What can we learn from Abner's loyalty to Saul's house in our lives? Abner’s Loyalty in Its Setting 2 Samuel 2:8 “Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and moved him to Mahanaim.” • Saul is dead (1 Samuel 31). • David has been anointed by God (1 Samuel 16:13) and welcomed as king by Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). • Abner stays with Saul’s dynasty and installs Ish-bosheth. His decision spotlights a tension every believer faces: when do we stand by an earthly commitment, and when must we recognize that God is doing something new? What Abner Gets Right—The Beauty of Faithful Allegiance • Loyalty reflects God’s own covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9). • It guards against opportunism and self-promotion (Proverbs 20:6). • It honors relationships even when circumstances shift (Proverbs 17:17). • It keeps chaos in check; Abner gives Israel structure during a leadership vacuum. Takeaway: A believer who keeps promises, respects former leaders, and steadies those around him mirrors Christ’s reliability (Hebrews 13:8). Where Abner’s Loyalty Misfires—When Devotion Ignores Revelation • God had clearly chosen David (1 Samuel 13:14; 24:20). • By resisting that choice, Abner prolonged civil war (2 Samuel 3:1). • Loyalty to people or traditions must never override obedience to God (Acts 5:29). Takeaway: Faithfulness is only virtuous when it runs in the same direction as God’s revealed will. Lessons for Our Commitments Today Ask of every allegiance—family, church, employer, nation, friendships: 1. Does this loyalty harmonize with clear Scripture? 2. Is Christ’s kingdom advanced or hindered by my stance? (Matthew 6:33) 3. Am I clinging to the past to protect my own status or comfort, like Abner securing his military role? 4. Have I verified God’s current leading through prayer and the Word before doubling down? (Psalm 119:105) When It’s Time to Pivot—Abner’s Mid-Course Correction Eventually Abner says, “God strike me… if I do not do for David as the LORD promised” (2 Samuel 3:9–10). • He publicly shifts, acknowledging divine revelation. • He seeks to make peace with David (2 Samuel 3:20–21). Takeaway: A humble change of direction, even after years of investment elsewhere, is better than stubbornly resisting God. Practical Steps for Us • Keep short accounts with God—daily Bible intake tunes loyalty to truth. • Value commitments, but hold them beneath Scripture’s authority. • Celebrate leaders who submit to God’s plan, not just to human expectations. • Be ready, like Abner later was, to realign allegiances the moment God’s Word shows a better way. Looking Beyond Abner—Fixing Our Eyes on the Perfect Commander Jesus, the “Captain of our salvation” (Hebrews 2:10), models flawless loyalty: • Loyal to the Father’s mission (John 6:38). • Loyal to His people unto death (John 13:1). Following Him secures both steadfast faithfulness and unerring obedience—exactly where Abner’s mixed example points us. |
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