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Absaloms in the Church
John Howard Parker
An account "written aforetime for our learning" in 2 Samuel 15 is that of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. This rebellion followed a pattern which is sometimes repeated today by those in the church who rebel against the elders of the congregation and lead others into modernistic and erroneous practices.
"And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him." (2 Sam. 15:1.) Absalom took this action because he was conceited. Such an entourage would give him personal glory. Absalom was the king's favorite son. He was intelligent, handsome, and spoiled. "In all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty." (2 Sam. 14:25.) Absalom became conceited because of his position and his pride in his personal attainments.
Conceited Absaloms are found in the church today. Like him, they have admirable traits and attainments: they are intelligent, talented, and well educated. They dress well, speak well, make good salaries, and wield a considerable power in the community. And, like Absalom, they are proud of themselves. They feel that they are a special group, that they are smarter and more aware than anyone else, including the elders. Consequently they want to bring the control of the church into their own hands.
"And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate." (2 Sam. 15:2.) Absalorn wanted to display himself in the public eye. Today's rebels also show themselves off. They stir up controversy, in the Bible classes and introduce changes in the order or manner of the worship service so that they can receive recognition which they would not have without these changes. Their innovations result in such oddities as weird songs, hand holding, worshiping in darkness, sitting on the floor, strange chants, sudden and confusing changes in the order of the service, and other practices designed more to gain attention than to pay reverence. Another result is cell meetings and independent projects introduced so that their instigators may have recognition.
"And it was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, . . . See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee." (2 Sam. 15:2-3.) Absalom implied that David's performance in his position of authority was not adequate. Thus he stirred up unwarranted resentment against the one whom God had placed in authority. Similarly, rebels in the church today hint that the elders are too slow and too conservative and are not meeting the needs of the congregation. Usually these charges are just as unwarranted as Absalom s. Even when deficiencies do exist, the sly innuendos of the rebels do nothing to correct them.
"Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!" (2 Sam. 15:4.) Absalom next said that he could do a better job than his father, although he lacked the experience, the character, and the qualifications which David had. Absalom also made this assertion even though he had no legitimate right to the throne. Those seeking in a like manner to supplant the elders in a congregation do so as well without right and without the character and qualifications which one who would lead God's people should have.
"And it was so, that, when any man came nigh to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." (2 Sam. 15:5-6.) By similar smooth and appealing maneuvers the rebel in the church wins the hearts of unsuspecting and unthinking members, turning them against those in authority. Glib promises and rosy pictures appeal to the gullible, while the cautious and sometimes arduous policies of the wise do not. However, the security and the genuine progress of the church usually require such caution.
"And it came to pass at the end of forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto Jehovah, in Hebron." (2 Sam. 15:7.) Absalom wanted to get away from Jerusalem, for he knew David's control there was too strong for him to resist. He therefore went to a place where he could work undetected and where he could be in control. Private cell meetings give the same advantage to the rebels in the church today. They know that they cannot have their will in the regular assembly, or they fear that their activities will be questioned. Therefore, they gather privately in someone's home where they will be less under the control of the elders.
"And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they knew not anything." (2 Sam. 15: 11.) Soon, if he is not detected and dealt with, the rebel in the church by secret invitation leads off the unwary into his camp. This event results in the dividing of the congregation or the loss of control by the elders. Years of trouble, apostasy, and stagnation result, just as Israel was torn by Absalom's rebellion.
David's kingdom survived, just as the church "shall stand forever." (Dan. 2:44; Matt. 16:18.) Most of David's servants were willing to remain faithful to him (2 Sam. 15:15-18), just as the great majority of the church's members are willing to use their talents to work in harmony with the elders. But Absaloms are present, and brethren should take notice when the pattern of rebellion established by David's insidious son appears.