Rev. Ivan Foster reprised his series from 2000 on bringing King David back after the rebellion of Absalom, and how it shows us the required method of revival. This three part series was preached at special meetings in Mourne FPC.

THE CONCERN FOR THE KING’S RETURN.

There was only a short period between the beginning of Absalom’s scheming (15:1) and the recognising by the people that they had made a mistake. Pleasures of sin are only for a season! Heb 11:25.At first things had gone well for the rebellion. “And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom,” 15:12. But “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD,” Isa 54:17.

I. THE PEOPLE BECOME AGITATED 

“All the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel,” v 9.The word ‘strife’. First use – Genesis 6:3. It was a spiritual troubling.There arose a ‘hunger’ for the king to be brought back! Matt 5:6.This disturbing came from the Lord, Eze 37:7.The devil would have people to sleep and slumber but the Lord seeks to awaken, Rev 3:20.

II. MEMORIES OF PAST MERCIES TROUBLED THEM

“The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines,” verse 9. So it was with the Prodigal. “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”

• Absalom made them discontent under David. 15:3-5. Just like false prophets in Jeremiah’s day. Jer 15:17. Ecumenism has sought to have us forget the benefits of the Gospel, the Bible, the Sabbath and the Reformation. Power-sharing would have us forget the murderous wickedness of SF/IRA!! Now we are to forget the distinctions God has ordained between men and women!

What folly that has wrought!

• Now, I believe that the Holy Spirit was making them discontent with their folly as they begin to remember. Ps 137:1-4. It is the minister’s duty to remind the people of the mercies and blessings of the past!
• That is what provokes memories. 2 Peter 3:1; Psalm 103:1-5.

III. THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE KING HAD TO BE ‘BROUGHT BACK’

He was not going to return of himself. He had to be ‘fetched’! It is the same word used of the ‘returning’ of the waters after the flood! Something only the Lord could do! The desire for a return of David was of the Lord, wrought in the hearts of the people. That is what is needed today!“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me,” Rev 3:20.We must open the door but the Saviour comes in of Himself.Revival and reformation is a work of God.“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psalm 85:6. We cannot do this work. But we can and MUST ask for the actual accomplishment of what it is we seek.