Seeking Reward is Betrayal

Scripture: When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah though not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar. King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the Lord and was beside the altar. Then Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada, "Go, strike him down!" 1 Kings 2:28-29

Observation: Joab is a confusing character in the kingship of David. He is David's military commander and seeming right-hand in almost all conflicts. Yet he also disobeys David repeatedly, in ways that greatly harm David. Joab kills others who are both loyal to David and ranking military officials, including Abner and Amasa, who are both ranking military officials (Amasa had even replaced Joab as commander of the army). He also kills Absalom against David's orders. Finally, in David's dying days, he chooses to support Adonijah over Solomon.

Joab loves is position and his power. When it aligns, this appears to actually represent a love of David as king. However, it becomes clear that is not the case. Joab does not often obey David, and in the end openly questions David's judgment. Instead, it is his own authority Joab loves. Joab serves the king, but in truth he only serves the king who in turn will provide him with authority. This means Joab really serves himself.

Application: This is a pitfall for all people, myself included - to potentially love God because of some position, capability, reward, or promise we expect as a result of that love. When we love God for some motive or reward, we are acting as Joab ... one who appears to have love, but who is actually self-serving and very likely to betray others.

My love for God and for Jesus must be just for them, and not for their promises. I do love them not for what they might do for me, but for what they have already done! They have already ... died for my sins, promised me salvation, provided for my very life, and bestowed undeserved love upon me and my family. It is for these I honor and love the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Abba, you are worthy of my love and praise for all you have done. May I not seek any reward, but instead simply serve you for what you have already done. Thank you. Amen.