Things That Make Ministers: The Joab Spirit

Apostle Grace Lubega

1 Kings 2:5 (KJV); Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.

Joab was a son of Zeruiah, David’s sister, a captain of David’s army. Sadly, through his entire time of service to David, he seemed to be a continuous burden and a cause of heartache.

At one point, David revealingly cries, “And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me…”(2 Samuel 3:39).

When you trace the life of Joab, you realise that it is he who kills Abner with whom David sought reconciliation and thus sheds the blood of war in peace(2 Samuel 3:27-30).

It is Joab who kills Absalom when David had given clear instructions that Absalom be dealt with gently(2 Samuel 18:14-15).

It is Joab who kills Amasa captain of the host when he was appointed to replace Joab(2 Samuel 20).

Every minister ought to examine themselves against this truth. Joab is a typical example of men who serve for long in ministry, never leave but consistently defy the principles of authentic ministry and service.

We realise that for years, Joab was the captain of the host but he was never considered among David’s thirty valiant and honourable men( 2 Samuel 23:8-39).

He served a man all his life, but the question remains, how did he serve? When his ministry is weighed and judged, it is found wanting.

Serve with all your heart where God has placed you but always remember that faithfulness is not judged by the length of time you have been in a place but by the heart with which you served; the burdens you lifted rather than increased; the labours you added to rather than subtracted from.

FURTHER STUDY: 2 Samuel 22, (2 Samuel 3:27-30).

GOLDEN NUGGET:

Serve with all your heart where God has placed you but always remember that faithfulness is not judged by the length of time you have been in a place but by the heart with which you served; the burdens you lifted rather than increased; the labours you added to rather than subtracted from.

PRAYER: My Lord, I thank you for this Word. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for where you have placed me in ministry. What an honour to serve the Almighty God! What a privilege! Daily you teach me the patterns of genuine service, integrity of spirit, purity of heart and the many things that make me a true minister. I am committed and available to you God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Posted in: Phaneroo Devotion

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