2 Samuel 10:9-14- Faithful Servants
Verse 12 reminds us that our part is to be courageous – and to leave the results to God. ‘Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him’. It’s not just Joab who talks like that. Do you remember Jonathan back in 1st Samuel 14? ‘Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few’. Or Daniel 3? ‘Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace…but if not’. Or Amos 5.15? ‘It may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph’.
V12 isn’t just how Joab talks. It’s how faith talks. Not dictating to God what he must do in a particular situation, but acting courageously and leaving the results to him. So often however, our problem is our lack of faith-filled courage. The mentality of many Christians in the UK today is more like Fraser in Dad’s Army – ‘we’re doomed’. So let v12 stir you this week! Let it encourage you in the work God has called you to do. Yes, you don’t have guarantees that specific situations will turn out the way you hope. But you do know the character of the king. You do know that whatever happens, you’re on the winning side. And so: ‘Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him’. We can rest in the confidence that what seems good to the LORD will be for our good as well.
Question
- What other examples are there of what Joab says here?
- How can the character of Christ our King encourage us in working for Him?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God will always do what is best.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.