The Forgotten Warrior

1 Cor. 10:12.......Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.......

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

His name appears in 151 verses of the Bible–an astonishing number. You can hardly find a failure among his military exploits. Every time he came up against an enemy, that enemy was driven from the field.

He was the nephew of King David. He and his brothers, Abishai and Asahel, served as military officers under their uncle. As a member of the extended royal family!

From his youth, he was taught God’s commandments, statutes and judgments, and he grew up learning the traditions, customs and practices taught by The Levitical Priesthood.

His name meant Jehovah is My Father … He had just as much a chance as any of Gods Children!!

Over time, He developed into a skillful leader, he often gave counsel to the king.

For example, he correctly advised King David not to number Israel, as he understood that nothing good would come from it (I Chron. 21:1-3).

After being promoted to Commanding General He went on to mount successful campaigns against the armies of Syria, Ammon and Edom.

When the Ammonites rebelled against Israel’s dominion (II Sam. 10:1-9), Under His command, they captured the city’s precious water supply, bringing Rabbah one step closer to capture.

But instead of leading the final attack himself, He advised King David to take over: 2 Sam. 12:28 “Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name”. “He wasn't trying to build his own Kingdom”

“ One man can do a world of good for Humanity and Christianty if he honestly and sincerely does not care who gets the credit”

Joab was one of the ablest and one of the most capable men that ever lived.  He was a man of great abilities.  He never lost a battle, whether he fought against 1, 100 or 10,000; Joab never lost a battle.  He was a Great Warrior!

In his whole life, all he did was in obedience to the will of his king, David. “As long as he agreed with it”  He fought David's battles. 

The beginning of His down fall Joab was a Man pleaser...only loyal as long as it benefitted him..... The man he pleased was himself….

He tried to sense David's heart.  And he tried to minister to the great king.  And he did it above any other man in the earth... The reason David was the king that he was and had the kingdom over which he reigned was because of the ability and the devotion of his soldiers namely one Joab... ( if we're not careful our skills will take us where our Character will not be able to keep us!)

He loved what he did But! his motives for what he did were questionable 

Joab, as loyal as he was, as tactful as he was, as devoted as he was, as mighty as he was; Joab had blind spots of Bitterness, un-forgiveness and he lacked in his relationship with God and used his Gift of Warrior for his Own self Gain

Joabs life came to a brutal and tragic end.

Why?

Despite all his talents, abilities, training and even knowledge of God’s laws, Joab lacked one crucial component: God’s Spirit.

Without the power of God converting his mind, guiding his thoughts, and enabling him to build holy, righteous character, Joab relied upon himself.

Never do we read and Joab Sought God or Joab prayed, or Joab Worshipped...every Battle He Fought He won But you never read about Joab Seeking God or Thanking God….

Sometimes we can do ministry Business as usual But if its not by the anointing and Powerful leading of Gods Spirit we will end up getting in trouble…

The great skills, gifts and responsibilities he possessed convinced him that he was smart enough to direct his own life. And it did for awhile But it was Because of Davids Anointing God gave Him Victories Until He came against The King…… touch not mine anointed and do my Prophet no Harm!!!!!!

Joab was doing “just fine” in his own eyes. He saw no need for turning to God for help and guidance

Joab may have made certain correct decisions and had good intentions from time to time, but his pride, envy and selfish ambition—“spiritual poisons”—elevated him in his own mind, led him to rely upon himself, and caused him to produce the wrong kinds of fruit. Ultimately, this led to his downfall.

Joab witnessed the death of his brother,. Joab wanted revenge. When The King His Leader and Pastor forgave the killer of His brother…. Joab would not and instead developed an evil eye toward s his Leader… Joab Harbored Unforgiveness