THE NEED FOR MEN IN THE CITY
2 Samuel 15:24-37
“If in this world, your presence is not felt, then your absence will not be noticed. And if your absence was not noticed, then your presence was not needed.” – Dr. Paul Enenche
“Only when you make a difference can you become a reference.” – Dr. Paul Enenche
"No one makes a difference until he is different and no one makes a mark until he marks himself out. You can't be outstanding if you don't stand out." - Pastor Peter Amenkhienan
I saw an article somewhere and I wrote it down because it resonates within me. Titled “A letter to my generation,” I would like to share a favourite passage:
“If bad leaders are ruling us now, it is our fathers’ fault.
If bad leaders should rule our children, it will be our fault.
For we have slept too long, the world awaits our manifestation, we must not fail, if we do, the next generation will curse us. Take it or leave it.”
I have seen many mistakes we believers make either knowingly or ignorantly. We have left our position of authority and handed it over to those who are not even supposed have access to it. We have allowed the people who do not know God to take charge of every sphere of life, thereby subjecting us to obey their wrong laws and decisions. Christians have become so lazy and ignorant that we leave the top positions in the hands of the unbelievers to govern us. The land is in chaos and we are not doing anything about it as believers, particularly youths in this present generation. The need for men to go back to the city is important because that is where laws and constitutions are being made.
God expects that we take charge. Indeed, when you say “Lord, I love You”, it shouldn’t be a mere statement but a commitment.
God needs men in the city. He needs men in the place of policy making in the nation. The major essence of Christianity is to “incubate” and raise men, to scatter them abroad in order to make long lasting positive impacts in every sphere of their influence – politically, economically, maritally, spiritually, academically, financially, etc.
If God must make impact, then we must stand up to the task and return to where decisions that affect the economy, the polity and welfare of the nation are made.
I’ve seen that God uses the available, the committed and the willing in heart.
The book of Second Samuel 15:24-37 shares an account of when David was fleeing from Absalom, his son who wanted to kill his father in order to take over the kingdom. We will look closely at few of the scriptures, draw our points and trust God to open our eyes to see that God is indeed, in need of men to return back to where their influence can be maximally utilized.
24 And lo, Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God: and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
Zadok, the Priest was fleeing away with his master, David the King. Zadok carried along with him the Ark of Covenant. He was loyal and committed to God. But David approached him and said to him, “carry back the ark of covenant into the city”.
David started by addressing the need for the ark of covenant, which represents the presence of God, to be returned to the city (the palace; the place of law making; the place of power; the place where destinies are determined; the place where government decides on what will be or not).
We cannot leave out the presence of God in the palace. David understood this fact and knew the consequence that if he should allow the priests and Levites to remove the ark from the city, the whole land would be in trouble and the people would suffer for it.
He told Zadok to ensure that he returned to the city with the ark of covenant because it was necessary. He left for Jerusalem not alone, but with his sons and Abiathar (that’s key but for later discussion).
Zadok and the Levites went back to the city, taking with them an assignment from David, their master. There is need to note that “when a man is on an assignment to the palace or city, it is important to stay focused and not lose his priority.” Zadok’s assignment from David is seen in verse 28: “See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.”
David told him he needed to hear back from him. The words he wished to hear was that of “certification”. Zadok’s assignment was to ensure that he worked diligently and brought news to David on activities going on in the place of authority. He was not to lose contact with him. He was to certify him, that is, confirm, verify, endorse, attest, declare, state to him all things that were going on. And this required carefulness and wisdom.
That is the first thing that should be addressed. The “Ark of God” needs to be in the city. No Christian or believer can survive alone in the midst of wolves if God’s presence is not with him, especially when he does not see his colleague to encourage him in case of difficulties like Abiathar did to David.
Now, let us go further, having seen that the “ark of covenant” has been returned back to the city. What next did David do?
30 And David went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
David “went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet”. He did not go down, but went up and what he went up to do was to pray, to remain humbled, to weep before God and to seek His face. As he went up, he kept praying and weeping.
When in problem, where do you go to? Many believers, in the face of small or big challenges as the case may be, go to the bar to smoke, drink and do all sorts. They go back to their vomit saying God has forgotten them. That should not be. You should return to your maker when faced with obstacles. That was exactly what David did.
It is crucial at this point to quickly make some insights into this place called “Mount of Olives”. What do we need to know about that place and of all places, why did David choose to go there? For further studies, read Acts 1:8-14, Luke 19:29-48.
Insight Number One: David went up to the Mount of Olives to seek the face of God for help. The Mount of Olives was outside Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem was where David left his throne, his kingdom and place of power and dominion. However, on his way out, he stopped by at the Mount of Olives to seek the face of God.
