King David’s third oldest son was named Absalom. For whatever reason, David had a special affection for this son. However, this son of his ended up turning against him. Here is what happened:
“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel…And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom” (II Samuel 15:1-6,12-13).
Absalom started a rebellion against his father David. What he did was usurp David’s authority as king. Usurp means to seize and hold (an office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right. Absalom had no right to be king, but he schmoozed the people into preferring him as king over his father, David. Though Israel may have accepted Absalom as king, God didn’t. Remember how careful David was not to touch the Lord’s anointed? Absalom gave it no thought. This eventually ended up in a battle, Absalom and Israel against David and his warriors, and Absalom was slain.
Absalom was everyone’s favorite son. The good looking, dashing son of the king. In all Israel there was none to be praised like him. He was the talk of the town. With his beautiful long flowing hair he had the fresh new look. Combine that with smooth talking flattery that he spoke, he stole the hearts of the people. He was telling the people that the king’s ways are no good anymore. He is old and outdated. If only you would let me care for you. The people fell for it. Now the people could boast about their new king as other nations marvel at him. He will impress them all.
After all, they don’t need the old king anymore. All the giants are dead, the battles are won. Now it’s time to enjoy our victory and spread our wings. The king isn’t relevant anymore. Even his music is old. Now it’s time for the world to take notice. We don’t need a warrior king anymore. It is a time for peace and love. In the same manner as Israel loved Absalom, the world will love our new brand of church.
Just as Absalom usurped David as king, so has a good portion of the fivefold ministry usurped King Jesus. You see, Absalom represents the unauthorized, unanointed ministers. What the ministry has done today is replaced King Jesus with another king. King Jesus is no longer the focus, church is now all about the people and what they want. I wonder how many churches here in America have Jesus sitting as king in their church on a Sunday morning.
To be king means to be sovereign. That means that the king has absolute authority over all his subjects. Who wants that? In this day of no restraint, do as you please living, why would anyone want to put themselves under any kind of demands. So if we can just get rid of the king (well, maybe not go that far), and replace him with someone or something more appealing like Absalom, then we will fill the pews. Then we will be loved and accepted by this world. We appreciated all that King Jesus did for us, but now it is time to move on.
Just as most of the Israelites were deceived by Absalom’s flattery, Christians fall for the same things. It doesn’t take much to deceive Christians today. I have heard it said over and over that people don’t like change, and that is true, but for some reason Christians are willing to change kings.
Have you grown tired of the same old Jesus? Have you set your heart on the next new thing coming down the pike? Jesus may be the same yesterday, today and forever, but there is nothing tiring or boring about Him. You may have grown tired, but it is not because Jesus is boring. It’s because you have allowed an Absalom to come into your life. You have allowed your affections to be on things of this earth instead of things above.
If this is the case in your life, you need to do what David said. “And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back? And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house. Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king? And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants. So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan” (II Samuel 19:10-15).
You need to bring back the king. If Absalom is still alive in your heart, he needs to die.
The things of this world will fall apart. Anything that Christ is not in will fail. Ask for King Jesus to come back and take residence on the throne of your heart. He will come and do as you ask because His mercy endures forever.
It is sad that many people won’t come to Jesus until everything has fallen apart in their life, but Hallelujah, God will still take them. He will still be their king.
The church needs to bring the king back. If individuals who make up the church bring their king back, then the king will come back to the church. Let’s share in the plea for the church to invite their King Jesus back to His rightful place.
“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING (sovereign) OF KINGS, AND LORD (supreme) OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16).
If you want to see that name, written on Jesus’ thigh, then He must be your king now.