REFLECTIONS ON PSALMS 55
Today, we study the Book of Psalms Chapter Fifty Five titled “PRAYER OF A MAN HURT BY A FRIEND” where King David was ALARMED at TREACHERY of TRAITORS.
THEME:
“JUDAS AS A ‘FRIEND’ OR ‘PARTNER'”
Bible Historians situated Psalms 55 about the period of ABSALOM’s conspiracy and defection of AHITHOPHEL.
Indeed that experience would hurt any mortal- DOUBLE BLOW from the Coup by a son (ABSALOM) & DEFECTION of a trusted adviser-AHITHOPHEL
(GRANDFATHER TO BATHSHEBA/Daughter of Eliam)
(2 Samuel 15:31)
KEY SCRIPTURE
Psalms 55:12 NLT
“I would be able to take it if one who hates me were putting me to SHAME”
REFLECTION ONE
“Traitors Beware”
The Classical “Traitor of All Times” remains JUDAS ISCARIOT
According to Matthew 26:47-50, “While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve suddenly arrived. A large mob with swords and clubs, was with JUDAS from the chief Priests and Elders of the people”
Jesus asked Judas: “Friend”, “why have you come?”
IF YOU HAVE A “FRIEND” LIKE JUDAS, You do not need “ENEMIES”
Categories of Judas’
1. Enemies pretending to be Friends ( Delilah)
2. Breakers of Covenants
(NABAL, Husband of Abigael)
3. Deserters during Adversity (Ahithophel)
4. Revealers of Secrets
(Delilah)
5. Sell out for Money (Judas Iscariot)
Treachery may be fueled by STRANGE SPIRITS:
*ENVY
(Cain murdered Abel)
*GREED
(Judas betrayed Jesus)
*UNFORGIVENESS
(Ahithophel intended to kill David)
*AMBITION
(Absalom attempted a coup)
AN EPIDEMIC OF “ABUSE OF TRUST”
*Marital infidelities
*Poaching Congregations
*Refusal to honour obligations
*Defrauding Family Members
*Non repayments of Loans
WOE UNTO TRAITORS
Let’s consider the following examples:
*Cain became a fugitive
*Absalom died prematurely
*Ahithophel died by suicide
*Judas died by suicide
Do Not Forget
“It is required in STEWARDS that one be found FAITHFUL”
(1 Corinthians 4:2)
REFLECTION TWO
“What is your Testimony – ARE YOU LOYAL?”
According to Second Timothy Chapter one verses 15 to 18, Apostle
Paul lamented that “everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me (Phygelus & Hermogenes).
In contrast, the Apostle testified about ONESIPHORUS that AHITHOPHEL was LOYAL – “Not ashamed of his chains while Paul was in jail in Italy.
(2 Tim 1:15-18)
The Testimony of Onesiphorus is hereby recommended to us All.
WHAT TO DO ?
1. PLEDGE TO BE FAITHFUL, LOYAL & HONEST
(1 Corinthians 4:2)
2. Walking Circumspectly & Wisely
(Ephesians 5:15-17)
3. Obedience to Divine Instructions/Directions.
4. Avoid ENVY/ Unhealthy Competitions
(Galatians 5:26)
5. Avoid Fraudulent Practices/Cheating
(1 Corinthians 6:7)
Scriptures
Psalms 55:12 (NLT)
2 Samuel 15:31
Matthew 26:47-56
1 Corinthians 4:2
2 Timothy 1:15 -18
Ephesians 5:15-17
Galatians 5:26
1 Corinthians 6:7
Psalms 55:22
Prayers
1. Dear Lord, we hereby off- load ALL our burdens on you, we trust that You Oh Lord will sustain us.
(Psalms 55:22)
2. We also pray that the Lord grant Mercy to our Households.
(2 Timothy 1:16)
Thank you Lord. Amen.
