Scripture:
2 Samuel 10:9-14 ESV
[9] When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. [10] The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. [11] And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. [12] Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” [13] So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. [14] And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
Observation:
Joab was a very intelligent brave military leader. That’s why David trusted him. He has won many battles and sent lots of men home defeated. I’m sure their opponents in this war thought they had a good strategy. The Syrians would attack from one side while the Ammonites would attack from the other. A very well-thought strategy. Or was it I guess that depends on who you are at war against. You see the Syrians in the Ammonites didn’t count on Joab’s courage and wisdom. They were probably thinking they wouldn’t know what to do and would be not only overwhelmed but also distracted by the battle coming from both sides. They didn’t take into consideration that Joab and his men had fought overwhelming odds all their lives and that the LORD was fighting for them. Coming up with a battle plan. Joab sets the men with their task. You fight with me against Syria and the rest of you fight against the Ammonites. Make sure you pay attention to the whole battle. As you watch my back I will watch yours and the LORD will do what HE sees best. When the opposing armies saw the bravery and courage of the Israelites and the fact that they were getting beat they turned and ran. Victory was given to Joab and the Israelites, and the army went home to celebrate.
Application:
We are not meant to fight alone. If I have a fellowship of believers my battle is not just mine. The awesome thing is your battle is not just yours either. You may think well I have never really fought, and I’m not sure how…can you pray? Ok then let’s make a deal. I will pray for you and you pray for me and we will fight this battle together. When Paul is describing the armor. He gets to the shield and talks about faith. The shield that he is describing is not a mustard seed. In fact, it’s as big as a door, and it’s designed to be connected to the man next to you on both sides. This war is not meant to be fought alone and if you are fighting a battle and not including your brothers and sisters. You are really allowing the enemy to isolate you. Listen that’s what he likes to do. Not only will he get you thinking you can do it alone but when he starts to beat you down he will plant the idea that you can’t tell anyone because you didn’t ask for help at the beginning and now you just got to take the beating…that’s not how this works. We got you…you are not alone…victory has been given. Walk in it and know that GOD has placed you in a community of believers who will fight with you. We are watching and joining you in prayer. In fact, I just want to refer back to the scripture this morning. Joab’s instructions were. You watch my back and I will watch yours. It’s not only our job to fight with our brothers and sisters but we have to pay attention to them as well. When we see the struggle they won’t talk about it. Just pray for them, and ask them how they are. We need to love our brothers and sisters to the point where they know we are fighting for them and with them whether they ask or not. Victory is won with a multitude of counselors.
You are not alone.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for where you have placed us. You have given us brothers and sisters to go to war and fight with us. We never have to do this alone helps us not only to see that but to pay attention to those around us. Who may be in a battle they don’t want to talk about. We know that prayer changes things. Open our eyes so we can see and our hearts so we can love. All too often we get caught up in ourselves and forget to pay attention to those around us. Your battle plan is perfect and has already provided victory. Let us see that and tack courage. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.