How should Christians respond to leaders who act like Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:2? The Verse in Focus “Absalom would get up early and stand beside the way to the gate, and whenever anyone had a complaint to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out to him, ‘What town are you from?’ And when he answered, Absalom would say, ‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.’ ” (2 Samuel 15:2) Spotting Absalom-Like Behavior Today • Cultivates a flattering persona to gain trust (Proverbs 26:24–26) • Positions himself as the “real” advocate of the people, subtly discrediting established leaders (2 Samuel 15:3–6) • Sows division under the guise of concern (Galatians 5:19-21—“dissensions, factions”) Why This Matters • Scripture warns that “a worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth” (Proverbs 6:12-19) and that God hates one “who spreads strife among brothers.” • Divisive leadership threatens the unity that Christ commands: “that there may be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Practical Responses for Believers 1. Discern the Fruit – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). – Evaluate words and actions against the clear teaching of Scripture (Matthew 7:15-20). 2. Guard Your Heart and Tongue – Refuse to participate in gossip or murmuring (Proverbs 20:19). – “Let no unwholesome talk proceed from your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29). 3. Remain Loyal to God-Ordained Authority – “Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1-2). – David modeled this with Saul: he would not “stretch out” his hand against the LORD’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:5-7). 4. Confront Biblically When Necessary – “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19-20). – Follow Matthew 18:15-17 for private, then plural, then public correction. 5. Pray and Intercede – “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all people— for kings and all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). – Ask God to expose hidden motives and protect His flock (Psalm 139:23-24). 6. Uphold Unity Without Compromise – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). – Unity is not silence on sin; it is shared submission to Christ’s truth (John 17:17-21). 7. Await God’s Vindication – David entrusted judgment to the LORD when betrayed (Psalm 37:5-7). – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). Encouragement for the Faithful “Do not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9). When confronted with Absalom-like leaders, anchor yourself in Scripture, act with courage and humility, and trust the Lord to preserve His people and honor His Word. |
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