Joab‘s strategy in the war against the Ammonites and their allies is ultimately
founded on his trust that the Lord will do what is good in Hissight. - P146
It is not the might or military prowess of the Israelites that securestheir victory, but their trust in the Lord who protects and fights for His people- the Lord who has promised good to Isracl. - P146
When we suffer asChristians and choose to trust in the Lord, we can be assured that Hewill do good to us. - P146
He will provide us with the grace we need to help usovercome the temptations we face in persecution and, ultimately, Hewill work out even the worst situations for our eternal good. - P146
[NIV] 1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off towar, David sent Joab out with the king‘s men and thewhole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonitesand besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.
- P148
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walkedaround on the roof of the palace. From the roof he sawa woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 andDavid sent someone to find out about her. The mansaid, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and thewife of Uriah the Hittite." - P148
5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant." - P148
9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with allhis master‘s servants and did not go down to his house. - P149
13 At David‘s invitation, he ate and drank with him,and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriahwent out to sleep on his mat among his master‘s servants; he did not go home. - P149
David stays in Jerusalem while his army goes out to fight. One evening, hesees a woman bathing from his roof. He sends for her and sleeps with her.
She becomes pregnant and lets David know. - P149
David has Uriah, her husband,
come home from the battle, but Uriah refuses to go into his house to sleepwith his wife while his brothers are fighting. - P149
David is firmly established as king. His long years of running and hiding are over.
But now there are even greater responsibilities he mustshoulder. - P150
Sadly, he appears to have contracted "destination disease"-
the feeling that he has arrived at his destination and can now enjoy aneasy life. - P150
It is springtime, when kings go off to war, but David remainsat home. Neglecting his God-given calling as king to lead God‘s people,
- P150
David is vulnerable. His vulnerability leads to an adulterous relation-ship with the wife of one of his soldiers who is fighting in the very warDavid is neglecting. - P150
Destination disease is a real threat to all Christians.
We must guard against becoming complacent and remain engaged inour calling to follow Jesus. - P150
Having shirked his responsibilities, David finds himself trapped in aweb of sin and deceit. - P150
What a contrast between the faithlessness of KingDavid and the allegiance and solidarity of Uriah to his fellow country-men and their cause! - P150
Uriah‘s steadfast refusal to enjoy the comfort of hiswife and home is a witness to his loyalty to his king and country. - P150
Sadly,that loyalty is lacking in David.
- P150
Jesus clearly calls us to deny ourselves,
pick up our crosses, and follow Him. - P150
And that means there will betimes when we must say no to anything that may distract us from thework Christ is calling us to be a part of. - P150
May this faithful soldier of Israelserve as a reminder of this truth. - P150
Father, may I remain focused on You and Your calling for my life. Grant me thegrace to faithfully shoulder the responsibilities with which You have entrustedme. - P151
Help me say no to the distractions of the world and yes to the ministry ofYour Son. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P151
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