Standing and Sent

After Joab and David's men routed Absalom and his army, the biblical narrative shares an insightful interaction between the general and Ahimaaz.  2 Samuel 18:19-21 reads, "Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, "Let me run now and take the news to the king, how the LORD has avenged him of his enemies." ²⁰ And Joab said to him, "You shall not take the news this day, for you shall take the news another day. But today you shall take no news, because the king's son is dead." ²¹ Then Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, tell the king what you have seen." So the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran."  Ahimaaz was keen to run to the king with news, but Joab sent a Cushite (a man of Ethiopia) who was an eyewitness of the events of the day.  The Cushite was obviously a trustworthy man and well-spoken, for Joab did not put words in his mouth or coach him at all.

Ahimaaz, however, would not be deterred.  2 Samuel 18:22-23 says, "And Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said again to Joab, "But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite." So Joab said, "Why will you run, my son, since you have no news ready?" ²³ "But whatever happens," he said, "let me run." So he said to him, "Run." Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite."  Ahimaaz continued to pester Joab to allow him to run as well--even though he was not sent with a message.  Joab questioned Ahimaaz why he would run without news, yet this did not matter to Ahimaaz.  He was good at running, and thus he wanted to run.  Joab finally allowed Ahimaaz to run, and it seems he was not behind the Cushite before long because he took a short cut across the plain and passed him.  It wasn't a race, and Ahimaaz was given no news, yet he wanted to be first.

The watchman saw a man running at a distance by himself, and then a second runner came into view.  2 Samuel 18:27 tells us, "So the watchman said, "I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok." And the king said, "He is a good man, and comes with good news."  Like Jehu who drove his chariot with a distinctive, furious style, so the running style of Ahimaaz was known to the watchman so he recognised his running gait long before his face was distinguishable.  2 Samuel 18:28-30 states, "And Ahimaaz called out and said to the king, "All is well!" Then he bowed down with his face to the earth before the king, and said, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king!" ²⁹ The king said, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" Ahimaaz answered, "When Joab sent the king's servant and me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I did not know what it was about." ³⁰ And the king said, "Turn aside and stand here." So he turned aside and stood still."  Though Ahimaaz ran well, he lacked knowledge to answer the one question asked by his king.  Ahimaaz claimed to have been sent by Joab (when it was Ahimaaz who insisted he run), and ironically ran all that way to expose his own ignorance before his king he wanted to impress.  David told Ahimaaz to stand aside, seeing he had nothing of importance to say.

2 Samuel 18:31-33 reads, "Just then the Cushite came, and the Cushite said, "There is good news, my lord the king! For the LORD has avenged you this day of all those who rose against you." ³² And the king said to the Cushite, "Is the young man Absalom safe?" So the Cushite answered, "May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man!" ³³ Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept...".  We are never told the name of the Cushite, but having been sent as an eye-witness of what took place that day, he masterfully held forth truth that moved David to tears.  Ahimaaz had a reputation and distinct style as a runner but lacked substance as a messenger.  The contrast between Ahimaaz and the Cushite is an illustration of the word of the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah which is relevant for us today.

Though the nation had forsaken God, there were false prophets who spoke a "vision of their own heart" and not from the mouth of the LORD.  They promised peace when God intended to bring judgment upon His people for their wickedness.  God said in Jeremiah 23:21-22, "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. ²² But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings."  There are many self-proclaimed prophets who claim to speak for God, and they can be recognised by their television programs, stage presence and best-selling books.  Genuine prophets can be popular, like John the Baptist was.  But the point is, it is possible for charismatic and gifted speakers to prophecy a vision of their own heart without a message from God--like Ahimaaz who was intent on running when he had no message from Joab.  Rather than running to speak at a conference or write a book without a message from God, they ought to have stood in His counsel and spoken forth God's word.

This is an important principle to take to heart in Christian ministry, whether we are recognised for our style of speaking like Ahimaaz was known for running or like the Cushite who was unknown and remains nameless.  It may be our role is to preach a sermon every week, lead Bible studies and speak at conferences on a regular basis.  Let us be intentional to stand in God's counsel and cause people to hear God's words--not the vision of our hearts.  As eye witnesses of our great God, let us examine our hearts and motives to ensure we have been sent by God and He has spoken to us words we have received before we run to speak to others.  Ahimaaz never answered the question why he wanted to run so badly when he didn't have a message, and the same question could have been posed to the false prophets in Jeremiah's day.  It is a question best left unanswered if we are unwilling to give an honest answer.

