Ahithophel: Forgiveness and Faith

Follow Along with the Message

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many are defiled" (Hebrews 12:5). 

The TRUTH of God carried in a STORY. 

Hurts come.  Anger fades away.  In its place a cold animosity or resentment.  Avoidance.  A root of bitterness. 

Ahithophel and David were long friends.  "My companion and familiar friend" (Psalm 55:13). 

Brilliant mind.  On David's Cabinet.   

Eliam (Ahithophel's son) was one of David's Mighty Men. 

Eliam only had one daughter.  Her name was Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:3). 

The affair broke Ahithophel's heart.  Angry.  Betrayed.   

He resigned and went home to Gihon. 

4 years later, Absalom called him and asked him to serve on his cabinet.  He agreed.  Payback! 

Cabinet summoned to decide next steps. 

Ahithophel counsels immediate action.  Kill David and peace will come. 

Hushai (secretly still loyal to David) counsels the opposite.  Wait.  Consolidate power.  Attack later with the full force of united Israel. 

God ordained it.  sava--to command, direct.   

Do we believe in this God?  Aware.  At work.  Present. Sovereign. 

     "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" (Deuteronomy 32:35). 

     "Judge not, so you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1) 

     "Love your enemies and pray for those who spitefully use you"   XXX(Matthew 5:44). 

Moses interceded for Israel--golden calf.  Begged God to forgive them. Exodus 33. Turning point!  We must not only allow forgiveness, we must advocate it. 

--Requires FAITH 

--Requires HOPE 

Ahithophel refused.  So wise.  So foolish. 

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"Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each one looking to yourself so that you will not be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). 

"God be merciful to me a sinner!  This man went home justified rather than the other" (Luke 18:13-14).