2 Samuel 15:13-14: And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are
with Absalom.” So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us
flee; or else 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.”
Betrayal is difficult to accept. Benedict Arnold betrayed his friend George Washington and his
country during the Revolutionary War. As a result, many lives were lost and his name has been
synonymous with betrayal ever since. No matter how many noble deeds he accomplished during
his life, he will always be remembered as a traitor to his country.
To be betrayed by a friend is hurtful; to be betrayed by a close family member is tragic. Yet that
was the situation with David. Of all David’s sons, Absalom seemed to have the most going for him.
He was a handsome man with long, flowing hair. He was a gifted communicator and a natural born
leader (2 Sam. 15:1-6).
In addition, he was a man of patience who was able to control himself until the opportune moment
(13:23; 15:7). But he also allowed bitterness to fester in his heart until he turned against his father.
In the end, he not only lost his life but also broke his father’s heart (18:33).
Everyone has trusts. They may involve our job, our church or our friends. We may disappoint
people or even anger them when we betray our responsibilities to these institutions or individuals.
But the greatest trusts we bear are those within our family. When we break our commitments to
those who are our own flesh and blood, we create wounds that are extremely difficult to heal.
Keep your commitments to your family. Treat them as your commitments to God. If someone in
your family feels you have betrayed him, go to that person and ask for forgiveness.
IF COMMITMENTS ARE NOT KEPT, THEY SHOULD NOT BE MADE.