Saturday, April 13, 2013

Interestingly, David's son Absalom was praised for his physical appearance.  And he was evaluated by how he looked.  This is contrary to the way God looks at a person.

1Sa 16:7 
But Jehovah said to Samuel, Do not look on his face, nor on his height, because I have refused him. For He does not see as man sees. For man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart.

How easily the people fell for Absalom’s trickery. “If only I were appointed judge of the land!”
He ingratiated himself to the people. What he said and did sounded good. Sounds like some of our politicians and even some of our spiritual leaders today.

“They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently…” Isn’t that what Satan does? He works in the hearts of men. What he says sounds good and the “innocents” are led astray.  But as believers in Jesus, we should not be among the "innocents".

2 Cor 2:11
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
How can we be aware of Satan’s schemes and not be like the “innocents” who are easily led astray?  If we participate in all the spiritual disciplines; prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers, we will become very well aware of Satan's schemes.

When David left Jerusalem for fear of Absalom, he crossed the Kidron Valley and “continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went”.

This is the first mention of the Mount of Olives in the Bible.  This ascent was probably east of the City of David, near the village of Silwan. Portions of the mount are called the Mount of Corruption, named for the idol worship there begun by King Solomon who build altars to the gods of his Moabite and Ammonite wives.  This site continued to be infamous for idol worship through the reigns of many of the kings until Josiah, king of Judah finally destroyed the high places there. 

At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane.  The Mount of Olives is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. Jesus spent much time on the mount, teaching and prophesying to his disciples (Matthew 24–25) and resting and sleeping there.  This is also the place where Jesus was betrayed and arrested.And it is from the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended into heaven and where He will return. (Zechariah 14:4).


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