In the church I attend the minister has been doing a series on the book of Samuel involving the trials of King David . David gave in to temptation when he noticed Bathsheba who was sunning herself on the roof. Although he knew she was the wife of Uriah a commander in David`s army he decided he must have her and indeed he arrogantly committed adultery apparently with no thought for the consequences. All the while Ahithophel the grandfather of Bathsheba noticed what had happened. David decided he must have Uriah killed so he put him in the front rank of the army in the next battle and Uriah was killed.(2 Samuel chapter 11)
As time went on Ahithophel could not forget what David did to his granddaughter. However he was also a close confident of David and acted as a counsellor in the Royal Palace to David. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27 v33 as the kings counsellor. He could not forget what David did to his granddaughter. It rankled with him for years unknown to David. Eventually he decided he would take advantage of the fall out between David and Absolom his son and he approached Absolom with the intention of arranging to have David asasinated. However the plot never materialised and Ahithophel knew there was no place now in David`s household so he committed suicide. As Jim Cole-Rous of global christiancenter.com put it Ahithophel made a unforgivable error of judgement and let bitterness enter his soul in the hope of getting vengence on David for the seduction of Bathsheba.
The message of this sad story is think about Ahithophel when you have a grudge and want to get even with someone who has let you down. Rather have peace with all men as it says in Hebrews 12 v 14-15.
Forgiveness is a verb not a feeling. It is something you must do . yes pray about it but also actually do it , actually speak with the one you are at odds with and forgive in the practical sense
(ref: Jim Cole Rous globalchristiancenter.com now journeyonline.org)
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