April 20
2 Samuel 2:1-3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:1-4; 2 Samuel 23:8-17; 1 Chronicles 11:10-19; 2 Samuel 23:18-39; 1 Chronicles 11:20-47
David’s Mighty Men! Our eyes might glaze over the listed names, but a closer look reveals some interesting facts. 1 Chronicles 11 lists David’s warriors at the beginning of his reign, and 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end of his reign. When we look at these lists, there is a glaring omission. Three men, Joab, Asahel, and Abishai, the sons of David’s sister, Zeruiah, are David’s nephews. All three were zealous to serve David, but only Asahel and Abishai were listed in the mighty warrior lists. Joab is David’s chief army commander but did not make the list. We do not know why he was excluded, but it may be because he was uncontrollable and took matters into his own hands when he killed Abner to avenge his brother Asahel’s death (2 Sam. 3:26, 27, & 39). Joab also blatantly disobeyed David’s orders and killed his son, Absalom (2 Sam. 18:5, 9-14).
If we have some of Joab’s characteristics— pride and vengeance—what will this cost us in the end? Rather than pursuing our own gains and desires, how about submitting all of our life to God so we can be used as one of his mighty men or women.
Father, I confess I am often puffed up by pride. Help me to seek your glory and fame in all things. Amen.
How can you learn to see all you have as a gift from God to be used only for him and not for your own gain?
David’s Mighty Men! Our eyes might glaze over the listed names, but a closer look reveals some interesting facts. 1 Chronicles 11 lists David’s warriors at the beginning of his reign, and 2 Samuel 23 lists them at the end of his reign. When we look at these lists, there is a glaring omission. Three men, Joab, Asahel, and Abishai, the sons of David’s sister, Zeruiah, are David’s nephews. All three were zealous to serve David, but only Asahel and Abishai were listed in the mighty warrior lists. Joab is David’s chief army commander but did not make the list. We do not know why he was excluded, but it may be because he was uncontrollable and took matters into his own hands when he killed Abner to avenge his brother Asahel’s death (2 Sam. 3:26, 27, & 39). Joab also blatantly disobeyed David’s orders and killed his son, Absalom (2 Sam. 18:5, 9-14).
If we have some of Joab’s characteristics— pride and vengeance—what will this cost us in the end? Rather than pursuing our own gains and desires, how about submitting all of our life to God so we can be used as one of his mighty men or women.
Father, I confess I am often puffed up by pride. Help me to seek your glory and fame in all things. Amen.
How can you learn to see all you have as a gift from God to be used only for him and not for your own gain?
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