4. Absolute Prayer

2 Samuel 15: 30-31

 

30 David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. And the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they climbed the hill.

31 When someone told David that his adviser Ahithophel was now backing Absalom, David prayed, “O Lord, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!”

 

 

7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! (John 15: 7)

 

▣        It is only God who answers prayer, so no matter what the problem is, we should only pray.  The problems we face in life are all relative.

I don't know what problems may arise.  Those who pray are those who do not know what the problem is but know the answer.  Only the Lord is the answer.

The Lord said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

The problems in life are many, but there is only one answer.

Lord and prayer.

Matters are relative, but prayer is absolute.

 

19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”(Matt 16: 19)

22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”(Matt21:22)

24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. (Mk 11: 24)

14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! (John 14: 14)

7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! (John 15: 7)

 

What these sayings have in common is "whatever it is."

No matter what the problem is, God is the answer.

Don't be afraid of problems and trust the Lord who answers them.

Whatever the problem, prayer is absolutely essential.

Prayer is an absolute power.

David has no one to help.

 

1. David has no one to help.

 

David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. And the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they climbed the hill.

(2 Samuel 15:30).

 

The figure of David in this Bible verse is unique. First of all, David goes up the road to the Mount of Olives.

He goes up the mountain pass by the king, who should be in the palace.

He covers his head and goes barefoot without shoes.

Following David weeping, all the people covered their heads and went up weeping.

What happened? His son Absalom revolted.

David was driven out of the palace. I don't see any solution.

Surprisingly, it is said that Ahithophel, a servant of David, was also among the rebels (2 Samuel 15:31).

 

David's servant Ahithophel led the revolt of his son Absalom.

David can't do anything more.

Betrayed by his son and his servants, David is now a man who can do nothing.

David loses his head and climbs the mountain weeping barefoot.

David can't do anything humanly.

None of the people could help David.

But on the way to escape, he prays to God.

 

“O Lord, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!” (2 Samuel 15:31).

 

What kind of power does this prayer have?  Prayer is heard by God.

The Bible tells us wonderful things.  See what happens after David's prayer.

Absalom is now with his men to find a way to capture his father David.

 

2. Ahithophel's suggestion is advantageous.

 

1 Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. 2 I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, 3 and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek.[a] Then you will be at peace with all the people.” 4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel. (2 Samuel 17: 1- 4).

 

See Ahithophel's suggestion.

First, it is suggested that only 12,000 soldiers be dispatched.

Second, I propose to pursue him immediately tonight.

Third, it is said that only King David needs to be killed.

On the other hand, what about Hushai's suggestion?

 

3. Hushai's proposal is unfavorable

 

11 “I recommend that you mobilize the entire army of Israel, bringing them from as far away as Dan in the north and Beersheba in the south. That way you will have an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. And I advise that you personally lead the troops. 12 When we find David, we’ll fall on him like dew that falls on the ground. Then neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. 13 And if David were to escape into some town, you will have all Israel there at your command. Then we can take ropes and drag the walls of the town into the nearest valley until every stone is torn down.” 14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom! (2 Samuel 17:11-14).

 

Let's look at the Hushai's proposal.

First, all Israel must go.

Second, you must pursue it slowly.

Third, all who follow David must be killed.

 

Ahithophel's operation is a surprise war, and Hushai's operation is an all-out war.

 

4. Follow Hushai's suggestion.

 

Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom!

(2 Samuel 17:14).

 

In fact, Ahithophel's suggestion is an advantageous tactic, but people follow Hushai's suggestion. How does this happen? Because of God has commanded it.

God heard David's prayer and made Ahithophel's plan to fail.

Ahithophel's scheme was good, but God moved people's hearts.

No matter how perfect a person's plans may be, it is God who rules the heart.

 

No matter what you pray for, God answers your prayers.

Matters are relative, but prayer is absolute.

A person of prayer does not have to know the problem, but must believe in the Lord who answers prayer. If you ask the Lord what you pray for, the Lord answers him.

All prayers are absolutely answered.