2 SAMUEL 18:12–14 “And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son… 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…”

KEYWORD: A man may appear loyal outwardly for many years and still carry unresolved traits capable of causing destruction at critical moments.

We saw in yesterday’s devotional that Joab was a man who often acted from vengeance and personal judgment. Here again, he deliberately ignored the instruction of King David and chose his own will instead.
David was not only Israel’s king but also an anointed servant of God who walked in deep fellowship with the Lord. His instruction concerning Absalom was clear: the young man was to be spared.
Joab heard the instruction alongside the other commanders, yet at the crucial moment he allowed personal offence and anger to override obedience. Absalom had previously burned Joab’s barley fields, and though time had passed, Joab clearly had not dealt with the bitterness in his heart.
When the opportunity came, vengeance spoke louder to him than submission. This reveals a dangerous truth. A man may appear loyal outwardly for many years and still carry unresolved traits capable of causing destruction at critical moments.
Joab’s actions can closely be compared to King Saul’s disobedience when God commanded him to destroy Amalek completely, yet he chose partial obedience according to his own reasoning: He spared king Agag and the best animals. Both men altered instructions to fit their personal desires.
Many believers do the same today. God gives clear direction, but emotions, pride, offence, or personal ambition interfere with obedience. One dangerous thorn left unattended can eventually wound deeply.
This is why discernment and obedience are necessary in every season. Do not ignore patterns God is exposing simply because they appear useful or familiar. Whatever continually opposes God’s order in your life must be dealt with wisely before greater damage is done. Shalom.

*PRAYER:
Dear Lord, give me seeing eyes to know the thorns hidden amongst roses within my life that I have ignored for too long. Help me not to lose my place in you, Lord, due to insensitivity to the thorns that have the power to destroy my walk and work with you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
2 SAMUEL 18:5 “And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.”
1 SAMUEL 15:7-8 “And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.””