“And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” (2Sa 3:39 AV)
This is David’s response to Joab’s actions. Abner, the chief of staff under Saul, fought for the house of Saul when Saul died. A son of Saul requested the concubines of Saul as a way of usurping authority and gaining the kingdom. Abner took offense and allied himself with David. While returning from his meeting with David, Abner was pursued by the brother of Joab. Joab’s brother wished to slay Abner so that he might gain a name among the fighting men of David. Abner warned Asahel more than once to turn aside. Asahel was swift of feet and ran alongside Abner’s ride. Abner encouraged Asahel to turn aside and fight with one of the younger men. Asahel would not listen, and Abner was forced to take his life in battle. Joab did not take this well. When given the opportunity, he met with Abner under the pretense of planning to bring the kingdom to David and murdered him in cold blood. It took a bit, but Israel understood the death of Abner was not occasioned by David. As a leader, David was weakened because those under him did not act in his best interests. His anointed station as king didn’t matter. His authority was not a factor. Joab’s revenge was more important to him than the king’s honor. Therefore, David was weakened even though he held an office.
However, I think David was also touched by the actions of Joab and his brother. He was discouraged that those who were tasked with following did just the opposite. This was a habit with Joab. David’s uncle, more than once, exercised his own judgment apart from the king’s direct order. The death of Absalom come to mind. The application is a bit more basic than the context might require. Just because one is anointed to an office or responsibility does not protect one against discouragement. David had plans. It was his reputation on the line. When Joab did what he did, it was a major disappointment. Being anointed was not a shield against times of weakness. This was not the first time, nor would it be the last. David would face times of victory. But he would also face times of defeat. His anointing was not a wall of protection against life. He would lose a wife. He would suffer embarrassment at causing the death of innocent priests. David would lose four sons. He would fail in his marriage. David had much in his life that was not desired nor welcomed. All these events brought times of weakness and not position or calling was going to change that.
We are foolish to think we can be isolated from life simply because of our responsibilities, calling, or status. There is one event that happens to us all. No amount of money, success, or accomplishment can keep us from the negative events of life. Discouragement is part of life. Disappointment comes regardless of how well we insulate ourselves against it. Life is what it is. The only guarantee is glory. When our days are done, then we can rest from the troubles of our temporal life. We are naïve to think life can be trouble free. We are immature if we think there are things we can to do eliminate discouragement. For those who preach a prosperity lifestyle as though there is victory to be had at every turn do not live in reality. David was king! He was God’s chosen! God’s hand was upon him with reservation. Yet, discouragement was still part of his life. We must not seek the foolish promise of a trouble-free life. That will only result in the greatest disappointment and discouragement of all. David was king. So what! He still had to live with events of life that weakened him. That is life!
No comments:
Post a Comment