MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Scripture: Isaiah 55:12-15, 2 Samuel 15:12, 17:1-3, 23

In Isaiah 55:12-15, David’s destiny, along with his nation, is threatened by Absalom and Ahithophel as a result of the conspiracy that grows strong against him. He prays that God will intervene and restore him to the fullness of his calling. 2 Samuel 15:12 says, “Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city—from Giloh—while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number.” As David fled from Jerusalem, he began to pray concerning Ahithophel because he knew if Absalom heeded the council of Ahithophel, it would be over and David would die. 2 Samuel 17:1-3 reveals the bitterness of Ahithophel when it says, “Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. Then I will bring back all the people to you. When all return except the man whom you seek, all the people will be at peace.’” Ahithophel was committed to the death of David. The bitterness he carried resulted from the defilement of his granddaughter. Ahithophel’s son was Eliam, and Eliam’s daughter was Bathsheba. Not only did David destroy Bathsheba’s family, he brought shame on every family member – something apparently Ahithophel could not forgive. David repented and God forgave him. Ahithophel through bitterness threatened David’s destiny. David prayed a termination prayer in Psalm 55:17. When Ahithophel’s council was not heeded, we are told in I Samuel 17:23, “Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.” David got what he prayed for. This incident, perhaps more than any other in the life of David, reveals the strength of the covenant of Sure Mercy. David had it, he stood on it and God terminated his enemy to save his destiny. The same God gives us the same covenant. It is time we acted on it! Termination is available for all those threatening the destiny of our nation. Remember to seek the council of the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit and let those prayers fully reflect the heart of the Lord for the harvest!