Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
October 8th 2022

A Selfish Generation

During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of David. 2 Samuel 3:6

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 3:6-13

Many times, I wonder if there was no one who could have called king Saul to order. It’s recorded that God took the kingdom from him and the prophet Samuel left him alone. King Saul made a series of choices about David that were outrageous and evil. Was there no one who could have counselled him against those choices? Interestingly, someone who would have advised the king refused to talk because of selfishness.

Our focus character today is Abner. He was king Saul’s cousin and the commander-in-chief of his army. He was the king’s right-hand man, and he was almost like the second in command to the king. In those days warlords played significant roles because they are in charge of the army. While don’t know if Abner counselled king Saul against his wrong moves against David, it was recorded that Abner followed him in hunting David (I Samuel 26:13-15). The root of his attitude was his selfishness. While the king was busy with the irrelevant, working and warring against the house of David, Abner was benefitting and strengthening himself. When he was meant to stand up for the right thing, and speak up against king Saul’s unwise decisions, Abner was silent. Eventually, when king Saul died and Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son spoke up to Abner about his adulterous acts, he threatened to restore the kingdom to David. Abner knew God’s will about David, which means perhaps he knew that king Saul’s vehement pursuit to kill David was wrong. Perhaps a truthful counsel from Abner would have saved king Saul, but Abner wouldn’t do that because of what he will gain from chaos and disorder. As a leader, friend, parent, and even shepherd etc, what truth are you withholding from others due to personal gain? In what ways do you allow personal gain to stand in the way of truth?

Daily Confession: Lord rid me of self.

Intercessory prayer: Pray for protection over your children.

Hymn: O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure‚

The saints and angels song.