Reading
SAA Notes
Judah and Simeon (Simeon had its territory in the midst of Judah) anoint David king. In the fight at the pool, you begin to see what God thinks about us vying for position and status, about hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy in His church. Galatians 5:20,21
SJA Notes
* Dear God, we give thanks to You, O God – We give thanks, for Your Name is near.
“But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army …”
Right from the beginning of David’s reign there was internal discord.
God’s people were split.
While we have seen David’s integrity and faithfulness with respect to Saul, this wasn’t enough for Abner.
We read of the politicking and power-plays bringing much pain and bloodshed between the tribes.
Abner and Joab wrestling out for dominance. Benjamin facing off against Judah. Asahel looking for battle glory.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 20 are very clear,
“So the last will be first, and the first last.”
And further down in that passage,
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, …”
When we let pride and vanity, jealousy and unrighteousness take the reins, all sort of badness comes in.
How good is it then that we have a King whose reign is without question, His power never weakened by in-fighting or politicking.
Jesus’ power and supremacy are without doubt.
We can be encouraged in this, and convicted in our behaviour.
God tells us what He looks for, in us, in Isaiah 66,
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
* Almighty God,
Oh that we would tremble at Your word today!
That our spirits would be contrite, humility marking our day.
Lord please sink us in our selves that we might rise in Thee!
Amen.