Strength with Surrender
By Dean Collins
There is a great story in 1 Chronicles 19. One of David’s allies died, so David sent some delegates to offer his sympathies and comfort. When they arrived, they were treated rudely because the new king, Hanun, Nahash’s son, had advisors who told him that David had sent these men as spies. This might be an Old Testament example of how some leaders twist and promote false information to achieve some political advantage.
Hanun, following misinformation and bad advice, shamed David’s envoy by shaving off half their beards and cutting off half their clothes. Probably not too hard to figure out which half of their garments would cause them the most humiliation! When David’s men returned to Israel, David was pretty upset and sent Joab and Abishai with their armies to route Hanun’s army.
Hanun sensed he was in big trouble and paid 1,000 mercenaries to fight with them. Joab realized that this was going to be a tough battle, so he informed Abishai of their strategy and then gave this final instruction to Abishai and to the army:
“Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”
When we are dealing with difficult situations in our lives at work or at home, we have all probably used those first two words: Be strong. Whether we are simply watching our favorite team or fighting our own battles, we often think that our best approach is simply toughness. There may be a place for self-talk or instructions to team members or family that we need to be strong. However, that was only part of Joab’s message.
“Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God.”
Being strong is one thing, but being strong for the right reason and the right people is something better. Sometimes we need to be reminded of why and how we are to use our strength and power. It is for those who we lead and for God’s kingdom. Remembering that will certainly change our motivation. Proving to someone how strong we are may make us feel important in the moment, but if we are not aligned with God’s kingdom, there is a chance that we may misuse our strength and misrepresent God’s kingdom values and purposes.
Joab added one final thought that will help us with our perspective and keep us fully surrendered to God’s sovereignty. Joab’s final word:
“…and may the Lord do what seems good to him.”
What a great reminder as we face battles, handle difficulties, and lead. As Paul said in Philippians, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” We are not to simply be strong on our own. We trust God through Christ to strengthen us. And we don’t simply work for our preferred outcomes, but rather, we work for our people and for God’s kingdom. And finally, when all is said and done, we place everything in God’s hands, asking and trusting that he will do what seems good to him. He always works for his good purposes.
Father, fill us with the strength that comes to us through Christ. Use us to bless and help those we have been given charge over. And above all we ask that you do what seems good to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
1 Chronicles 19:13; Philippians 4:13 ESV
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