Reputation

 DEVOTION

2^ND SAMUEL

REPUTATION

2 Sam 16:15-23

15 Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. 16 Then Hushai the Arkite, David's friend, went to Absalom and said to him, "Long live the king! Long live the king!" 17 Absalom asked Hushai, "Is this the love you show your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?" 18 Hushai said to Absalom, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel — his I will be, and I will remain with him. 19 Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you." 20 Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give us your advice. What should we do?" 21 Ahithophel answered, "Lie with your father's concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench in your father's nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be strengthened." 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice.

NIV

This is the art of deception by Hushai the Arkite, who helped David, his king, accomplish his plan. Although the story is just getting closer to the destruction of Absalom, we are at a place where he is beginning to think he should chase down and destroy his father so to secure his throne and be the true king of all Israel. Our story is about the life of Ahithophel because in those days he gave advice like one who inquires of God. We may not always be in a position to give advice, but if we are asked for advice, it would be good before we speak to take a moment and inquire of the Lord. This is truth we need to live by, inquiring of the Lord before speaking or for that matter, doing anything that would affect others. It would be good to inquire of the Lord about all aspects of our daily lives, our plans, decisions or aspiration. However, we see that Ahithophel’s advice about Absalom laying with his father’s concubines was not advice from inquiring of the LORD, for that would have been a sinful act, yet both David and Absalom regarding the advice of Ahithophel as one who inquires of God. Would not we want to be known as someone who inquires of God? We should have that kind of reputation, being known as someone who inquires of God. Perhaps we could be asked for advice, but it is more about how we make our choices in life that matter, if we choose to  do this or that based on our desires, our plans, to get this, or get ahead, have what we want, when we want it, or if we inquire of God. Let us have a reputation  as one who inquires of the Lord.