Are you more persistent or more stubborn?
Perceive: With Israel divided there was a constant tension between the House of Ish-bosheth in the north and the House of David in the south. In today's reading, Abner, Israel’s top general, reluctantly kills his pursuer Asahel, Joab’s brother. Instead of going for easier prey, he wanted to kill Ish-bosheths most influential military commander. This decision cost him his life. After Asahel’s fall, Joab and Abishai take up the chase and pursue Abner and his men until sunset. Digging in on the top of a mountain, Abner shouts a message of reason for Joab and his men to consider the long-term consequences of this conflict and appeals to their sense of brotherhood and the bitterness of death. Each leader and their men head for home. David’s army lost 20 men, Ish-bosheth’s lost 360. David grew stronger; Ish-bosheth grew weaker.
Practice: Abner was a respected and fierce general. He repeatedly warned Asahel to turn aside to other warriors or risk losing his life. Asahel refused to turn from his opportunity to seek glory. He may have felt that taking down the enemy’s commanding general, would result in notoriety and more spoils of war. Persistence is a great trait when it is a worthy cause, however; if it is for fame, fortune, or favoritism, it may lead to a devastating conclusion. Asahel’s stubbornness not only cost him his life, but as we will see in future readings, it created disunity in David’s army for years to come.
Pray: O mighty God, show me when to persist and when to back off. Help me avoid actions that have devastating consequences.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: Abner was a respected and fierce general. He repeatedly warned Asahel to turn aside to other warriors or risk losing his life. Asahel refused to turn from his opportunity to seek glory. He may have felt that taking down the enemy’s commanding general, would result in notoriety and more spoils of war. Persistence is a great trait when it is a worthy cause, however; if it is for fame, fortune, or favoritism, it may lead to a devastating conclusion. Asahel’s stubbornness not only cost him his life, but as we will see in future readings, it created disunity in David’s army for years to come.
Pray: O mighty God, show me when to persist and when to back off. Help me avoid actions that have devastating consequences.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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