Leading and Following

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David continued, with David growing stronger with each battle. Meanwhile, Saul's ex commander Abner is strengthening his influence on Saul's side but abruptly turns his loyalties to David when he has a run in with Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth. Abner contacts David and promises to join him in taking over land for Judah, as well as bringing David his betrothed wife, Michal. Abner promises David at a feast that he will bring all of Israel under his rule, then leaves to do so. When David's commander Joab returns from battle, he hears of Abner's proposed alliance and is angry with David because he feels Abner is deceiving them to find out battle plans. The truth behind Joab's anger is he is still holding bitterness against Abner because he killed Joab's brother in battle. Joab sends men to bring Abner to him, then kills him without David's knowledge. When David finds out, he makes it very clear to all the people that he had nothing to do with the murder. David and all the nation mourn Abner's death, realizing the potential Abner had in uniting the two kingdoms under David's rule. The one ironic twist in the story is the absence of David's discipline toward Joab. Apparently he does not reveal Joab's part in the murder - Joab is part of the mourning of Abner - nor does he publicly punish him. David, I'm sure, is trying to find his place as leader and slowly embracing the responsibilities of being king. As all leaders, he must choose when to act and when to wait. Scriptures do not record him inquiring of the Lord as he had done so many times in the past. Today I pray for humility to ask for God's wisdom in areas of my life that I am asked to lead. I pray for the courage to act when I must, and the patience to wait when I am unsure. Above all I pray for the wisdom to be quiet enough to hear His voice in order to know the difference.