Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
August 28th 2023

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 noted that God took the kingdom from him, and 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 counseled him against those choices? Interestingly, someone who would have advised the king kept quiet refused to 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 day the war lord played a significant role because he is in charge of the army. We don’t know if Abner counseled the king Saul against his wrong moves against David; rather 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 because of your personal benefit? In what ways do you allow personal gain to blind fold you from speaking or standing for the truth?

Self-Reflection: This generation is plagued by the ailment of I, Me, and Myself. Are you not affected?

Action Point: Repent of selfishness today!

Daily Confession: Lord rid me of self.

Intercessory prayer: Intercede for this generation and the unborn generation.

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

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints and angels‚ song.