How should we respond when leaders act without consulting God, as in 2 Samuel 3:22? Setting the Scene: 2 Samuel 3:22 “Just then David’s servants and Joab returned from a raid and brought with them a great deal of plunder. But Abner was no longer with David in Hebron, because David had sent him away in peace.” • David, normally quick to inquire of the LORD (1 Samuel 23:2; 2 Samuel 2:1), accepts Abner’s offer without any recorded prayer. • Joab, feeling sidelined, will soon act rashly. Both choices flow from decisions made without God’s counsel. When Leaders Bypass God: Biblical Snapshots • Israel’s treaty with the Gibeonites—“but they did not seek the counsel of the LORD.” (Joshua 9:14) • King Saul’s impatient sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:11-14). • Asa turning to physicians before God (2 Chronicles 16:12). The pattern is consistent: human wisdom minus divine direction invites trouble. Guiding Principles for Our Response • Examine everything by Scripture – “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16) – “The Bereans … examined the Scriptures every day.” (Acts 17:11) • Pray first, talk later – “Petitions, prayers, intercessions … for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) • Remain respectfully submissive while ultimately obeying God – “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1) – “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) • Appeal with humility and truth – Abigail’s tactful plea (1 Samuel 25:32-33) – “Speaking the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15) • Refuse participation in wrongdoing – “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) • Trust God for vindication – David’s surrender of the matter: “May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” (2 Samuel 3:39) Practical Steps Today 1. Pause and pray whenever leadership decisions raise red flags. 2. Search the Word for clear commands or principles related to the issue. 3. Seek wise counsel—“Plans fail for lack of counsel.” (Proverbs 15:22) 4. Voice concerns respectfully, offering Scripture-based reasoning. 5. Continue faithful service unless obedience to God would be compromised. 6. If a line is crossed into sin, graciously but firmly decline involvement. 7. Keep interceding for all parties, expecting God to work in His time. Why Respond This Way? • Protects our own hearts from bitterness and rebellion. • Upholds God’s authority over every human authority. • Provides a testimony of steady faith when others panic. • Positions us to act, not react, when God opens a door for change. • Mirrors David’s example: confidence in the LORD even when leaders around him made reckless moves. Encouragement to Finish Well “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Staying anchored in God’s counsel guards us from the ripple effects of any leader’s missteps and keeps us walking, like David, in the favor and timing of the LORD. |
    |