Whoever is for David, let him follow Joab! (2
Samuel 20:11).
Maybe he felt bad for sending Absalom away when he avenged
his sister by killing her rapist (his half-brother Amnon), but when it came to
his favorite son, David was loyal to a fault.
Absalom had finessed the kingdom away from his father,
causing David and those loyal to him to run for their lives. Joab had the
opportunity so, out of loyalty to David, he killed Absalom. Joab knew it had to
be done if the king were ever to regain the throne. And how does David reward
him? He spitefully replaces him with none other than Amasa, the general who had
supported Absalom’s coup.
But being in trouble is a good way to find out who your
friends are. Amasa, sensing David’s vulnerability, drags his feet allowing
David’s enemies more time to strengthen their position. Joab, still loyal to
David, sees what Amasa is up to and executes him. He then chases down his
king’s other enemies, reuniting the kingdom under David.
Those seeking an advantage constantly scrutinize us to find
where we are weak. And once they discern a chink in our armor, they use it
against us. A friend loves us in spite of our shortcomings. A friend sticks by
us when the chips are down.
A friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for
adversity (NIV 1984, Proverbs 17:17).
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Who do you know that needs
a friend? How could you be that friend?
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