How should we respond when tasked with difficult messages, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:21? The Task Assigned “Then Joab said to the Cushite, ‘Go, tell the king what you have seen.’ So the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran off.” (2 Samuel 18:21) Immediate Obedience • No delay, no debate—“bowed… and ran.” • Luke 1:38—Mary’s “May it be to me according to your word” models the same spirit. • When the assignment comes from rightful authority, prompt action honors both the sender and the Lord who establishes authority (Romans 13:1). Humility in Service • He “bowed,” acknowledging Joab’s command and, ultimately, the king’s authority. • James 4:10—“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” • The messenger’s priority is the message, not personal glory or comfort. Faithfulness over Favor • Bad news for David meant no applause for the runner, yet he still went. • Proverbs 25:13—A faithful envoy “refreshes the soul of his master.” • 2 Timothy 4:2—“Preach the word… in season and out of season.” Faithfulness is measured by accuracy, not popularity. Courage Rooted in Truth • Difficult words often carry risk (see Nathan before David, 2 Samuel 12:1-7). • Ezekiel 3:17-19—The watchman must speak or bear guilt. • Confidence comes from knowing God’s truth, not from predictable outcomes (Acts 20:24). Patterns through Scripture • Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-2) • Jeremiah’s unpopular prophecies (Jeremiah 26:8-15) • John the Baptist confronting Herod (Matthew 14:3-4) All display the same trio: clear commission, humble courage, unwavering faithfulness. Practical Application Today • Pray for clarity, then act; procrastination erodes obedience. • Check motives: aim to honor Christ, not to prove a point. • Speak plainly; add no spin, subtract no truth (Proverbs 30:5-6). • Rely on the Spirit for timing and tone (Colossians 4:6). • Leave results with God; our charge is delivery, not outcome (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Key Takeaways • When God (or His delegated authority) sends you, go—immediately and humbly. • The difficulty of the message does not diminish the duty to deliver it. • Faithfulness is proven in accurate, courageous transmission of truth, regardless of reception. |
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