Text: 2 Samuel 20: 4-9; Proverbs 20:14
Memory Verse: “’It is good for nothing,’ cries the buyer; but when he has gone his way, then he boasts” (Proverbs 20:14).
One of the greatest admonitions Jesus Christ gave His disciples is that they should be careful, watchful, and prayerful (Mark 13:38a). Amasa and Joab were cousins and commanders in David’s army at different times. Joab was appointed Israel’s army commander before Absalom’s rebellion. During Absalom’s rebellion, Amasa joined Absalom and was appointed the commander of Israel’s army under Absalom. Joab was loyal to David and remained David’s commander. When the rebellion was crushed, David for whatever reason allowed Amasa to continue as Israel’s commander.
The two had different mandates from David: Amasa was to work and mobilise Judah’s army while Joab was to stop Sheba’s rebellion against David. It took Amasa a longer time to accomplish his mission. While returning from his mission, Amasa met Joab who was carrying out his own assignment. It was time to greet and exchange loving words. Joab called Amasa “my brother” and pulled his beard to kiss him. But he stabbed him in the stomach causing him to
die a painful death.
The lesson here is that your good intentions may not be shared by others. Some of those honouring you may turn out to be like Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus Christ. Do not be misled by people’s words. Some are merely speaking to take undue advantage of you. Remember that the children of this generation are more treacherous than vipers (Matthew 10:16). Be watchful. Be on your guard in the business place, on the street and in the home. Do not fall to flattery or caustic remarks.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, deliver me from every evil plot.
2. Holy Spirit, help me to understand people and events around me in the correct way.