Let us be those who stand in God's counsel, and when He sends us to deliver His message may we run our race with joy.  I would rather stand in God's counsel rather than God telling me to stand aside because my words lack substance.

Strife Prevention

During my time working as a union mechanical insulator, our industry expanded to include firestopping.  This had nothing to do with fighting fires but was intended to contain fires and prevent them from spreading--especially in commercial buildings.  Wherever ducts, pipes and electrical conduit penetrate concrete floors and walls, fire and toxic fumes could potentially spread and endanger the lives of people trying to evacuate.  Most applications required packing the penetration with rock wool and then adding a layer of firestop caulking that, when heated, would expand and fill the gap left by melted pipes or wiring.  Stopping the spread of fire allows more time for people to escape and for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

While not everyone is trained to install firestopping, it is everyone's calling as children of God to be one who takes action to ensure the fires caused by lies, boasting or gossip stop with us.  As fire is contained by a fire-rated corridor or door, so we are to stand in the gap to recongise gossip and take no part in spreading it.  We sometimes cannot control what we hear, but we are called to ensure we honour God and edify others with our lips.  James showed how our tongues can express sin that spread like a fire and is shockingly destructive in James 3:5-6:  "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."  A spark can set a whole forest alight, and a little gossip can burn relationships to the ground.

Once a fire is "out of control," there is little we can do to try to control it.  Prevention of fires is better than needing to fight them, and the science of fire is fairly straightforward:  a fire needs fuel, oxygen and an ignition source.  If any of these three are not present, fires will not start; if one of these is removed, a fire will cease to burn.  Proverbs 26:20 says, "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases."  Talebearers, busybodies and gossips--whatever you call them--provide the fuel for strife by saying things about others in a sinful manner.  Proverbs 20:19 gives insight how gossip and flattery can go together:  "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips."  The NIV puts it like this:  "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."  A little gossip can do great damage, and thus we ought to carefully consider what we say and why.  Gossips are like arsonists that find perverse enjoyment in lighting fires.  Such have great pleasure in being in the know, spreading stories and seeing people's eyes widen in wonder at their words.

Proverbs 11:13 states, "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter."  It is estimated by some nearly half of the bushfires in Australia are deliberately lit, and I suspect a lot of people who hear and spread gossip are unaware they have done or are doing so due to the subtlety of sin.  Gossip, boasting, flattery and lying are easy for us as speaking.  Perhaps those who gossip imagine they are doing good, like firefighters who backburn to eliminate fuel before the summer heat.  Yet the Bible is clear that talebearing--regardless of the justification--only adds fuel to a fire to make it burn out of control and stirs up strife.  There will always be good stories to tell others, but be sure all stories you tell are your own and spoken to edify others.  Let us be those who snuff out the drifting embers or flames of gossip with the refreshing Living Water of the Holy Spirit, guided by love and truth.  We who used to be talebearers can now serve as talestoppers by God's grace and prevent strife.

Decreasing and Growing

Filled with the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist was a man who demonstrated humility.  He was a man who had understanding of God's calling and purpose in his life, one crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the LORD Jesus Christ.  His sanctified life in the fear of God led people to follow him, and he was faithful to lead his disciples to follow Jesus.  John embraced turnover in his ministry, for as he said to his disciples who were concerned about the notoriety, attention and followers Jesus had that seemed to detract from John's efforts:  "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)  John knew his ministry was to point people to Jesus so they might follow him instead, and he was content to continue baptising people to proclaim Jesus as the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit and fire.

As a parent, it is good to know our children are gifts from God we are called to love, provide for, guide in godliness by example and faithfully discipline.  When we have fulfilled our role as parents, knowing our children are on loan because they are really God's, we are able to better embrace the changing seasons when kids grow into adults and have their own families.  A bow is meant to shoot arrows, and children are not to be permanently attached to their parent's string.  They must go out from us in due time, and we can delight in the new seasons God brings of marriage, grandchildren and friendship--even when we are parted over a long distance or space of time.  Since our rejoicing is in the LORD who gives all good things, we can be glad in future seasons God has in store for us.  They will be different than when our kids were little but are beautiful in their own way, enriched by time with the LORD and one another.

