It happened in the spring of the year, at the time kings go out that Joab led out the armed forces and ravaged the country of the people of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. And Joab defeated Rabbah and overthrew it. 1 Chronicles 20
Notice anything different about this verse? Yes… one thing could be spring time is when battles were fought. Who would want to go to battle in the cold. Currently, I’m very eager for spring to be here. We have had our kids in for many days over these last few months. They are ready to be out. Yes, I’m sure there was frost bite whether in battle or just playing outside for an extended amount of time.
In addition to my warmer weather prayer you read, But David stayed in Jerusalem. What? David didn’t go? This is the very short version of 2 Samuel 11. Go back and read that chapter for the details. What was David doing? As the king he should have been doing his duty and leading his army to war. Instead he sent Joab because he was too focused on his own desires. How often can we do the same? Not following what God has planned for us and following our own temptations even when they know they are wrong. Based on the idea of a Rooster Crowing app mentioned by Mike Baker in our most recent sermon from the series Imperfect. The idea is that each time we denied Jesus the rooster would crow. In this case, the crowing would be going off big time the minute David thought, No I think I ‘ll stick around here, Joab you go.
A couple reminders to me were;
- During this time when God’s planned on David leading his army out to battle, David stayed back back and was tempted giving into his desires. Take the initiative to do God’s will, and not your own. Don’t give temptation a foothold by resting in inactivity. If we cannot fill our days with our own matters, there is always plenty to be done for others… God has big plans for you.
- Beware of moments and times of ease. It is in these moments that we most easily fall into the power of Satan. Watch and pray in days of relaxing and ease, even more than at other times. There is nothing more full of subtle danger in the life of any servant of God than that he should remain inactive. God wants us to be out in the fields.
It seems like spring is here this week. Let’s keep our focus on God and take initiative for His will not our own. Have a blessed Tuesday.