Insight Number Two: When Jesus was to enter Jerusalem, in Luke 19:29 – 48, he needed to go in triumphantly. This account reveals that Jesus was in need of something that would usher him into glory. He needed that which will make him glorified and for his convenience. He saw the need for a colt, a donkey that he will ride upon to enter the city from the village. He was about to be shown and revealed for his true identity to the people. In Luke 19: 28-29,
“28 And when he had thus spoken he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany (note the name Bethany) at the mount called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples.”
Jesus had to halt and send two of his disciples to go into the village to find a colt which no man had ever sat upon. This is very significant.
• Jesus wanted to enter the City of Jerusalem. He was on his way to the city. But he understood that entering there must be significant. So, he stopped by at a very strategic place called Mount Olives.
• Jesus needed a colt; a colt that no one had ever sat upon i.e. a preserved, clean, pure, virgin, holy, uncorrupted, unused colt to be his access to Jerusalem, the city.
• Jesus saw the colt ahead of time and gave his disciples the right words to speak when encountered with obstruction or challenges on their assignment.
• Jesus told them to say, “if they ask you, tell them that the Lord hath need of it”.
• It is a “Need” not a “Want”. Jesus needed it and because there was an assignment to be achieved.
• Jesus said to the Pharisees that if the people did not worship him as he entered the city,” stones would “IMMEDIATELY cry out to worship him. If those people had kept quiet and did not do what was expected, they would be replaced instantly.
• What they did not know was that there were some things that led to their peace. An act of worship to Jesus would bring about peace in every situation of life. However, it had been hidden from their eyes. They did not know the time of their visitation, which was supposed to be decisive turning point for them.
Insight Number Three: In Acts of Apostle, Acts 1:8-14, we understand that the disciples were with Jesus during the Ascension to Heaven. Where did Jesus ascend to Heaven? It was the same place called the Mount of Olives on which the village of Bethany sits. Verse 12 of that chapter says, “12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet: which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day’s journey.”
I believe we can draw the line of the importance of this place called “Mount of Olives.” Let us proceed further.
Afterwards, report got to David that his very trusted friend, Ahithophel has joined himself with the conspirators.
That’s a big challenge. Ahithophel has been David’s trusted counselor. David respects his counsel so much and on hearing that he has joined himself with Absalom, the best David could do is to pray to God that He should turn the counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness.
Now, we have reached the crux of the matter “The Need For Men In The City”. Which men are needed in the city?
Why the need and/or for what purpose? Are there not men already in the city? What will then be done when they get to the city plus several others?
32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.
35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me everything that ye can hear.
37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
Hushai was a man who had worked closely with David. He was a priest also. He came to show his concern and heartfelt pain on the state of things. He came to share in the pain with David on the mountain top. However, things changed. The game plan, the table turned and David who is believed would need men to console him, cheer him up, encourage him, motivate him, share in his burden, and many others suddenly turned to him and I perceived David telling him, "Mr. Hushai, or what is that your name? I know you have come to sympathize with me and to share in my pain. I do really appreciate your service and humility. It is so evident that you really care and could you imagine, you've expressed your sympathy by renting your fine and expensive coat and put on sand on yourself. That's a great service. I commend you greatly." David went further and possibly added, "But there's a big problem here. Your presence here will not be felt much. Your service at the moment is crucial and the service that is required can't be optimally fulfilled here if you go along with me on this path. You thought you have come to share in my burden, but the truth is that, you will instead be a burden to me."
This must have shocked Hushai as to what King David was saying. He would have thought, "Me, a burden to you? How can I be a burden to you?" Then King David with wisdom gave him the download of what assignment he wanted him to do and most importantly, "Where to carry out that assignment".
To start with, this illustrates to us that, there is a place of primary assignment for everyone. Not everyone will become a Pastor but we all can help in the assignment of whoever God has given grace to be chosen to be the Pastor. Doing our own bit of work is crucial to fulfilling ministry.
In 1st Corinthians 12:28, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues". From the study of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s Sunday School Manual, Lesson Nineteen of the year 2017, the word "Help" was defined to mean supporter, succourer, assistant or protector. Its equivalent is "ministering" (Romans 12:7). It refers to supernatural ability to perform practical and helpful works in a gracious manner. This office include those of deacons, deaconess, ushers, sanctuary keepers, technical crew, drivers, medical practitioners, midwives, etc. (Romans 16:3,9; 1Corinthians 16:16). These helpers are like the 'Aarons' and 'Hurs' needed to steady the hands of 'Moses' (Exodus 7:10-13). Their place in the body of Christ and ministry must not be underestimated. They also care for the sick, the poor and the needy. An example is Dorcas in Acts 9:36-39.
