In 2 Samuel 17, we read that Ahithophel took his own life when his advice was not followed. "The Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom" (v. 14). During Ahithophel's conversation with Absalom at the beginning of the chapter, Ahithophel refers to himself five times in three short verses. It wasn't that his advice was not good advice, it was just not according to God's plan. Ahithophel was devastated when his plan wasn't followed. In our own lives, spending time with God gives us flexibility that keeps us from breaking when things do not go our way.
David suffered a loss much greater than what Ahithophel had experienced--David lost a son. David's words in Samuel 18:33, reveal the depths of his grief, "O my son Absalom--my son, my son Absalom--if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!" Although David was king and the Messiah was prophesied to one day sit on the throne of David forever (Isaiah 9:7), yet David was not exempt from suffering. However, David wrote in Psalm 66:16, "And I will declare what He (God) has done for my soul". This is a reference to our souls being blessed even when our lives are less than happy. David continually developed a personal history with God in his obedience and faith. (What is the extent of our history with God?)
Proverbs 16:32, teaches us that "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city". Taking a city is a victory. According to this proverb, controlling our anger and being in control of ourselves is even a greater victory. Dr. Stanley gives excellent insight on the subject of "Signs". He writes, "Do you ever want proof that God is going to do as He says? Would a miraculous gesture convince you that God is going to be faithful?" He points out that if we need assurance of His trustworthiness, there's a treasure chest full of examples in the Scriptures.
Things only happen when God says it is time. The Pharisees wanted to take Jesus ahead of the Father's timing and plan, however, it did not happen. God is in charge! We must be patient and trust in Him. We must wait on Him and keep the faith one day at a time. In today's passage in John, we also read that the Pharisees did not have all the facts about Jesus being from Galilee. There is always something in every situation that we are unaware of. Remembering this could help us avoid making "snap judgments" about people and situations. There's a reason Jesus says in Matthew 7:1, not to judge others (we are reminded in Psalm 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear".) John 7 ends with this disagreement among the people. The Pharisees had the final word and admonished the people to "Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee". Verse 53 concludes: "And everyone went to his own house". Jesus continues to be a source of "division among the people" even today. However, our focus--in our own house--should be on developing that personal history with God in obedience and faith.
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