The Daily Word: Sunday, July 11th, 2021
1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18
Acts 28:1-31
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 19:1-3
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. Then the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not come in here!” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). Now David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief. – 1 Chron. 11:4-6
David was the newly-minted king over Israel (see vv 1-3). His first campaign was to capture the city of Jebus, which we know as Jerusalem. David didn’t have a formal captain over Israel’s army yet. So he offered up a contest: “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain” (v 6). So Joab attacked. And he won! So he became the head of Israel’s army.
Risk leads to reward. Now please note there is a difference between intelligent and foolish risk! But Joab knew something that you must know: God was on Israel’s side, just as He is on yours. So instead of doubting God’s word or His faithfulness, Joab exercised his trust in God! And as a result, he became chief over the armies of Israel.
There must have been dozens of mighty warriors who griped that they had not been made chief of the army after Jerusalem was captured. But where were they when David gave the call to attack? Only those who say yes to the God-approved risk will receive a God-sized reward.
Prayer:
Father, make me comfortable with taking intelligent, Spirit-filled risks! If You haven’t called me into it, I don’t want to go. But if You call me to take territory in Your name, I will do it with my whole heart! I trust You to do everything You have promised, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.