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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 31 August 2025:
Psalm 87:1-2 — On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.
God’s love for Zion is not about geography but about His covenant purposes. The city of God stands as a symbol of His chosen dwelling place, where His glory abides and His people gather. This points to the greater reality of the New Jerusalem, where God’s presence will fully dwell with His redeemed (Revelation 21:2–3). Just as the Lord loved the gates of Zion, He loves the church today, His dwelling place in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19–22).
Psalm 87:3-4 — Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush — “This one was born there,” they say.
The psalmist declares the glory of Zion in that nations once hostile to Israel — Egypt (Rahab), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush — will be counted among her people. This foreshadows the gospel promise that in Christ the dividing walls are broken down, and all nations are welcomed into God’s household through faith (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14–16). God’s city is not defined by ethnicity or heritage but by new birth in Him (John 3:3).
Psalm 87:5-6 — And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High himself will establish her. The LORD records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.”
The new identity of God’s people is rooted in His declaration. Those who once stood outside His covenant are now recorded as citizens of His city. This parallels Paul’s teaching that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). God Himself is the One who establishes His people, not human lineage or effort.
Psalm 87:7 — Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.”
All joy, all life, and all refreshment flow from God’s city because God Himself is its source. In Christ, the living water flows to all who believe (John 7:37–38). Our true satisfaction and delight are not in worldly identities or accomplishments but in belonging to God’s eternal city.
2 Samuel 17:1-4 — Moreover, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue David tonight. I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged and throw him into a panic, and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down only the king, and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.” And the advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
Ahithophel’s counsel was tactically sound: strike swiftly while David was weary, kill him, and secure the people. It reveals the ruthlessness of worldly wisdom that prioritizes expedience over righteousness. The manipulative imagery of bringing Israel back “as a bride” masks the treachery with language of peace, a subtle deception often used by Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
2 Samuel 17:5-7 — Then Absalom said, “Call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say.” And when Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, “Thus has Ahithophel spoken; shall we do as he says? If not, you speak.” Then Hushai said to Absalom, “This time the counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good.”
Though Hushai was at a disadvantage against Ahithophel’s sharp advice, God worked through him to frustrate Absalom’s plans. Hushai played on Absalom’s fears and vanity, warning him of David’s experience and ferocity. The subtle hand of God is seen here, answering David’s prayer to “turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31). This demonstrates how God can use even deception for His sovereign purposes without endorsing the sin itself.
2 Samuel 17:14 — And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom.
What was “better” in human perception was, in fact, folly that led to Absalom’s ruin. The hand of God directed the outcome, ensuring His judgment on rebellion. This teaches us that even when wickedness seems strategic and successful, God sovereignly overrules for His purposes. Human rebellion cannot thwart divine providence (Proverbs 19:21).
God arranges circumstances and changes hearts to fulfill His will. How important is it for us to live aligned to God’s will?
2 Samuel 17:17 – A female servant was to go and tell them….
God will use seemingly insignificant people whose actions seem inconsequential to accomplish great, even historic works. God may use people you hardly notice (or never notice) to have a tremendous impact on your life. Also, the small, unrecognized roles you play may not be small at all in God’s economy.
2 Samuel 17:23 — When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.
Ahithophel’s end mirrors that of Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:5). Both betrayed the Lord’s anointed, both saw their plots unravel, and both ended their lives in despair. His suicide reveals the emptiness of worldly wisdom divorced from God. Those who build their identity on influence and power cannot stand when their counsel is rejected. Only in Christ is there lasting hope and security.
Ahithophel lost all hope when his counsel was ignored. On what do you base your hope? “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 31 August 2025: Psalm 87 reminds us that our true identity is found in belonging to God’s city, not in worldly status, ethnicity, or achievement, while 2 Samuel 17 warns us of the futility of relying on worldly wisdom and influence. Today, practice living out of your heavenly citizenship by rejecting subtle deceptions — whether in speech, actions, or motives — and instead speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Refuse to pretend or feign to impress others. Let your confidence rest not in human schemes but in the Lord who establishes His people.
Pray: “Sovereign Lord, You are the builder of Zion, the One who records our names in Your book and secures our place in Your eternal city. Forgive me for the ways I rely on worldly wisdom and deceptive patterns to gain advantage. Teach us to speak truthfully, to act with integrity, and to trust fully in Your providence. Guard us from subtle manipulation, and establish us in Christ, the true King of Zion. Let our lives reflect the joy and strength that flow from Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 