USEFUL BUT NOT FAITHFUL...!

IISamuel chapter 23 is the Old Testament counterpart of Hebrews chapter 11 which lists the heros of faith. Verses 8-39 speak about the mighty men of David. In this list we see 37 heros. However, the name of the commander-in-chief of his army, Joab, is missing. What happened to him?

Joab was perhaps the most useful man to the king. He fought valiantly for the king and won many victories! But desperately lacked one thing - faithfulness. He killed two captains of the hosts of Israel, Abner and Amasa, without instructions from David.(I Kings 2:5,6). Moreover, David had charged Joab and other captains in the hearing of others, to deal gently with young Absalom, for his sake. Although Joab was reminded of the king's charge, he killed Absalom in utter disregard of the king's instructions.

We may be mightily used of God. We might have also won many spectacular battles against the forces of darkness. All this is commendable indeed. But if we are not faithful to Jesus, our David, our name may not be found in His book. "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you depart from Me, ye that work iniquity"(Matt 7:22,23)!

Dear reader, the Lord is more concern about your faithfulness than your usefulness. "We are called on not to be successful, but to be faithful", said Mother Teresa.

-TPM Morning Manna