Text: 1 Chronicles 20:1-8
In the book of 2 Samuel 11, we read about this same battle. But in that chapter the focus is on David’s sin with Bathsheba. In 1 Chronicles 20, the focus is on the expansion of the Kingdom of Israel. Warfare is continual. General Joab faithfully warred against the enemies of the Kingdom.
In this life there will always be wars, which is a sad thing, which we all pray will end. But also in this life there is spiritual warfare that has always been raging.
It is the way that the Kingdom of Christ is grown, ever since Cain killed Abel.
Humans are naturally enemies of God, who naturally fight against Him, and who must be conquered by His power. We who believe are called to participate in that warfare. Be faithful like Joab. God will give the victory. Maybe not the way you expect it, but He will.
Meditate on verse 1. What happened to David when he remained in Jerusalem instead of going to war? What do you learn from it?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, keep me awake and alert in this
environment of spiritual warfare. Give me the alertness and victory. Amen.