Joab Did Right

“Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.” (2Sa 18:14 AV)

Joab was right in what he did here.  Absalom was shown grace in the fact that David did not pursue him to his father-in-law’s palace to bring him back to justice.  David showed him grace in that he restored him to Jerusalem.  David showed Absalom grace in that he kissed his neck.  David showed him grace in that he did not confront him while he sat judging Israel at the gates of the palace.  If David thought for one minute showing one more venture of grace would change the nature of Absalom, he was fooling himself.  There must be a precedent set.  If Absalom was allowed to live, then others would try the same thing.  Joab was right no matter how hard it was on David.

No one enjoys having to deal with a rebel to this degree.  Specially if there are feelings of love and sacrifice vested in them.  It breaks the heart of a parent or pastor to have to deal with an individual who is a harm to the family or body of Christ.  It is even more difficult if the individual was relationally close to the parent or pastor.  They often see themselves as a failure and blame the rebellion on themselves.  When this happens, the fail to exercise authority and judgment.  There is such a think as personal accountability.  Sure, a leader is not perfect.  But all men have the ability to choose.  We are all told to follow leadership and most of the time that leadership is flawed.  That does not excuse rebellion.  Let us return to the thought at hand.  Joab disobeyed the direct orders of his king because the orders were based on irrational emotion rather than sound judgment.  Joab’s independent discretion was not the same as Joab’s rebellion.  It was for the good of the king and of the nation.  An unrepentant rebel must be dealt with.

I have seen families and churches who entertain rebels that end in disaster.  What eventually happens is that every man does that which is right in his own eyes.  Chaos ensues.  If one can get away with it, then all can get away with it.  Discipline is a lost practice among God’s people.  Rarely do we hear of a church that votes out of membership an individual who will not walk in obedience to the God-ordained authority God has placed over him or her.  I see, time and again, fathers who will not deal with their rebellious children.  They are too afraid they will lose their love.  The fact is, the parent has lost that love a long time ago.  A rebel must be dealt with.  No matter how unsavory that might be.  For his good and the good of the body, rebellion must be cut off.