21ST FEBRUARY, 2021
Minister: Pastor Seyi Osanyinbi
Many things are worthy of note from Bible characters. God did not just put the stories of people in the Bible for nothing. Today’s topic is focused on one of the finest warriors during the time of David- Joab. Joab is unfortunately one of the most disappointing characters in the Bible. He had a very bright future but he didn’t end well.
Joab was the son of David’s half sister, meaning he was David’s nephew (1 Chronicles 11:4-6). He was not just an ordinary man, he was the leader of David’s army, one who was fearless and courageous (2 Samuel 8:16). He was the one who brought the kingdom of pagans down for David. He fought a lot of battles on behalf of David but he did things that disqualified him.
Joab was self-willed. He always wanted to have his way irrespective of what David’s command was. He probably felt the king was too weak and went ahead to have his way a number of times. We would not have had the problem of Absalom if not for Joab. Absalom had rebelled and was driven into exile. Joab was the one who implored an old woman to appeal to the king on Absalom’s behalf to return to the palace. Absalom used this opportunity to sway the hearts of the people of Israel against David, thus starting a conspiracy against the king.
We also saw how Joab disregarded the king’s (David’s) counsel and went against his order to kill Absalom. Joab also took vengeance for his brother and killed Abner, knowing that David would not support his action. David really felt anguished and issued a decree against Joab and his generation (2 Samuel 3:30-39).
God does not just use anybody, there are things He looks out for. Every instruction comes with an implication. It might not make sense at all but it is better to obey because obedience is better than sacrifice. We cannot afford to take our own decisions even when we know that God is against them. We have to be careful of the way we end. Let’s not end on the wrong side.
In the final analysis, Joab was not mentioned among the army of David despite the fact that he was the leader of David’s men. Chances are even that he might not have made it to heaven. Yes, he fought the Lord’s battles, he established the kingdom for David but his name was omitted from the list of David’s mighty men.
Talented and strong people need to be very careful of self-will as they always seem to have everything figured out. We all have to tread carefully so as not be stuck up in a tight corner. We need to deal with God cautiously. Joab had a very bright future but he didn’t end well. It is possible for a man to be highly talented and blessed and still end up a disaster.