Running Into a Pole

Today’s Verse:

And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. ~2 Samuel 2:18

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Several years ago, I went to the post office after its usual business hours. It was dark, but I needed to retrieve some mail in my post office box. As I exited and walked towards my car, I wasn’t looking straight ahead and walked right into a handicap sign pole that was bent forward by about 25 degrees. Needless to say, I bounced off the pole and fell backwards. Even though I was not injured, I have not forgotten that incident and always look out for that pole! This morning, we see a man who let his determination get the best of his focus, and he wound up running into an inverted pole: a spear that was held by his adversary.

We see a soldier.

Asahel was one of the three sons of Zeruiah who served in David’s army. He and his two brothers were also among David’s special forces known as David’s mighty men. Asahel is noted most for being a soldier. We, too, are called to be soldiers. The Lord tells us that we must endure hardness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. As a soldier, be in your place. Don’t complain when things get tough. Expect that you will have good days and trying days. Be ready every day to engage in spiritual warfare with our spiritual enemies. Be a good soldier.

We see the speed.

His specialty was his speed. He is described as being "light of foot as a wild roe." Asahel had fast legs and feet. He was an exceptional runner. That is a very good ability to have as a soldier. In serving the Lord, the King’s business requireth haste. We must not be slothful, but we must be diligent and earnest. We must move with speed and precision when it comes to serving the Lord. Be someone who gets things done and does so in a productive manner. Don’t be in rush or so hasty that you do a negligent job. However, run to your task and set out to getting things done quickly as much as possible.

We see the steadfastness.

“And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.” Asahel was steadfast in what he did. He moved with resolve and determination. He saw that Abner was wide open and took the initiative to pursue after him. Asahel was not someone easily distracted: "he turned not to the right hand nor to the left." He was focused and fearless. He remained fixed on the goal of the capture and defeat of Abner. No matter the distance, the difficulty, or the delays, be steadfast. Commit to starting and finishing. Be committed to doing things by faith. Go forward and don’t be an easy quitter.

We see the stubbornness.

“And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?” Asahel was given two warnings by Abner to stop pursuing him. Abner was older and wiser. He knew that Asahel had overconfidence in his speed. Abner did not want to face Joab and tell him that he had killed his brother. So, he warned Asahel to turn aside and find someone to pursue who was more suited to him. Asahel’s tenacity indicated he was also stubborn. He would not quit, regardless of the risks and dangers. Stubbornness indicates we are hardheaded, inflexible, and unreasonable. Stubbornness indicates a hardened heart.

We see the slain.

Abner, with quickness and subtlety, thrust his spear into Asahel as he approached him. Asahel was moving so fast that the spear hit its mark and went right through him, killing him. Asahel ran right into the spear. He could have avoided this if he had thought about what he was doing instead of stubbornly shrugging off Abner’s warnings. Stubbornness can kill us: our service, effectiveness, our social life, our lifespan, and our spirituality. Be careful that you know the difference between being tenacious and being stubborn. Be careful that you do not run into a pole because of being stubborn.

Have a prudent God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 19-21

#2Samuel #Steadfastness #Stubbornness #Tenacity