“While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul… Ish-bosheth [Saul’s son] said to Abner, ‘Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?’ Then Abner was very angry… ‘God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and Judah.’
“Abner sent to David, saying, ‘To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you… I will arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires…’
“Then Joab went to the king and said, ‘What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you… You know that [he] came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.’
“Joab… sent messengers after Abner, and brought him back… But David did not know about it. When Abner returned, Joab took him aside… and struck him in the stomach, so that he died… When David heard of it, he said, ‘I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner’… So Joab and Abishai killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon.” 2 Samuel 3:6-10a,12,21,24-28,30
Abner was driven by inner integrity, a reasonableness and loyalty based on God’s promise. He’d been faithful to Saul, and now vowed to support God’s next anointed regent. His transfer of commitment from one king’s family to the next was understood and welcomed by David, who shared his sense of fidelity before God. In contrast, Joab was driven by competition, anger, jealousy. As General, he appeared to zealously support David, but brooding with suspicion and violence, he acted to protect his own pride. His fiery motivations expressed themselves in impulsive vengeance contrary to David’s way of ruling. (2 Samuel 2:12-28; 3:31-39)
What we foster on the inside manifests itself on our outside. Internal process becomes external action. To behave uprightly we cannot hoard or stoke embers of sin within. Acknowledging flesh tendencies as well as God’s redeeming power gives both wisdom and hope. God demands purity in the innermost place to free us to encourage others and please Him. (Luke 6:45)
Where is hidden sin causing misery? Could depression, restlessness, or stress be exacerbated by long-held angst over circumstances, or coddled resentment? Will we bring these habits to the light of Christ’s forgiveness? (Psalm 32:1-5,10-11)
What outward expressions are fueled by inner selfishness, bitterness, or anger? Where are we given to impulse over self-control, and what will we do about it? What tone of voice needs changing, rants assuaging, impatience softening? In loved ones, would we pray for inner purity before outward conformity? God’s grace applied transforms the worst of us, enabling tendencies and expressions to reflect Christ in us, our hope of glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 1:9)
Lord, keep clean my innermost so I reflect You with my outermost and exalt You to the uttermost. (Psalm 51:2-4,6-10)
As the rain and snow 