Once, whilst on a sabbatical, I was a guest at a large church’s elders and leaders meeting. Before any items were discussed a period of open discussion took place, something I certainly had not experienced before at this level. Some of the questions went like this, “what do you think about this person?” The next question, “have you just lied to the group?” The level of honesty and openness was astonishing. Their aim was that there would be no vying for position, no rivalry, no competition just a desire to want the best for each other.

In this section of 2 Samuel we have seen the child born to Bathsheba has died. Tamar has suffered at the hands of Amnon. Amnon has been murdered by Absalom. David has been deceived by Joab and has brought his son back from exile.

Absalom is proud and arrogant. David longed for Absalom but Absalom never longed for David. Absalom was very good looking and that attracted attention (2 Samuel 14:25). He seemed to want people to notice him and his hair! (vs 26). He was also the father of three sons and a very beautiful daughter which gave him acclaim (vs 27). You see it was all about drawing attention to himself, he needed to be noticed.

After two years in Jerusalem upping his profile, Absalom asks to see Joab to see if he can arrange for him to meet with the king but Joab refuses (vs 28-29). It can be hard when you try and remove profile from a person who lives on profile as you see in the next verse.

Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 2 Samuel 14:30

This does get the attention of Joab and Joab sorts out Absalom’s request to see David. I will get what I want by any means possible!

But soon the foolishness of David to give his son prominence will now become apparent. Absalom rebels (2 Samuel 15:1-12).

The work of God can be attacked in many ways. One way is to create ambition, rivalry, power and division in leadership. David’s people were God’s people but when these things occur that does not seem to matter, what seems to matter is getting what you want at any cost. Let’s look at how Absalom began to push for power.

Absalom began acting the part, his aim was to impress, to look better than David. His aim was to make David look the lesser.

After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 Samuel 15:1

Absalom undermined David’s position (vs 2-4). He prevented the people from bringing their grievances to David by intercepting them before they reached the city gates. He would suggest that particular people from particular tribes would not get justice from David thus promoting himself. “Oh that I were the judge of the land.” I have, over the years of my pastoral ministry, found out too late on many occasions that people have used my name to influence a part of church life. “I am speaking on behalf of Nigel,” “Nigel likes it done this way” and so on but we must also remember that Absalom had no desire to help the people but rather he was after position.

Absalom pretended to love the people.

And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 2 Samuel 15:5

People can be flattered and taken in by all sorts of actions. You cannot and must not lead by flattery. I once had a guy in leadership of a church that would stand on his chair in worship.  The people applauded his enthusiasm and passion.  It was interesting that people didn’t think of asking him to get off his chair but rather they asked me why I didn’t do it. What’s wrong with you? It was deliberate and got the reaction he wanted. Within a short while Absalom had stolen the hearts of David’s people.

Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:6

Absalom stole the kingdom from David. Soon he found a reason to go to Hebron which had been David’s base before Jerusalem. From there he sent messengers around the country proclaiming that he was the better man for the job (vs 10). At the same time he invited folk from Jerusalem to be with him, they did not know what they were coming to but the aim was to make it look like he had huge support. It’s always the case when politics is in the church the innocent get dragged in. It is always the case, if you want to influence something then, get some people on your side whilst not quite telling the truth or withholding certain information, both will help! In this same way Absalom wins over Ahithophel who was David’s advisor and Bathsheba’s grandfather.

David’s betrayal is complete. You would not think it possible but it was.

We must all remember, we are servants who are entrusted with Jesus’ church. Our attitude should be one of humility not ambition.  It’s about the glory of the church and the gospel and not about me and my preferences.

I wonder how many church conflicts arise out of a fundamental misunderstanding of what church really is? Infighting, for example, makes little sense once we grasp that the church is an earthly body designed to display heavenly unity. Indeed, the purpose of the church is to showcase God’s glory to a watching world. His character is at stake then even in the smallest skirmishes. Ultimately, church conflicts are about us and not about Jesus. We ought to be exceedingly slow to fight with those whom he has forgiven and war with those whom he has welcomed.