Day5
Week3
2 Samuel
”Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as fast as a wild gazelle. So Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is I.” Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right or left, overtake one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself,” but Asahel was not willing to desist. Abner continued still to reason with Asahel, “Abandon your pursuit. Why should I strike you down? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?” But he refused to desist. So Abner struck him in the abdomen with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out of his back. He fell there and died on the spot. When all of the others came to the place where Asahel fell and died, they halted.“
2 Samuel 2:18-23 MEV
Cross references
1 Chronicles 12:8;
Habakkuk 3:19;
2 Samuel 3:27; 4:6
Foolish Ambition
Have you ever taken matters into your own hands?
Asahel, David’s nephew, trusted in his own strength and wit. He may have hoped to gain favor with his uncle, King David or even gain the acceptance of his brother Joab, who was placed in authority over him as David’s commanding officer.
Whatever the reason, he allowed foolish ambition to get the best of him and would not listen to reason. It not only cost him his life, but set the ugly head of revenge in motion.
The choices we make rarely only affect ourselves.
I think you can agree that we would all do good to slow down, take a breath and sleep on it before making a rash decision, right?
Action Step
Slowly inhale.
As you exhale, let go of any tension or stress.
Repeat as needed and invite God into this moment.
”Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.“
Hebrews 12:28-29 MEV
Consider clicking the link to review our lesson from these verses.
Spend some time giving thanks to God for His faithfulness and remember the good things He has done for you.
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