2 Samuel 3:6-4:12
Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, who had become a great leader,
was accused by King Ishbosheth of disloyalty (sleeping with one of the King’s
concubines). Abner took offense at the accusation and moved to transition his
loyalty and followers to David. King David was happy to have Abner on his side,
but Joab, the commander of his army, was not. Thus, Joab secretly plotted to
kill Abner (for killing his brother). When David discovered this plot, he made
sure that the people knew he had nothing to do with it, and he cursed Joab and
his family.
In the meantime, David had requested that his first wife, Michal,
Saul’s daughter, be sent back to him; remember, Saul had given her to be
married to David (1 Samuel 18:27). No doubt, this was a political move to unite Saul’s kingdom with
his, by way of marriage. However, Michal had been given to another man, Palti;
and, thus, David’s request tore her away from him.
After Abner died, two of David’s men, Racab and Baanah, snuck away to
murder King Ishbosheth. They thought the news of his death would please David
but, instead, their report angered him, for they had killed an innocent man.
David ordered the two assassins to be executed.
All of this amounts to a crazy turn of events. However, we see God
using the sinful passions of men to unite the kingdom under David’s rule. “He
makes even the wrath of men to praise Him” (Psalm 76:10). What I find
honorable is that David did not rush out and make these things happen on his
own; rather He waited for the Lord to accomplish them in His time. David told
Racab and Baanah, “As surely as the Lord lives,” He is “the one who saves me
from my enemies...” (2 Samuel 4:9). David trusted the Lord enough to give Him time to work
things out for His glory and David’s good.
Daily Reflection
Do you tend to run ahead of God and attempt to work out your wishes
yourself? Or are you more like David, patient enough to trust Him to accomplish
what’s best for you? Explain.
What does running ahead of God, to accomplish your goals and desires,
communicate to God or demonstrate to others?
Clearly, there is a time to pray and wait, but is there a time to act?
How do you balance praying and waiting with taking action?
BiAY.org | Day 111 — 254 Days to Go
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