JOAB SERVED KING DAVID faithfully for 40 years as the commander of the army. He was a mighty warrior and did many great exploits not only for King David; but for all of Israel. He was a bit of a hot head at times, but he was committed to serving the kingdom. However, 40 years is not forever.
At the end of David’s reign, Joab betrayed his king, went against his wishes and sided with David’s son Adonijah, who consequently was not called to be king. Adonijah exalted himself and gathered men to be on his side in taking the throne. This position was not his to take, but King David’s to give. Joab went against his king and all the other mighty men by siding with Adonijah. 40 years of faithful service is not faithfulness until the end.
“Then she said to him, “My Lord, you swore by the Lord your God to your maidservant, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ So now, look! Adonijah has become king; and now, my Lord the king, you do not know about it. He has sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army; but Solomon your servant he has not invited. And as for you, my Lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my Lord the king after him.”
I Kings 1:17-20
I don’t care how long you say you have served Jesus. If at anytime you become unfaithful to His Word, you are unfaithful. I’m watching many within the church be unfaithful to the Lord. This is what is known as apostasy. Many are departing from Scripture which is His Word. Oh sure, they still call out the name of Jesus, and believe they are serving Him; but it is not the Jesus of the Word of God.
These apostates are unfaithful in obeying His Word. They deceive themselves and are deceiving others. Joab knew King David as a friend, served him faithfully for 40 years, knew his plans for the kingdom, knew the king’s law; but at the end when he should have finished well, was unfaithful to the king’s word. 40 years is not forever. Joab’s end was destruction, even though he clung to the horns of the altar. The history of Israel and their stories of faithfulness and unfaithfulness are written for our admonition. We should learn from history.
This is not the words of our Lord, “Well planned, good and thoughtful servant. You served Me for a good 40 years. I’ll forget the last few when you lead others astray against My word. You are so thoughtful. Come on in.” No. Not only is a one time confession not salvation, neither is a period of your life.
Salvation is a walk unto the end. Obedience to Him and His Word is faithfulness unto the end of our life. Just like in a marriage, it is adultery anytime you are unfaithful in that marriage; even after 40 years. “And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Luke 12:42-43 “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Faithfulness is until the end of your life. Otherwise, your portion is with the hypocrites,
“the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
(Matthew 24:50-51) In these times of lawlessness, many’s love has grown cold. Joab’s love for his king ran cold and he found himself clinging to the horns of the altar, yet dying without mercy. Don’t let this be you. By the way, it takes zero talent to be faithful.
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