Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 15:30-37.
“And David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went, and his head was covered and he walked barefoot. Then all the people who were with him each covered his head and went up weeping as they went. Now someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.”
It happened as David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn and dust on his head. David said to him, “If you pass over with me, then you will be a burden to me. But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me. Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So it shall be that whatever you hear from the king’s house, you shall report to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. Behold their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you shall send me everything that you hear.” So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 15:30-37.
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Hushai, David’s friend, left David to come to Jerusalem to be a spy for David. I am not sure why David said to Hushai: “If you pass over with me, then you will be a burden to me.” Maybe, David was obviously kidding and wanted to be strong and let Hushai know that he (David) would be OK if he (Hushai) left. We say such things ourselves.
More generally, we naturally want our friends to remain with us to give us the comfort and joy of their presence. But, sometimes, it is better that they leave us and go elsewhere, sometimes to directly do good for us and sometimes to do good for others, all according to God’s will, plan, and providence.
People should be very hesitant to leave their family and friends. Most time, it is better to stay with their family and friends. They should not leave without much prayer, much reading of Scripture, much counseling, and hopefully with the blessing of their family and friends. We notice in today’s Scripture that David requested Hushai to leave or at least David presented the good that could occur if Hushai left.
And even after people leave, they should think of going back home. They should consider if they can complete their mission and go home.
The purpose of this devotion is to not cover everything nor lead people whether to go or stay. Rather, the format of this short devotion is to cover today’s Scripture and present a few Scriptures and a few points to consider.
We know there is Scripture like the following.
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29.
“Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62.
But, people can be deceived and too easily justify their decision to leave by saying, “It is God’s will.” People can leave for the wrong reasons. People can leave for selfish reasons. People can leave for poor, superficial reasons. So to speak, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.
There is warning!
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8.
But, there is also hope!
“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.
And, there is more hope!
God does not only lead the person who is considering whether to go or stay. God is so kind and gracious that He also leads and comforts those family members and friends, so they can be part of the process.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6.
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.
“… for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” Hebrews 13:5.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 