FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

reference to the bondservant who could be trusted with the keys to all the master had, because he could be trusted to put the interest of the master first. In learning a trade an apprentice learns from a master. In time he progresses to a journeyman and eventually a master craftsman himself. But if he or she cannot be trusted to put the interests and instructions of the master first then he or she will not progress into mastery as they have not proven their worthiness. Before someone is released fully over the affairs of the master, they must be taught, tested, proven and marked. Absalom had potential, he had ability and gifts, he had wisdom, but he lacked the character proven through testing. While he placed himself in a position of authority in the gate, he had not had his ear pierced and proven his fealty and he had not been granted the keys (authority). Absalom’s relationship to David opened the opportunity for him to have access to the gates of the city. A successful minister or ministry as well as business or profession will open up doors of opportunity for those who are closely related or associated with that organization, person or business. What the person does with those opportunities will show character, but sometimes the character is that like Absalom who won over the hearts of the people, but then drew them over to himself. Proverbs 18:16 says “ A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. ” I often say “ your gifting will get you in the room, but what you fill the room with is character. ” Absalom lacked the character, and was willing to substitute his own manipulation through his personal gifts and impatience for proper advancement through the authority of the king. People fall into this through a number of different pitfalls, pride, impatience, wounds, feelings of being ignored or slighted, fear of being overlooked and many other fleshly influences and justifications. Absalom brought war to the united kingdom of Israel and drew many of the people and of David’s friends and trusted leaders away after him. It cost the kingdom plenty and almost cost David and those loyal to him their lives and freedom. Likewise, when we encounter this dangerous test in ministry or business it can be no less costly and

1