RTW 2022

Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”
2 Samuel 15:13 (HCSB)

Treason is most commonly thought of and defined as:

• the offense of acting to overthrow one’s government or to harm or kill its sovereign.
• a violation of allegiance to one’s sovereign or to one’s state.

Treason may also be defined as:

• the betrayal of a trust or confidence; breach of faith; treachery

We may also call it personal betrayal. Something our Lord knows all about.

• While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: “The One I kiss, He’s the One; arrest Him!” So, he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
  Matthew 26:47-49 (HCSB)

• At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn’t arrest Me. But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away.
  Matthew 26:55-56 (HCSB)

The proper response to personal treason/betrayal.

• Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
  Romans 12:14
• Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
  Romans 12:17
• Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
  Romans 12:18
• Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
  Romans 12:19
• Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
  Romans 12:20
• Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
  Romans 12:21

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Wow! David called Absalom king.

Then the king turned and said to Ittai, a leader of the men from Gath, “Why are you coming with us? Go on back to King Absalom, for you are a guest in Israel, a foreigner in exile.
2 Samuel 15:19

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Deal with treason righteously.