“When Ahithophel saw that Absalom and the leaders of Israel were not going to follow his advice, he saddled his donkey and rode back to his home in Gilo. He told his family and servants what to do. Then he hanged himself.” 2 Sam. 17:23
Let’s go back to chapter 16 vs. 23: “Ahithophel gave such good advice in those days that both Absalom and David thought it came straight from God.”
I know I started this off with a shocker of a verse this morning, but it’s reality. Let’s face it, Ahithophel had fallen far.
At one time his advice was revered by both King David, a man after God’s own heart, and his son, Absalom, who was now trying to be king. They literally regarded his advice as though he was one who had been in a consultation with God. And later, no one wanted to follow his advice.
It didn’t just hurt his feelings a little or make him feel a bit disgraced. It caused him to go commit suicide.
It may sound shocking to you, but it shouldn’t. When we get our sense of self-worth from people, this can easily happen. If our identity is tied up in those around us, and they don’t approve of us, then, just like Ahithophel, we may feel like that is our only answer.
When we are regarded by men as the best or regarded by men as not much, we need to keep our eyes on the Maker of heaven and earth. He is the One who is our Strength. He fights for us, gives us wisdom, lets us run to Him for refuge, and comforts us in times of need.
Our identity comes from the One who created us, wonderfully, and willingly gave His Son to die for us so that we could have eternal life. God made us in His image, and calls us His own. He created us with a purpose. We are loved so much that Jesus chose to die for us–we were worth dying for.
No matter what happens or what they say…stand on what God says, and run to Him when you need a word of encouragement. He is always faithful, and He can be trusted.
Choose to stay, with Him,
jamie
considering the word 