Dead Right

"Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice."

2 Sam.16:23

Ahithophel had a stellar career. Through his intelligence, insight and undoubted political prowess, he became King David's principle advisor, and his advice came to be regarded by the king as infallible. When Absalom, King David's son, decided to usurp the kingdom from good ole' dad, Ahithophel decided to go along with the revolt. Upon hearing the news, David cried to God to turn Ahithophel's advice into nonsense and planted his friend, Hushai, in Absalom's ranks to counteract Ahithophel's wise counsel. With God's help, the plot worked and Absalom heeded Hushai's advice instead of listening to Ahithophel. When Ahithophel realized that his insight was no longer the only esteemed counsel, and that he had made a grave political misstep; when he understood that all his years of being right had suddenly turned wrong, he went home and committed suicide.

  Sometimes we are on a high in life. Everything is rolling smoothly, we are moving forward and upward, our dreams and visions are becoming realities and we feel blessed and powerful. Then suddenly something happens; we make a mistake, a loyal friend turns on us, we feel disregarded and displaced by another or we fail to hit our goal and doubts and insecurities start to settle into our hearts. This is how Ahithophel felt as he trudged home from his meeting with Absalom. He had been flying high for so long that he no longer knew how to land himself onto the safe ground of humility and acceptance of human failings. Had he repented, had he humbled his heart before God and others, we may have been able to continue reading about Ahithophel's glorious comeback, but it was not to be. He was right, he had always been right and he would always be right- dead right!

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