to honor: To be a David – even if it means losing the throne.

Praying for us, that the will of the true King stays serenely on our thrones!

Whose throne is it?

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There are so many things that have been impactful to me from A Tale of Three Kings!

We talked a little about the beginnings of David’s reign last post. At the other end of David’s reign was Absalom, his son who tried to usurp him. This man just couldn’t catch a break!

throne chairDavid was advised to thwart Absalom’s overthrow. Sounds noble, right?

Not to David.

David desired God’s plan, which may include seasons on the throne and off the throne.  After all, it’s not his throne – or Saul’s or Absalom’s.  It’s God’s!

I did not lift a finger to be made king. Nor shall I do so to preserve a kingdom. Even the kingdom of God! God put me here. It is not my responsibility to take, or keep, authority. Do you not realize, it may be his will for these things to take place? If he chooses, God can protect and keep the kingdom even now. After all, it is his kingdom.

That’s quite a different perspective! I just love the humble confidence it conveys. There is such freedom in navigating life as we realize that our being ‘on the throne’ may be God’s plan… and our no longer being ‘on the throne’ may be next in God’s plan.  Clinging to the throne is not our job.  Instead, trusting in God’s plan – leaning into His plan – frees us from fear!

Authority from God is not afraid of challengers, makes no defense, and cares not one whit if it must be dethroned.

Now it’s of course worth noting that our actions could cause our dethroning. It is always important that we rid of obstacles on our part:

I will not hinder God. No obstacle, no activity on my part lies between me and God’s will. Nothing will prevent him from accomplishing his will.

But this also means that we won’t get in His way if He’s moving us along!

The throne is not mine. Not to have, not to take, not to protect, and not to keep.

Do we desire God’s will more than we desire our throne – whatever that may be? Do we desire God’s will more than we desire a position of leadership? More than our financial success, or others’ liking us, or whatever we think we deserve?

Do we desire God’s will as David did?

I’d like to leave you with just one last question if I may. This is a difficult perspective to swallow. It’s a life-altering perspective, so by its nature, it can be a big shift to make. It often involves frustration, brokenness, heartache, and perseverance as we process it all. It often involves a wrestling match or two with the Lord… and perhaps with ourselves. It involves a willingness to be transformed and embrace earthly loss for the sake of God’s kingdom. It may initially seem like loss, but it may actually be the greatest thing this world needs.

What does this world need: gifted men and women, outwardly empowered? Or individuals who are broken, inwardly transformed?

It can seem more fun – and easier – to be the former. But it may be more valuable – and ultimately more impactful for the kingdom – to be the latter.  The dethroning may seem like a setback.  But it may ultimately be for the advancement of God’s kingdom plans and the glory of the King!

free audiobook!

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The best laid plans… well, you know how the saying goes!

So we were headed to start a series on judging. And we will get there – it’s good stuff!

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards audiobookBut I hope you’ll pardon the interruption as I didn’t want you to miss out on this month’s free audiobook from christianaudio.com:

Short, powerful, thought-provoking and amazingly narrated, this account of Saul, David, and Absalom is fascinating. We are excited to offer A Tale of Three Kings as the free audiobook download for March! In addition, the eBook is available for just $3.99, for a limited time, at eChristian.com.

Since it was first published in 1992, A Tale of Three Kings has sold more than 1 million copies in print, making it a true modern day classic.

When I read this book several years ago, this was my response:

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards provides a treasured answer to a prayer I have been praying for over four years. Page 19 describes me perfectly: “You can easily tell when someone has been hit by a spear. He turns a deep shade of bitter.” This book provides the lens that I need to understand life in a way that frees me from bitterness… I hope to learn to respond to Sauls as David did.

I’ll share with you some of my favorite take aways, but for today, I want to share one reviewer’s excellent summary:

It’s all too common in today’s church: Christians hurting Christians. A critical comment, an unforgiving stare, a no-holds-barred battle among church members. In the end one or both parties are wounded, a testimony has been harmed, and the only winner is Satan. In A Tale of Three Kings, author Gene Edwards speaks to those who have been harmed at the hands of other believers. He uses two biblical accounts – those of the relationship between David and Saul and that between Absalom and David – to deliver a message of hope, comfort, and healing.

A Tale of Three Kings is short, powerful, engaging, and provides a radically transforming perspective. It unfolds some true treasures. The way it jostles perceptions is invaluable. It may anger and delight you, and cause you to agree and disagree in the same sentence.

If you check it out, I’d love to hear your thoughts as we discuss it in the next couple of posts! I adore so many things about this book, and I hope you enjoy it!