Absalom

Psalms 3:3

“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”

Absalom.

The son of a king.

Raised in the shadow of greatness, his father David poured his life into him—shaping him, teaching him, loving him. Yet Absalom’s heart was consumed by one desire: the throne.

He was no warrior; he was a whisperer. A smooth-talking deceiver, skilled at twisting words and winning hearts, not with truth, but with charm. Slowly, he poisoned the minds of the people against the one who had done nothing but remain faithful. David—God’s anointed—was betrayed by his own flesh and blood.

And Absalom got what he wanted. He took the throne by cunning and force, sending David fleeing into the wilderness. But the price of ambition is steep. Relationships meant nothing to Absalom. People were pawns. Love was collateral damage.

For a time, it seemed Absalom had won. He sat on the throne. The kingdom appeared to be his. To those watching, it looked like the righteous had been forsaken and the wicked were prospering. But God…

God, in His mercy, allowed time—time for repentance, time for redemption. The Lord is patient, not wanting any to perish. Yet Absalom’s heart remained unyielding, hardened by pride. He clung to a throne that was never his.

And then, the Lord moved.

Absalom did not escape judgment. He did not keep the throne. The crown that belonged to David, the man after God’s own heart, was restored to its rightful head. The one whom God had anointed was returned to his place.

Beloved, it may seem that the Absaloms of this world—those who deceive, betray, and grasp for power—are winning. It may feel as though the throne is lost, the righteous are forgotten, and the faithful are defeated. But God sees. And God waits. Not out of weakness, but out of mercy.

Do not fear. The throne that is yours cannot be stolen. The anointing upon your life cannot be erased. God’s promises are sure, and His justice is certain. Absalom’s victory is fleeting; David’s is eternal.

Even if it looks like Absalom is winning today, remember this: the anointing speaks louder than the schemes. The throne belongs to the one God has chosen. Hold fast. Trust Him. The rightful king always returns.