Stay in the City
Before we look at the text, let’s remember that today is our preparation day for Sunday. We need to pray hard today, and work hard today so that we can have the breath of God on our services tomorrow. Pray that God will speak through the preaching, teaching, and singing tomorrow; pray that souls will be saved and lives will be changed; pray that the gospel will have free course; and pray especially for protection against the attacks of the wicked one. Then, after you have prayed, why not go out into the highways and hedges; the streets and lanes of the city; and compel someone to come tomorrow.
Reading for Today – 2 Samuel 1 – 3
Every time I read this passage of Scripture I find myself shouting to Abner, “Don’t leave the city!!! Stay inside where it is safe! Don’t trust Joab. He is a deceiver!” But you know the story, Abner does allow Joab to bring him outside the city of protection; and once outside, Joab and his brother Abishai kill him.
The background of this story is needed for understanding about the point I am trying to make. You see, in a past battle Joab’s army and Abner’s army fought against each other. Joab’s other brother, Asahel, found himself one on one with the great general, Abner, and was slain in the battle. Joab and Abishai never forgave Abner for what he did to his brother even though it was in a time of war.
When peacetime came Joab found an opportunity to exact his revenge; but the only problem was that Abner was inside the city of Hebron, which was a city of refuge. (See Numbers 35 and Joshua 20 re: the cities of refuge) As long as Abner remained in the city, Joab could not touch him; but the second Abner left, he was fair game for Joab and his brother.
Christian, our city of refuge is the will of God; it’s being in Christ. The devil is hovering around us trying to lure us out of God’s will of protection. Stay in the city!
I encourage any thoughts regarding this post or anything ele from our Scripture reading for today.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
This truth is more and more visible the further I get away from God. I say this from experience once your heart is deceived and you choose to leave the city for whatever reason you are defenseless against the devil. Please pray for me as I struggle to get back inside the city; the safe place where God can protect me.
Sure will Gary, thanks for sharing!