2nd Samuel 2:8-32

As I was reading this, I struggled stuff to meditate on and apply to my life. For the most part, this part of 2nd Samuel talks about how one of Saul's sons, Ish-Bosheth, assumed the throne over Israel while David was king over Judah. The two armies battle is out in a 24 person dagger match which ultimately led to no resolution because all 24 men (12 from each side) died rather than settling a victory. What I find most interesting in this passage is the character of one of the men in David's army, Asahel.

Asahel took it at his own personal goal to kill Abner, leader of Ish-Bosheth's army. Such was not the order from the head of David's army, Joab, or the brother of Asahel. Asahel continually pursued Abner. Abner warned Asahel multiple times to turn back because he did not desire to take Asahel's life but Asahel refused. Abner warned Asahel yet again but again, the recommendation was ignored. Abner was left with no choice but to kill Asahel.

It seems like Asahel's main desire in this situation was to kill Abner for personal gain. Had he done so, David's army likely would have praised Him. Driven by his desire to be glorified, Asahel walked into his own death. So, what drives us? What motivates us to stay in the library for hours reading stuff that we don't even care about? What drives us to stay on the basketball court and shoot jumpers until our arms are about to fall off? Being persistent is not a bad thing but being persistent for selfish reasons can be. The thing that drives us should ultimately be the glory of God. In all the things that we do, that would be our aim, our desire, our goal.