WEDNESDAY 3 August, 2016
Open Rebuke
Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life, the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines, in that you love your enemies and hate your friends. For you have declared today that you regard neither princes nor servants; for today I perceive that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died today, then it would have pleased you well. - 2 Samuel 19:5-6
Joab came to David’s house with an open rebuke––to make him get a hold of his senses. Imagine, here is a father who has lost his son; yet, Joab is the one that killed Absalom! There is no understanding towards the heart of the king––he was very hurt. David believed in what God was doing; he understood that he was reaping in his life; but he had ordered that Absalom be unharmed. David could have literally killed Joab for his actions––he had disobeyed the kings command.
Yet, Joab stood before David lecturing him on the precepts of being a king to the people. He accused him of treating them with hatred and insults––after all they had done for him in battle. Where was his appreciation? What was the purpose of fighting this battle when he made them all feel bad––His behavior was like a slap in the face!
David, towards the end of his life, warned Solomon about Joab. He reminded him of Joab’s bad conduct towards him and the innocent blood he had shed during peace time. David shared with his son, before you come into power; even though Joab is family––get rid of him:…do not let his gray hair go down to the grave in peace (1 Kings 2:5-6).
It is important to recognize people like Joab in your life. It may seem like they are with you but they are really for themselves. Be warned.
The one who hates others disguises it with his lips,
but he stores up deceit within him.
~Proverbs 26:24~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!