Joab had defected to Adonijah, though he had not defected to Absalom —1 Kings 2:28
Joab withstood the greatest test of his life, remaining absolutely loyal to David by not turning to follow after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom. Yet toward the end of his life he turned to follow after the weak and cowardly Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one person has turned back is exactly where anyone may be tempted to turn back (see 1 Corinthians 10:11-13). You may have just victoriously gone through a great crisis, but now be alert about the things that may appear to be the least likely to tempt you. Beware of thinking that the areas of your life where you have experienced victory in the past are now the least likely to cause you to stumble and fall.
We are apt to say, “It is not at all likely that having been through the greatest crisis of my life I would now turn back to the things of the world.” Do not try to predict where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the real danger. It is in the aftermath of a great spiritual event that the least likely things begin to have an effect. They may not be forceful and dominant, but they are there. And if you are not careful to be forewarned, they will trip you. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials— now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be abnormally examining your inner self, looking forward with dread, but stay alert; keep your memory sharp before God. Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength. The Bible characters stumbled over their strong points, never their weak ones.
“. . . kept by the power of God . . .”— that is the only safety. (1 Peter 1:5).
Journal DJR
Good Morning, Lord.
I found two songs with lyrics that spoke to the message today, so I’ll put the second one here. In the scripture, Joab wasn’t diligent and made a bad decision toward the end of his life. Earlier David had made some bad decisions. How do we stay diligent, when there are so many areas that we can get off track in? A regimen of constant diligence doesn’t seem right, especially when it probably isn’t enough to guarantee never falling anyway.
You will never get to where you “never fall” You will get to where you never fall in some basic areas that you may have struggled in in the past. But then new vista and opportunities will open up. New ways to fall. New targets to aim for and also to fall short of. Dont worry about those. I don’t get tipped over when you miss the mark. Look at it as feedback. When you fall, get back up and keep walking with me. You cannot escape my love and my sacrifice covers all of your mishaps (sins) Some might say, “well then why wouldn’t I just go out and sin up a storm?” You can do that, but let me ask, “How well has that worked out for you? And for others in history?” As you gain wisdom, you will see that walking in close communion with me is the highest and best way to live.
Yes, I see that Lord, help me keep on seeing it.
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