Greetings in the Strong Name of Jesus!

Offense and Hatred, some final thoughts.

II Samuel 16:23 - “Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God.”  NLT

Offense took seed in Absalom’s heart and it turned into a revengeful hatred.  Absalom’s hatred toward his father turned the hearts of the people in the kingdom away from his father, the king, toward himself.  Today we see in our scripture how the seed has now made Absalom follow senseless and sinful advice even making it appear that it is Godly advice given by a Godly man.  This is a very important truth to understand.  When we allow offenses to take root, not only can they turn to hatred and bitterness, not only can they cause us to undermine authority, but it can cause spiritual blindness to the point we do sinful things in the name of the Lord.

Ahithophel had been one of Kind David’s best advisors and word came to the King Ahithophel was now backing Absalom.  David prayed Ahithophel would give Absalom foolish advice.  Ahithophel comes to Absalom telling him he is now backing him and asks what can he do for him.  Absalom asks for advice and Ahithophel tells him he should sleep with the King’s concubines.  Foolish?  Senseless? Sinful?  All of the above.  Not only was Ahithophel unable to give Godly advice because of his abondonement of the appointed, anointed King, but Absalom received this word as from the Lord because his heart was full of hatred and rebellion against God and against his father.  And because Ahithophel was living in rebellion he was unable to give Godly advice even though he had done so for many years.

Have you ever wondered how people could make such silly decisions about life or follow silly advice from others?  Have you ever wondered why it is that some people are always in difficult places?  I suggest it may be because of an Absalom spirit.  They were offended at some point in their lives, never, ever took care of the offense, still live in anger and resentment therefore clouding their ability to see clearly the direction of God and clearly hear His voice.  It can happen, it did happen, and it can very easily happen to us if we are not careful to not take up offenses.  People who live with unresolved offenses can rarely  give Godly advice either because their mind is clouded or their ears are deaf to God.

I love the words of Corrie Ten Boom, and I am only paraphrasing; “When people criticize me, I make it a bouquet of roses and give it to the Lord.  When people praise me, I make it bouquet of roses and give it to the Lord.”  Great advice.  Don’t take up offenses for when they take seed they cloud our hearts and minds of God’s purpose for us.

You are loved and prayed for,
Pastor Roger