Having explained this, King David said to him that his service was not needed in exile but rather, in the city. The question is where in the city and why?
We need to understand that David telling Hushai to leave him at that moment was not to go join himself to the affairs of the city and get lost among them, he gave him specifics. He had an assignment to perform and going into the city was to go to where his presence will be felt. Just like Dr. Enenche said, “if in this world, your presence is not felt, then your absence will not be noticed. And if your absence was not noticed, then your presence was not needed.” Your presence must be felt and can only be felt when you stay in your appointed place.
We need to recall that the purpose of leaving David for the city was to go back to the Palace i.e the place of power and authourity, where decisions concerning the destinies of people were discussed. But David was not just sending him there to get corrupted as the power that had taken over the government would not help the citizenry. David had earlier sent the 'Ark of Covenant' which symbolized light and the presence of God ahead of him to guide and assist him.
That shows to us that in all that we do, especially for believers in top ranked positions of authourity across all fields of endeavour, be it in the government, economy or media, we need the presence of God to be with us always. Moses said to God, "I will not go except you go with me".
We need God wherever we go especially when we take up key positions in any national assignment in order not to join ourselves with the corrupt people whom we plan to change.
Back to our focal point:
David told him (Hushai), "Go back to the city and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel."
The city is in need of men who will go and fight for a change. We need men who will go into the city (the place of power and authourity) and defeat the counsels of the wicked ones that desire the downfall of the nation.
Yes, we need to pray and fast, but yet, we need men like David who went to the palace to help King Saul while still in power; men like Daniel and his friends - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who distinguished themselves in Babylon; Mordecai and Esther whom were focused on their assignment and thereby saved their people from untimely death and slavery via the evil plan of Haman; men like Joseph who would not defile himself with his masters wife and ran away from national cake and enticements in whatever disguise they came in; and of course, men like Nehemiah who served before King Artaxerxes and said to him (Nehemiah 2:3-6):
"3 And said unto the King, Let the king live forever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
5 And I said unto the King, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.
6 And the King said unto me, (the queen sitting by him.) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? SO it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.”
Nehemiah was a man who had the passion to do something for his city. He saw the ruins and the corruption destroying his nation back home. In Chapter one of Nehemiah, when he heard that his people back at home were in great captivity, affliction and reproach, and that the walls of Jerusalem was broken down and the gates also burned with fire, he sat down and wept and mourned, fasted and prayed. He thereafter decided not to just pray about it, he took a step further. Whereas Nehemiah volunteered himself to be the redeemer and return to build the city, David went by proxy by sending Hushai.
It is obvious that where they were going to in the city was already corrupt, but we cannot afford to shy or run away from our responsibilities of taking charge in every sphere of life. We are set to lead. When the leader or king is bad and corrupt, the believers will also suffer for it. We will all eat of the fruit thereby.
We run away from politics saying "It is a bad game, it is a dirty game, it is only meant for the corrupt ones; there is no way you join politics and you will not soil your hands with corruption, etc." We hear quite a lot simply because those who have gone ahead have possibly fallen prey to corruption also. But notwithstanding, that is the desire and plan of the devil and we cannot allow the devil to win this war. He might win the battle but the good news is that, we will win the war at the end.
There is a need to join the polity and speak up, to start making our voices to be heard. When we fail to do this, the wicked will continue to rule and we will have no choice than to obey their rules, regulations and commandments.
We need men that will go back to the city to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. There are many Ahithophels in the land and we need a lot of Hushais in the palace who will counter their counsels and opinions to the King. By doing this, we take charge of the affairs of the land.
It is therefore necessary to state that the city is full of those that do not want us to rebuild the broken walls and burnt gates. There are the Sanballats and the Tobiahs who will stop at nothing to ensure that we do not progress or achieve our mission.
Nehemiah 2: 10 says,
"When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.”
King David further said,
35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, AhimaazZadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me everything that ye can hear.
37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
During my Post Graduate studies back in Adamawa State, after my National Youth Service, I was privileged to work with, learn from and be tutored by my beloved Pastor and mentor, Pastor Iyiola Tella of the Light House, Yola for about a year. During that period, I gained so much. I cannot forget in a hurry those powerful teachings of his as I learnt under his ministration. He was a great teacher. I recalled the teaching titled "War is won by Advantage". He said:
“Peace is not the ‘absence of danger’ but the ‘presence of God’ in the midst of danger. There are certain people who have grown in relationship with God that they don't ask men for things but ask God only and God instructs men to deliver such requests. It is possible to have your needs met by dealing with God alone. War is won by advantage. Christians fight warfare and you need to get an advantage to win your warfare. God has given us advantage and so we need to tap into it.”
