When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. [2 Samuel 15.5-6]
As old as time itself is the lust for authority.
Throughout all history, starting with Satan and coming right on down to Absalom ad beyond, the Bible records the stories of God's creation striving for authority. And, it's not just a little authority they are after, but supreme authority.
They say blood is thicker than water. But the throne is thicker than blood! David's own son has determined to kill his father and take the throne.
In today's reading we even see Mephibosheth (Saul's grandson) taking a run at being king.
Part of the reason we don't understand this desire to be king is because we don't understand the extreme authority the king possessed on the earth. But Absalom and others understood it! And, they fought for it!
We need to understand the authority of a king. It is our key into understanding kingdom authority. It is our key to understanding everything Jesus came and taught and modeled to us.
Perhaps if we understood kingdom authority and impartation, we would better understand Jesus words in Matthew 11.12: And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.
I think the reason we have so much Old Testament history is because God wanted to give us an understanding of how kingdoms operate. No, we don't understand it, but that is precisely why we need to!
Father, help me to get it regarding Your Kingdom and my role in it relative to Jesus' work on my behalf.
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