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Absolute surrender to the King – Part 1

By W. F. Kumuyi
21 May 2017   |   3:14 am
The story of Absalom, who rebelled against David his father, God’s appointed and anointed king in Israel, is as instructive today and it was in the days when this incident took place. Dethroned by his son, David had to run for his life....

Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

The story of Absalom, who rebelled against David his father, God’s appointed and anointed king in Israel, is as instructive today and it was in the days when this incident took place. Dethroned by his son, David had to run for his life, family and people, to avoid bloodshed. Though a rival and reprobate had risen up to take his place, some of his subjects, who still recognised him as the anointed king, followed and expressed their commitment to him, saying, “Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint” (2 Samuel 15:15). In this hard time of great disappointment, discouragement and distress, David rejoiced to find some loyal servants, who pledged their allegiance to him.

All believers also have a King. We recognise Jesus, the anointed One and Christ as our King, even though Israel rejected Him, Judas betrayed Him and the Antichrist would seek to usurp His authority. Our surrender and allegiance to Christ must be unblemished, faultless and wholehearted. Though rejected by men, we recognise Him as the anointed King, Who rose from the dead and will return to reign. Like the rise of Absalom, the emergence of antichrists, apostates and abominable people against Christ will not change the truth that the Father has revealed Christ as “King” (Psalms 2:6). Besides, the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) agree and reveal that Jesus is the “King.”

Multitudes may betray and reject Him and support a rival Antichrist; that is temporary: He is returning to reign as King forever. After preparing a place for us in His abode, “the King of saints,” and “the King of kings and Lord of lords” will return to take to heaven, all believers who did not allow any Absalom or Antichrist to reign in their lives and families. Like the servants of David, we must submit, surrender and consecrate our all to Christ without reservation. Our minds, language and commitment should be nothing short of absolute surrender to ever love, trust and live for Him daily, no matter what others do, say or go.

David’s servants pledged allegiance and loyalty to him by declaring that, “thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.” God expects us as believers to pledge our loyalty to Christ, our redeeming King. He saved and redeemed us at the great price of His blood. He bore our sin, sorrow, shame and suffering for sin on earth and in hell. Having tasted the depth of God’s wrath on our behalf, nothing less than absolute surrender, total consecration, unreserved obedience, unwavering loyalty, loving yieldedness, wholehearted devotion and self-denying sacrifice can show enough gratitude for our redemption. We love, obey and pledge our loyalty to Him because He first loved us.

Just as loyal servants “helped David against the band of the rovers” (1 Chronicles 12:21), Christ wants all believers to lend helping hands in spreading the gospel to the sinful world, so they can obtain forgiveness and enthrone Him as King of their lives. Reigning with the Lord requires making Him the Captain of our salvation and pledging our lives, commitment and loyalty to Him and His cause. Besides, every believer should constantly affirm his or her pledge that: “All the words, which the LORD hath said will [I] do” and “whithersoever thou sendest [me, I] will go.” This profession of perpetual loyalty to Christ is based on a clear understanding of Him as the King, Who is wise and whose words are always right. We esteem His words as the final authority, whether we understand them or not. Thus, we obey His mandate to go and teach people all that He has commanded us.

Many Israelites defected to join Absalom, who had done nothing for them because they forgot the revelation (in the Psalms), redemption and rewards they received from God through David. Were it not for David, the favour and power of God would not have remained in Israel, when enemy nations fought them. We must not forget the love of Christ, Who died and rose again to save and sanctify us; Who has sent the Holy Ghost to us; Who has healed and removed all the shackles and yokes of the enemy from our lives and made a way for us to get to the Father. We must follow Jesus till the end.

Furthers Reading (King James Version): 2 Samuel 15:15; Psalm 2:2-7; Matthew 2:2; Mark 15:2; Luke 19:37,38; John 1:49; 12:15; Revelation 15:3; 17:14; 19:13-16; 2 Samuel 15:15; 1 Chronicles 12:21-24; Exodus 19:4-9; 24:3,7; Joshua 1:16; Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15.

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