“Anointing is an Advantage: Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm. David could not kill Saul because he was anointed.
“Wisdom is an Advantage: Wisdom is better than weapons of war.”
Others points he made are: The Heritage of Creation is an Advantage; Information is An Advantage; Blessing is an Advantage; the Place of Refuge is an Advantage and Secrecy is an Advantage.
My central focus is on the part of “Information as an Advantage”. Information is very germane to living. An informed man can never be deformed.
Pastor Peter Amenkhienan, Assistant General Overseer on Youth Affairs wrote in his book, “It is a sin to be uninformed in this age of information”. Scriptures says, “My people (God's people) are destroyed for lack of knowledge (information).” Knowledge brings life and safety. The knowledge or information you have can give you an edge above your contemporaries.
As said by Pastor Peter Amenkhienan, "A man who does not know and does not know that he does not know will spend a longer period of time in the prison of ignorance."
David needed information to win the war against him by his very own son who has sent him packing out from his kingdom. David whom everyone fears especially the Philistines and other enemies could not wait to fight Absalom. Absalom had already won the hearts of the people against him. He knew him (David) and as the saying goes, "The worst enemies are not the enemies without but rather the enemies within". Absalom became a mighty threat to David and the best option was to escape from the land. However, David could not hide away from the land God has blessed him with. He could not subject the people whom he loved so much to be maltreated by 'a child' who has not yet grown into maturity.
Hence, he needed information as a strategy to win the war. He told Hushai, "I hope you know Zadok and Abiathar the priests?" I am sure Hushai would have answered in the affirmative. Then David said to him, "When you get to the City (Palace), this is what you should do. Get information from happenings around, pass such information to either Zadok or Abiathar and they will tell their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan who will escape to tell me."
Can you see the chain of information from the secret place through to where it was needed? They were positioned as spies and would give reports of activities going on in the power house. Hushai was not only to be listening and supplying information only to David through the chain of information, but also to counter the wisdom and counsels of the wicked ones. He was to ensure that the counsel of Ahithophel did not sail through.
He provided a perfect solution which seems as if he was also in support of the King but in the real sense, he was not.
These strategies are what the wicked employ to finally pull us believers down. Christians are lackadaisical, with an 'I don't care' attitude that gives the enemy an edge. We fail to participate in any thing that has to do with politicking. Even in the Church, there's a great level of politics and in fact, the politics going on in the Christian faith can be said to match up, if not surpass that of the government of the country.
Everyone is needed in this chain of Information dissemination. We are needed to help out in any measure to get rid of those corrupt officials and position back our nation in the right light in the eyes of the outside world and only Christians or believers in quote can achieve this with the help of God.
Permit me to quickly talk about the seven fields of impact as given by the immediate past National Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge.
THE SEVEN FIELDS OF IMPACT
Taking the scriptural reference from Revelation 5:12, it says:
“… saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive Power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength and honour, and glory, and blessing.”
S/NO FIELD OF IMPACT SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
1. Power Government
2. Riches Economy
3. Wisdom Education
4. Strength Family and Society
5. Honour Religion
6. Glory Celebration
7. Blessings Media
The seven ‘Fields Of Impact’ are meant to be led and controlled by believers and we are to ensure that we take the necessary steps to changing the present status quo. The government is being controlled by the corrupt and wicked people, as well as the Economy, Education, Family and Society, Religion, Celebration and the Media world.
We need to awake from our slumber and rise up to take charge. The youths have a big role to play. We need to start sensitizing ourselves on the ways to take charge of the Economy, the Government, Education, Family and Society, Religion, Celebration, and the Media. We have left the Power and Riches, Wisdom, Strength, Honour, Glory and Blessings into the hands of the uneducated, the illiterate, the uncircumcised, and the unwise to lead us.
Where are the Daniels that will say, "I will not defile myself of the portion of the King's meat”, or the Esther will that say, "If I Die, I Die"?.
I was greatly delighted to hear our Daddy, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye when he humbly requested that all members should go and register with a political party.
Be part of decision making right from the grassroots through to the top. I pray that we heed to this advice and massively storm the political stage and thereby collectively, make our voices heard.
In summary, my advice is, "Join a political party today. Take up that business idea and work at it. Develop yourself professionally. Build up capacity in any sphere of the field of impact, and let us together make a Deliberate Transformational Change for good that will be evident before many witnesses, which ‘eyes hath not seen, neither ears have heard or that which has not entered into the hearts of man what God has prepared to do to them that love Him.’
