“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1, NIV)
In athletics, being in the right position is a key ingredient to success. In spiritual matters, being in the right position requires obedience and faithfulness.
To this day, scholars debate the reasons why David chose to stay in Jerusalem “at the time when kings go off to war.” One idea is that David stayed behind because he had able leadership in Joab, and he thought his presence at the battle front was not needed.
However, in those days kings led their men to war — and King David set up himself for a great series of sins, crimes, hurts and humiliations because he was out of position through his disobedience.
We need to consider the possibility that our presence in a situation may be more for our own benefit than for the benefit of others. They may not need us as much as we need them!
Endeavor to remain “in position” relative to God’s will for you in Christ Jesus by seeking His face through prayer, worship, meditation, Bible reading and study, and fellowship with other disciples. Attention to these spiritual disciplines will allow you to succeed where David failed. – Luther
