CROSSING THE KIDRON VALLEY
"13 Now a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.......
"23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness." 2 Samuel 15:13-14; 23.
King David’s heart was broken and sore as a result of Absalom's betrayal. The young man was not content with being a crown prince. He wanted so much to be Israel's King. So he led a coup to take over his father's throne. To worsen David's woes, Ahithophel, who had been David's close friend and chief counselor, deserted him and joined forces with Absalom. The betrayal genuinely hurt David; he described his feelings in Psalm 41 verse 9: "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." In order to avoid bloodshed, David was forced to flee. He abdicated his throne and ran out of his city. As he flees Jerusalem, David walked across the Kidron valley with a small group of loyal followers and made his way up the Mount of Olives, barefoot and weeping as he went.
Have you ever experienced the pain of betrayal? Has your trust been broken and violated by those close to you? If so, you’re not alone. We've all been there. Everyone has had to deal with betrayal. It could be from a co-worker, a boss, a pastor, a friend, a parent, siblings, a child, or a spouse. Betrayal is disloyalty. It is to be unfaithful. Betrayal is the breaking of an agreement. It is a violation of a relationship. Betrayal is to lead astray, deceive, seduce and then abandon. It is to be harmed by the intentional actions of a trusted friend. Betrayal destroys the foundation of trust. It is violation of confidence by someone close to you. Betrayal is learning someone you thought was with you is actually working against you. You share your most intimate thoughts and secrets with them. They know you better than anyone else. Yet they've betrayed you. Betrayal affect you mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Betrayal hurts! It creates deep wounds in the soul.
"1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples." John 18:1-2.
Jesus understood the pain of betrayal. He was betrayed by one of His closest associates. Judas walked with Jesus for three years. Yet he joined the enemy in their evil plot to humiliate and crucify His Lord. Judas ate bread with Jesus, yet he betrayed Him with a kiss. Judas heard all the life changing teachings of Jesus, yet he betrayed the Savior. He did not value the relationship he had with Jesus. Judas betrayed the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. That betrayal led to a painful and humiliating death on the Cross. But it was not the end! Jesus overcame death and resurrected. And He is coming again.
THE BROOK VALLEY:
Both David and the Lord Jesus were betrayed by those closest to them. And they passed through the Kidron valley.
So, what's the Kidron valley. The Kidron valley is a valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. It is in the Kidron valley that the Levites dumped the unclean things they found in the Temple. "Then the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the debris that they found in the temple of the Lord to the court of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it out and carried it to the Brook Kidron." 2 Chronicles 29:16. The Kidron valley was a burial ground. It was a place of death! At the Kidron valley, the false idols of Israel were destroyed. thus representing a temporary cessation of idolatry in Israel. 1 King 15:13; 2 Kings 23:4-12; and 2 Chronicles 30:14. After Absalom seized the throne by force, David was forced to flee over the brook of Kidron. Figuratively this was a symbol of the temporary end of David’s reign. But he later reclaimed his throne! The Kidron valley was the epitome of filth, refuse, decay and waste. It is a place of weeping and sorrow. "And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:44. Jesus crossed the Kidron to go pray in Gethsemane, a garden in Kidron valley, where he was ultimately arrested. John 18:1-11.
"She weeps bitterly in the night and her tears are on her cheeks; She has none to comfort her among all her lovers. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They have become her enemies." Lamentations 1:2.
If you're passing though your Kidron valley, remember Jesus was there too. He was betrayed. Jesus is not out of touch with our reality. He has been through trials, betrayals and experienced it all. So turn to Him today! Jesus is close to the broken-hearted. And, He wants you to know that betrayal does not mean its over. Going through a betrayal does not mean you yield to bitterness. There is life after betrayal. Don't be afraid. The valley of Kidron can be a dark place but God's with you. He's with you even in your darkest night and lowest moments. He'll never betray or abandon you! You can arise from the slimy pit of betrayal. Its not over! God's plans for your life is greater than your past. You were created to live an abundant life. Betrayal does not devalue your worth. You can rise today! You may be in "Kidron valley" right now, but you are walking through it. Its not your destination but a transit point. Keep moving forward. Don't look back. You can start on a clean slate. You can’t allow a betrayal to distract you from your God-given purpose and assignment.
1. Come to God. Psalms 55:16-17. Let Him heal your hurt. Let God mend your broken heart. Psalm 34:18. He’s bigger than your circumstances. God will never forsake or betray you. Seek Him alone. Seek comfort in God today.
2. Extend forgiveness; it is essential. The pain of betrayal is real, and it takes a long time to heal. Harboring bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness causes us to continually reminisce the pain they’ve put us through. So forgive today.
3. Trust that God will work all things for your good.
4. Don't stop praying. Luke 18:1-8.
5. Guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23. Realize the goal of betrayal is to poison your heart. So guard it.
6. Refuse to be bitter. Choose not to let bitterness consume you. Avoid retaliation.
7. Release your anger. Anger is a natural response to betrayal, but it’s a dangerous emotion to hold on to. Let it go.
8. Don’t be hard on yourself. Release yourself from feelings of blame, shame and guilt.
9. Don't be afraid. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. You're not alone in the valley.
10. Read and meditate on the Word of God daily.
11. Don't give up. In the Kidron, the temptation is to give up and abandon the path of purpose. So don't quit! Keep going. Remember that you’re only passing through. Don't remain a victim. It's a new day of hope, mercies and possibilities.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.
When we choose to commit sin, it is an act of betrayal to God. Hence, if you want to resume a broken relationship with God, say this prayer now: O God, I come to You today. I know I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to save me and He resurrected on the third day. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to Him today. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God. Amen.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Father, for healing my broken heart and bitter memories, in Jesus name.
2. Father, when I face rejection, help me find strength in the knowledge that You are always with me, in Jesus name.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to remain strong despite the hurt am feeling, in Jesus name.
4. O Lord, help me to forgive and not hold anything against anyone, in Jesus name.
5. Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayers.
