Worship or Rebellion?

By Danny Saavedra

“At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, ‘Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the Lord.’ {...} Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, “Absalom is king in Hebron.”’ {...} And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.”—2 Samuel 15:7, 10, 12 (NIV)

Have you ever heard someone use a Bible verse like a marketing slogan? You know what I mean. It’s technically accurate, but it feels...off, like it’s disconnected from real truth, God’s heart, and humility. It’s hollow, almost like the words are being used to validate something that never came from God in the first place. It’s a subtle, manipulative tactic to dress up pride in the language of praise. And that’s exactly what we see here in 2 Samuel 15.

After four years of building relationships, shaking hands, and offering carefully crafted “pastoral care” at the city gate, Absalom had grown a “grassroots” following. Like he did with Amnon (he waited two years before killing him), he was patient, strategic, and calculated. And when the moment finally arrived to take the throne, he didn’t even need to grab a sword. Instead, he says, “Let me fulfill a vow I made to the Lord.”

This is rebellion disguised as religion...treason wearing the words of worship. Honestly, I’d call this the work of a strategic mastermind. There were no marching armies or invading forces. There was no assassination attempt or public declaration of war. Instead, just a soft-spoken request to go to Hebron and “honor the Lord.” And the moment he arrived, the trumpet blasted and the kingdom began slipping away from David.

It all started with a prayer. That’s what makes this passage so chilling: Absalom weaponized worship. He hijacked the language of faith to mask the poison of pride. Absalom knew the right phrases; he knew how to play the part. And the people—hungry for something new, disillusioned with David, and captivated by Absalom’s charisma—followed him.

“And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.” Sound familiar?

History—sadly, even church history—is full of stories like this. I think of false teachers and televangelists who build ministries (and bank accounts) around their personality instead of the truth of God’s Word, all the while leading countless people on the road to destruction. I think of politicians who name-drop Jesus and appeal to “traditional values” for votes, but whose hearts are far from God. I think of people who’ve twisted Scripture to justify polygamy, slavery, and other wicked acts. Even entire churches that once pursued God now chase relevance, power, or control—all under the guise of “kingdom impact.”

But this isn’t just about Absalom, friends. It’s about us, too. Let’s be honest. Most of us won’t launch a coup against our father, but we’ve all got a little Absalom in us. Have you ever tried to justify something you know isn’t right? Have you ever tried to spiritualize your own sinful attitude—it’s just “righteous anger,” right? Have you ever tried to avoid facing accountability?

How often do we call something “faith” when it’s really just ambition in disguise?

The truth is, religious rebellion is still rebellion. Even if it looks polite or phrased like a prayer request, it’s still repulsive!

This is why I hope you see this passage as a heart check. Because the truth is rebellion doesn’t always shout...it often whispers. It speaks fluent “Christianese” and hides behind spiritual language. It gains followers and grows momentum. In the end, though, all it really does is divide kingdoms, ruin lives, and leave destruction in its wake.

But guess what? Even here, in the shadow of Absalom’s deception and wickedness, we see the beauty of the gospel all the more clearly. Because while Absalom is trying to take a throne that isn’t his, Jesus willingly gives up the throne that’s rightfully His.

Jesus is everything Absalom isn’t. Absalom whispered lies to gain power, but Jesus spoke truth even when it cost Him everything. Absalom pretended to serve God while serving himself, but Jesus—God in the flesh—humbled Himself to serve others. Absalom sat in Hebron to be declared king by men, but Jesus rode into Jerusalem to declare, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27-28 NIV). Absalom’s rebellion led to temporary applause and ultimate ruin, but Jesus’ obedience led to the cross and ultimate salvation to all who follow Him. And here’s the most baffling part of it all: Jesus died for the Absaloms of the world, for Absaloms like me ...and you!

Jesus took the place of rebels—even religious ones. That’s the power of grace. He didn’t just come to save the outcast and the obviously broken. He also came to save the self-deceived, the platform builders, and the hidden hypocrites. Remember what He said on the cross in the presence of self-righteous religious leaders? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV). Do you remember Saul of Tarsus? Christ Jesus our Lord takes our rebellion, washes it clean, and invites us to a different way. Not the way of Absalom, but the way of the Lord—the way that leads to everlasting life!

Pause: Have you been tempted to use spiritual language to cover your selfish motives? What "Absalom moments" need to be exposed before they grow stronger?

Practice: Spend 15-30 minutes alone in reflection today. Ask yourself, “Which way am I truly walking right now? Am I taking up my cross and following Jesus, or am I secretly grasping for Absalom’s crown?” The truth is, you can’t fake surrender forever. Eventually, the heart shows through. The truth is, God isn’t impressed by vows made in public. Altar calls, emotional displays in worship, taking communion, and even being baptized mean nothing if your heart isn’t truly surrendered to Him.

Pray: Heavenly Father who sees everything, who knows my thoughts and sees through to my heart, I confess that sometimes I speak the language of worship while chasing crowns for myself. I confess there’s a lot more Absalom and Saul in me than I’d ever want to admit. Forgive me for any time I’ve used Your name as a tool for my gain. Through Your Holy Spirit, I ask You to purify the inclinations of my heart and align my heart with Yours. I want to walk not in the way of Absalom, but in the way of the Son. Jesus, You stepped away from Your throne to rescue rebels like me. Your grace was costly—it cost You Your life, and so I lay down my life in return. Help me to surrender everything daily. In Your holy name, Jesus, I pray all these things. Amen.