Sincere or Sincerely a User?

O. T. #719  "Sincere or Sincerely a User?"
March 22, 2016
2 Samuel 14-Part 2
...Why did your servants set my field on fire?  2 Samuel 14:31 NLT

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever seen people being sweet in order to get their way? Children learn that technique and tactics to use so they get their way. Adults use it, too. So we need to be able to look beyond their appearance and how things appear and into the deeper reasons behind actions or words-discernment. Are they being sincere in their sweetness and kind deeds or are they sincerely a user? Absalom is one. See if you can determine which one he is.

Daddy's home. Previously, we read where Joab tricked King David into allowing Absalom to return home after being 3 years away at his grandfather's. The stipulation was that David would never see his son.
Absalom licked his wounds and set up his plan later on, to lead a revolt against his daddy. (Swindoll)

What do we learn about Absalom?

• He was the most handsome man in all Israel. (verse 25)
• He had long hair, since Absalom only cut it once a year. The reason he cut it then was because it was so heavy (5 lbs. cut off). (verse 26)
• He had 3 sons and one daughter name Tamar, who was very beautiful. (verse 27)
• Absalom lived in Jerusalem 2 years and never saw his father, King David. (verse 28)

John MacArthur suggests that David's restraint in staying apart from Absalom was to lead his son through a time of repentance and a real restoration. Rather than produce repentance in Absalom, however, his non-access to the royal court and all its amenities, frustrated him so that he sent for Joab to intercede.

I wonder if Absalom was a very spoiled firstborn and got what he wanted (before the killing of Amnon). Perhaps his good looks got him his way in the world, also. We aren't told either way, but his handsomeness is mentioned.

We should take as a warning of doing such by God when he told the Prophet Samuel, ...man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Are we careful to not favor people because of their outward appearance or their money?

LET IT GROW

After the two years had passed, Absalom sent for Joab to intercede for him to the king, so he could see David. However, Joab refused to go, not once, but twice. Well, that onery Absalom told his servants to set fire to Joab's field of barley. He got Joab's attention alright. What a self-centered guy.
Joab went to Absalom's house and asked him why he did such a thing.

Verse 32 is Absalom's answer to Joab:

• I wanted you to ask the king why he brought me back from Geshur if he didn't intend to see me.
• I might as well have stayed there.
• Let me see the king.
• If the king finds me guilty of anything, then let him kill me.

So Absalom got his way. Joab told King David what Absalom said. Then at last, David summoned Absalom. He bowed low before the king, and the king kissed him. Probably on the head.

The kiss signified David's forgiveness and Absalom's reconciliation with the family. (MacArthur)

I say, Absalom was a sly dude. He didn't want to be in favor with the king for segmental reasons, for he already had a plan of his rebellion. (Falwell brought that up in Liberty Bible Commentary.)

Folks, we need to always have discernment. People are users and have learned the technique  of appearing sweet just to get their way in a situation. I call them wolves in sheep's clothing. So observe their actions and try to find their motive for their smiles, words, or actions. Are they sincere or sincerely users?

LET IT GO

Watch and observe people for hidden motives when they are unusually kind or sweet.

Ask the Lord for discernment of the truth.

Do not be a user, myself.