David and the Kingly Line of the Messiah – How Politics Works

Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 15:1-18

SERMON  NOTES
HOW POLITICS WORKS
2 Samuel 15:1-18

Absalom attempts to seize the throne from David, his own father.

1. The politics of deceit.

– 15:1; note Deut.17:14-17.

– 15:2-3. He plants insinuations, sows dissatisfaction, and agrees with everybody.

– 15:4. It is a policy of being winsome – 15:5. Tony Blair calls Princess Diana ‘the people’s princess’ because she looked good on television.

– 15:6. Os Guinness edited a book on leadership, Character Counts. William Wilberforce: ‘it is not in fact talents in which we are chiefly wanting, but resolute integrity.’

– 15:7-9. He uses religion. The Bible warns us about being deceived e.g. Jer.37:9; Matt.24:11, 24; Eph.5:5-6; 2 Tim.3:13. ‘Absalom’ means ‘Father (like ‘Abba’) of peace’ (‘shalom’), but it is all show.

2. The sin of rebellion.

– 15:10-12. Compare this with the way that David treated Saul – he spared his life twice, and was genuinely grieved when Saul was killed. Even Miriam and Aaron could be guilty – Num.12:1-9.

3. The need to flee.

– there is a time to flee – Matt.10:23; 2 Sam.15:13-18.

We should ask now: ‘David, was your sin worth it?’