Growing pains are not just for the young but are also experienced as we grow older and face changes and challenges from advancing seasons of life, work and ministry.  A time comes when we cannot physically do what we used to enjoy doing in the past.  It can be hard for people who are used to doing everything to need to rely on others for help.  It is easy to lose a sense of purpose when we cannot contribute in ways we have in the past.  Just recently I decided that when the day came people no longer wanted me as speaker at a youth camp I would embrace it--despite feelings of rejection that come with being overlooked, to be a last resort rather than first preference.  Like I have outgrown suits, sometimes we do not fit into a role we still feel comfortable in.  By God's grace we can embrace roles we find very uncomfortable, strengthened and encouraged that the LORD has set before us an open door.  These opportunities, even when they aren't our idea or preference, are wonderful reminders God has more for us to do.  This exercise of faith to honour Jesus over ourselves brings spiritual growth.

I was reminded during study of the words Jesus spoke to the church in Philadelphia, that He had set before them an open door none could shut.  The God of patience and comfort is the God who sets before us an open door, and we enter that door by faith in Him who is the Door.  Sometimes we do not recognise or even perceive the open door because of hindrances that can distract us from God's goodness and sovereignty.  A severe illness or our advancing age may close doors to us, but know as long as we live Jesus has set before us an open door.  Even on a sickbed we are not without ability to serve the LORD in meaningful ways by praying and praising Him for His goodness.  Strip away from me the roles as pastor, camp speaker, husband and dad, and the LORD remains as worthy of worship and thanksgiving as ever.  In heaven I will be none of those things, and yet God is pleased to welcome me into His presence as His son right now.  In a world that makes increase an idol, let us be those who are joyfully willing to decrease so Jesus Christ may increase.  Whenever we notice a decrease in our ability, know and praise the LORD in our weakness God's strength is made perfect and thus He can increase--despite our lack of production.

Submission and Surrender

When it comes to surrender, not all surrendering is the same.  There is a surrender that is forced upon others by brute force.  A proud fighter taps out because he is losing consciousness while in a choke hold, and a nation surrenders during war when it is clear surrender is necessary for their survival.  There remains animosity and the desire to fight on, but it simply isn't possible.  There is another version of surrender, when someone is so beaten down and detached they simply do not care what happens.  The duration of the fight and inability to overcome leads to surrender that gives up from utter hopelessness.

These kinds of surrender motivated by circumstances out of our control and hopelessness are of little value in the Christian life because it is not according to faith in God as revealed in Scripture.  When we sing, "I surrender all" it ought to be a surrender that is glad submission, a joyful resignation of ourselves and situation into the hands of God who is good.  There is no gritted teeth in this surrender, no fury or frustration, for faith in God brings an expectation of hope of God's goodness even in the midst of trouble.  David sang in Psalm 27:13-14, "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. ¹⁴ Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Whilst we can be guilty of singing lies in church when our lives do not match our songs of praise and worship, David was a man of integrity who lived a life of surrender before God.  When confronted with his sin, David repented and worshipped the LORD.  Even after his son Absalom betrayed him and made a rebellious play for the throne, by faith in God David vacated Jerusalem rather than shed blood.  Rather than fighting to defend his rights as God's anointed or carrying the Ark of the Covenant out of Jerusalem, David cast his life and future reign on the LORD in surrender to His will.  2 Samuel 15:25-26 reads, "Then the king said to Zadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. ²⁶ But if He says thus: 'I have no delight in you,' here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him."  See how personal David's surrender was to entrust himself into the hands of the LORD, for despite Absalom's coup he knew God reigned on high.

The resignation of David to God's grace is different than that shown by the high priest Eli after being confronted by a man of God and the revelation God gave to Samuel as a child concerning Eli's sons he knew were wicked and for doing nothing to restrain them.  Eli affirmed the word of the LORD in 1 Samuel 3:18 by saying, “It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him.”  The problem was Eli's resignation to God's will was to remain in sin rather than repent and take action against his erring sons who led Israel to sin. Eli demanded to hear God's revelation with an oath, yet he was firmly and helplessly resolved to remain in sin and shirk his God-given duty.  A godly surrender is one that is in submission and agreement with God, falling upon His mercy while doing all we can to please Him.  This is the heart we see in David, and the kind of surrender God desires to be in all God's people.  Unless our surrender is joyful submission before the LORD, it is of little worth indeed.