Corona Devo 718

Whose side are you on, anyway?

Actually, sometimes we need to be shrewd enough to be on both sides.

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King David had gotten ousted from his city and his reign by his (bad-seed) son, Absalom, and now David was "on the run". Along the way, people who respected David as a man and king continued to show their loyalty to him, but in wisdom, David knew that he needed friends "on both sides" of his son's new rule.

When David reached the summit of the Mount of Olives where people worshiped God, Hushai the Arkite was waiting there for him. Hushai had torn his clothing and put dirt on his head as a sign of mourning. (33) But David told him, “If you go with me, you will only be a burden. (34) Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice. (35) Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, will be there. Tell them about the plans being made in the king’s palace, (36) and they will send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what is going on.”

(37) So David’s friend Hushai returned to Jerusalem, getting there just as Absalom arrived.  ~2 Samuel 15:32-37

There's a lot of long, Israelite names in these verses, but to clarify things: Hushai was an advisor to David while he was king. When David got kicked out by Absalom (his son), Hushai was in mourning for David and wanted to follow him into hiding.

But David sent Hushai back to Absalom to "pose" as one of his advisors, and to counter any advice given by Absalom's main advisor: Ahithophel (a bad guy). David also told Hushai to send updates back to him via Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, who were also loyal to David.

Smart isn't it?

Hushai complied and it wasn't long before Absalom was comparing advice from both Ahithophel and Hushai to figure out his next move.

Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. (2) I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, (3) and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.” (4) This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel. ~ ~2 Samuel 17:1-4

Wait for it...Whose side are you on, anyway?

Actually, sometimes we need to be shrewd enough to be on both sides:

(5) But then Absalom said, “Bring in Hushai the Arkite. Let’s see what he thinks about this.” (6)When Hushai arrived, Absalom told him what Ahithophel had said. Then he asked, “What is your opinion? Should we follow Ahithophel’s advice? If not, what do you suggest?”

(7) “Well,” Hushai replied to Absalom, “this time Ahithophel has made a mistake. (8) You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced man of war. He won’t be spending the night among the troops. (9) He has probably already hidden in some pit or cave. And when he comes out and attacks and a few of your men fall, there will be panic among your troops, and the word will spread that Absalom’s men are being slaughtered. (10) Then even the bravest soldiers, though they have the heart of a lion, will be paralyzed with fear. For all Israel knows what a mighty warrior your father is and how courageous his men are.

(11) “I recommend that you mobilize the entire army of Israel, bringing them from as far away as Dan in the north and Beersheba in the south. That way you will have an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And I advise that you personally lead the troops. (12) When we find David, we’ll fall on him like dew that falls on the ground. Then neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. (13) And if David were to escape into some town, you will have all Israel there at your command. Then we can take ropes and drag the walls of the town into the nearest valley until every stone is torn down.”

(14) Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom!

(Just as David had instructed): (15) Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, what Ahithophel had said to Absalom and the elders of Israel and what he himself had advised instead. (16) “Quick!” he told them. “Find David and urge him not to stay at the shallows of the Jordan River tonight. He must go across at once into the wilderness beyond. Otherwise he will die and his entire army with him.” ~2 Samuel 17: 5-15

Oooo, Hushai was good, wasn't he? David was wise to send Hushai back into the city to "counsel" with Absalom. We know that Hushai was on David's side, but he played along (perfectly) as if he was on Absalom's side.

Sometimes we need to be shrewd enough to be on both sides.

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I heard a sermon the other day where the pastor was encouraging and thanking those that are "serving on the other side" right now. If you work/live/serve somewhere with more "dark" than light/with more "worldly" view than Heavenly-focus/or where you feel alone as a Believer...keep it up!

We need people to be shrewd enough to be on both sides...and we are those people!

We need people on the inside to be able to further God's plans today.

Whose side are we on? Both.

Blessings,

Sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com