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A Lesson From Absalom

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 28.

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A Lesson From Absalom

By A. N. Durrant

A. N. DURRANT
God had anointed David as king of Israel, and, as such, a type of Jesus, the coming King of kings. Compare Ps. 89: 20-37; 2 Sam. 7: 15, 16; Luke 1: 32, 33. But Satan, whose aim ever since his fall has been to thwart God's plan, sought to overthrow the throne of David, through Absalom, David's own son. Note the spirit that Satan manifested, as revealed in Isa. 14: 13, 14: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. . . . I will be like the Most High,” and compare it with Absalom's thirst for self-exaltation: “O that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!” 2 Sam. 15: 4.
Since “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,” what lesson may we learn from Absalom's evil desire and wicked course? David, as God's appointed messenger, was ruling well; but Absalom thought if he were made king, he would do a better work than his father.
Did you ever hear any one say: “Elder — is not doing good work as president of the — Conference,” and imply that if he were made president, matters would be conducted differently? Or have you heard the thought expressed: “Brother — is not a good leader of the Sabbath-school. O, if I were made leader, how I would make things go!”
It is not unlikely that some have said, or at least have thought thus; but this feeling is of Satan, not of God. It is the same spirit that actuated the “man of sin,” “who exalteth himself above all that is called God.” 2 Thess. 2: 4.
“There are those who are premature in their desire to reform things that to them appear faulty. They think that they should be chosen to take the place of those who have made mistakes. They undervalue what these workers have done while others were looking on and criticizing. By their actions they say: ‘I can do great things. I can carry the work forward successfully.’”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 279.
“Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” Ps. 105: 15. “Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”
Grenada, British West Indies.