Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David’s servants nineteen men besides Asahel. But the servants of David had struck down of Benjamin 360 of Abner’s men. 2 Samuel 2:30-31
What is so striking about this story is the absence of David. It’s all about Joab and Abner. It’s about hotheads and hardliners who don’t understand grace. It’s about what happens when God’s anointed king is opposed and misrepresented!
Where is the king of grace who reaches out to people who hate him so that even the least likely might become part of his great kingdom? This chapter started with David reaching out to bring people together; it ends with the hotheads and hardliners driving people apart.
This story leaves you longing for the king. When will the king of grace come to deal with all who oppose him and all who misrepresent him? When will he come and do what the hotheads and hardliners can never do: bring his people from every tribe and nation together under the blessing of his rule?
That day will come! Christ will deal with all who oppose him and with all who misrepresent him. He said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not… do mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Mat. 7:21-23).
Lord Jesus, come quickly! And until that day, help us to live and serve as messengers of your grace!
