DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 6 October 2022
TOPIC: Not Always The Greatest
TEXT: 2 Samuel 17:1-14
KEY VERSE:
“And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.” – (2 Samuel 17:14).
DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 6 October 2022 OUTLINE
One of the greatest fighters of all time was often heard declaring, “I am the greatest the world has ever seen.” Once, he was on an airplane; the flight attendant came and asked him to buckle his seatbelt. He replied, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” She responded, “Superman don’t need no plane.”
Ahithophel had been David’s counsellor for years. He was a great man and highly respected. Ahithophel supported ambitious Absalom, in his rebellion against King David his father. When asked to give counsel about the way forward, Ahithophel suggested that he should be allowed to lead an elite force made up of the best fighting men in Israel to confront David while he was still weak and discouraged. The plan was to kill David and bring back all his loyal troops.
Open Heaven Daily Devotional 6 October 2022 – Exposing Demonic Operations (V)
Ahithophel’s counsel was countered by Hushai, David’s friend, who had infiltrated Absalom’s camp on David’s instruction. Hushai’s counsel was deemed better than that of Ahithophel. When Ahithophel saw that Hushai’s counsel was adopted rather than his, he was unhappy and hanged himself.
Leaders with an exaggerated sense of self-worth are arrogant and dangerous. Ahithophel was so wise in counsel that David prayed against his counsel more than Absalom’s conspiracy. He had become a tin god and almost assumed leadership over the rebellious administration of Absalom.
Some successful people have this same exaggerated opinion about their importance. They cannot work under someone else or agree to take instructions from others. Remember, pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
A man’s pride can be his downfall.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Luke 9-10
