MONDAY 12 September, 2016
Established Leadership
And Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; Adoram was in charge of revenue; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Sheva was scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were the priests; and Ira the Jairite was a chief minister under David. - 2 Samuel 20:23-26
Notice since Amasa had been taken out of the way, Joab was the man reestablished over all of David’s army. His leadership position was gained by his own doing. His heart was so unclean before the Lord. Whereas, Jehoiada, Adoram, Jehoshaphat, Sheva, Zadok, Abiathar and Ira, had been established by David, in their leadership offices, for the benefit of the kingdom. These men were loyal to the Lord; chosen to lift up the hands of their king by doing their duties faithfully.
Let me say there is a really important principle to learn from Joab’s actions. There is a real problem when people try to force themselves into ministry. When people want popularity instead of genuinely wanting to serve the Lord for His glory alone, they later suffer the consequences of failure. They were in a position where God had not called them to be.
Joab was nothing like his king as a leader. David always inquired of the Lord and He answered. When David had backslidden he lost fellowship with God; but the minute he repented he was back waiting on the Lord until He spoke. A good leader always is in tune with God’s voice.
There are many places to be conquered for Jesus Christ––the Church cannot do it alone. It depends on faithful people to lift up the leader’s hands––which is exactly what Chuck Smith taught us. What has God called you to do? Do you recognize the voice of God in your life? At the end of your life will Jesus say: Well done thy good and faithful servant?
Do the best for Christ at the present time.
~Raul Ries~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!